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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
Melissa Embury (Terry O'Brien's Granddaughter)
John Macaulay
Friends in the army knew him as Bob or O'B. It was nice to hear J Robert referred to as Bert by his nephew Larry. Great eulogies from Larry and John Stuart. My condolences to Gerri who was Bob's support and strength throughout so many absences over his long and distinguished career.
Stan Grabstas
A very fine gentleman and officer. Proudly served under him in DGT. God speed and fair winds.
MaryAnn OBrien
My condolences to dear Aunt Gerri, Robert, Angela and Isabella. I will miss Uncle Bert and his wonderful deep voice especially when he sang, Black Velvet Band and stories. He was a man I looked up to and loved his Irish ‘twinkle in his eyes’.
‘Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.’
David Smith (SDB as OB used to call me)
From the time I first met O'B, where we both served in 1 Transport Coy, RCASC in the mid to late 1960s, I knew this guy was special! Our bond was cemented by the experiences of that posting to an actual operational Army Brigade in NATO, but just as lasting was sharing a German farm house with the owners, Willi and Gertrud in Bad Sassendorf, Germany where OB and Gerri along with my wife and I shared many wonderful times. I found an old yellowed photo (in photo gallery) taken at the doorway which will attest to the beginning of another 'picnic' with the always entertaining young Rob, who I think went by 'Bobby' back then...
In the 20 odd years between our soldiering together at Fort Chambly until being lucky enough to join Col O'Brien's Logistics Branch at the Cdn Forces HQ in Lahr, Germany, we were always in close touch as colleagues and fast family friends. I felt extremely privileged to call O'B my boss and he, Gerri and Rob my friends.
The RCASC has lost a giant, an extremely fine Officer who was fair and friendly to all, and wise mentor to a few lucky ones who served with him. His quick wit and great sense of humour will be remembered by all who were fortunate to have known him.
Sincerest sympathy to Gerri, Rob, Angela and Isabella.
Rest in Peace, OB!
Jean-Pierre Pichette (LCol retd)
I had the pleasure to work for OB (I was a Capt at the time) in the Golan from 1983 to 1984 and saw him several times in Ottawa. He was a most impressive officer with exceptional leadership. We will all be forgotten in time but OB, you will not be forgotten by those of us who got to know you. Rest in peace. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
RD BOWMAN, CD, UE, WO(Retd)
My condolences and sympathy to OB's family.
Alain Guerard
Rest In Peace. He was a good mentor to me. As I read other comments I see that they appreciated his leadership and much as I did.
Stephen Fowler
Uncle Bert, Proud Soldier, wonderful husband ,great father. Be at peace, you have made a great impact on the lives of people that knew you. God Bless and thank you.
Kathleen Buckley
I miss watching him walk by.
So sorry you lost him Gerri.
I have fond memories of Uncle Bert, Uncle Tom and Grandpa Terry all singing Irish songs and dancing on St.Patrick's Day. All of these men were people that I looked up to and admired. I wish I had known Uncle Bert better ( I was really close with my grandfather and godfather/great Uncle Tom) but I know that he was well loved and everyone spoke of him highly. Every time I hear a ballad by the Irish Rovers I'll think of him. Rest in peace Bert.