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Colonel (ret’d) J. Robert O’Brien
RCASC, Logistics
Died peacefully at the Ottawa Civic hospital on May 8, 2021 at the age of 84. Proudly served his country for more than 33 years in most parts of Canada, with Canada’s NATO forces in Europe and on UN peacekeeping missions in the Sinai Desert (UNEF I) and as Commander, CCUNME on the Golan Heights. In recent years he was an active member of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping.
Fondly remembered by his high school sweetheart and wife of 59 years Gerri (Boland) of Ottawa, by son Robert (Angela) of Dundas, ON and by the light of his later life, granddaughter Isabella. Predeceased by brothers Jack, Terry and Tom.
A memorial service followed by the interment at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Conrad Hof
Gilles Beaudoin
I met O'B through CAVUNP. A fine gentleman and always respectful of everybody. He will sorely be missed in the CAVUNP. RIP my friend
FAY KITCHIN
I SERVED UNDER THE COL AS DCO'S DRIVER AT HQ 4 SVC BN AND I WLL MISS HIM .
Michael and Brenda OBrien
It was with sadness that we heard of Uncle Bert‘s passing. We also feel gratitude that we were able to be part of such a special man‘s life. And we are feeling a sense of peace to know that he is now with our Lord and so will be with us from his place in the next life.
RAY AND SYLVIA PAQUETTE
To Gerry and family, sincere condolences. Our prayers are with you. O'B a great gentleman will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace O'B.
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them"
Jock McLaren, CD RCAF (Retired)
O'B was Commander Canadian Contingent UNDOF for part of my tour there in 1983. Some ten years or so later I had the pleasure of serving on his executive committee with the UN veterans in Ottawa. I am so very sorry for his family and proud to have served under his command.
Sharon Doyle CWO (ret’d)
Rip my brother.
Ken Pierce
I was very saddened by the passing of Mr. O'Brien, an excellent officer, leader and mentor to so many. He will truly be missed by all the members of our beloved Corp., family and friends. RIP OB
Mary and Larry Crossan
Our deepest condolences to Aunt Gerri, cousin Robert, his wife Angela and their beautiful daughter Isabella. We always treasured the visits of Bert's family and after the passing of our father Terry and the other O'Brien brothers, we certainly held onto Uncle Bert as a sort of surrogate Dad - the O'Brien boys were cut from the same cloth - men of tremendous character that were an example to us all. Uncle Bert stood out for how he sought out and engaged each person in conversations relevant to their life - one always felt just that much better when Bert was around. We learned many life lessons from Uncle Bert that will live on through us though we will miss him dearly.
Kevin O'Brien
We will greatly miss our wonderful uncle. He was always so caring to all of us growing up and a wealth of information. We truly respect his sense of duty to his country, his community and his family. He was such a gentle and patient man with his aging and sick brother (Tom) and sister-in-law (Carmel). I will miss his stories, life experiences, sense of humour and strength.
I never had the opportunity to serve in any of his commands over the years but as with others here, I knew O'Bie to be a true gentleman who treated everyone, regardless of rank or stature, with dignity and respect and that made him a natural leader. Rest in Peace SIR!