Due to government-imposed restrictions related to COVID-19, attendance will be restricted to a limited number of individuals, personally invited by the family. You are welcome to attend the service through a livestream broadcast. Click on the above tab to register.
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
Dave Yost
Syl and Yoko Mongeon
A gentleman, a soldier's soldier and an extremely fine officer. Yoko and I are so sorry to see another truly outstanding member of the trucker community pass. Our condolences to his family. RIP Sir.
Tom Obrien
Our family was reminiscing about uncle Bert, and I really enjoyed hearing the stories and reflecting on how much we enjoyed his company.
I can still hear him singing Irish tunes, and I have fond memories of the annual picture at Lake clear with his three older brothers and mother when they were all together.
I’m sure they’ll be singing some Irish tunes in heaven this week.
Michael Paré
I first met Bob 60 years ago this month in Camp Borden and we were good friends and colleagues over all those years. This world will be less without him. My condolences to Gerri and Rob. Rest In Peace, O’B.
RALPH and SANDRA MACKAY
An officer without without equal, a friend without limits.
Our sincere condolences Gerri and Robb.
Patricia Noonan ( Gallagher)
My sincere sympathy!
Suzanne Sarault
My sincere condolences to O.B.'s family. He will be missed.
(Suzanne, Master of ceremonies, Commemorative Events)
John Rick
I was privileged to have known Bob as a friend, a mentor and a good and honourable man dedicated to the service of his country. I'll miss our lunches and pints at The Oak solving the problems of the world!
Butch Waldrum
A sad day when we lost OB. Such a great officer, soldier and person. He will be missed.
Tony McCormack
Bon voyage. Thank you.
Col OB was a friend of my father- sad news to see another of the "old guard" pass on. Please accept our condolences at this difficult time.