Obituary of Mike O'Brien

August 30, 1946 - Montreal, Quebec

November 18, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Michael O'Brien, beloved husband of Mary Florence O’Brien (nee Gallant) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at the age of 73 years.

Michael was born in Montreal, QC, on August 30, 1946 to James and Bernice O’Brien. He moved to Calgary with his wife Florence, daughter Pamela, and son Peter in 1981 where they made Calgary their new home. Michael completed an Economics degree at Saint Dunstan’s University in Charlottetown, PEI where he met his wife Florence. After graduating they moved to Montreal where he began his career in education. Michael furthered his education by obtaining two Masters degrees from McGill University. During his teaching career Michael spent many years working with the Alberta Teachers’ Association, eventually becoming the president of the Calgary Separate Local 55 Alberta Teachers’ Association. He was a lover of sports, especially hockey, cheering for his beloved Montreal Canadiens and secondly the Calgary Flames. You could often find him at local rinks cheering on his granddaughter competing in figure skating or his grandsons at their hockey games. During his retirement Michael enjoyed being a large presence in his grandchildren’s lives on a constant basis. Michael enjoyed travelling to new places, including Dublin, Paris, Spain, Portugal, and Hawaii. One of his favourite trips was a tour of Eastern Europe.

Besides his loving wife of fifty-one years he leaves his daughter Pamela (Trevor), his son Peter (Vicki), his granddaughter Sophia, and grandsons Luke and Tyler. Michael is also survived by his sisters Theresa (Andy Anderson), Maureen (Tony Roberts), and Audrey; his brother Terry and sister-in-law Elaine; and many nieces and nephews and his PEI family. Michael is predeceased by his siblings, Dolores O’Rourke, James O’Brien (Joyce), Marty O’Brien and sister-in-law Monique O’Brien.

Arrangements in accordance with Michael’s wishes, services will be private and at the convenience of his family. Donations in his memory can be made to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5, Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.com or a charity close to your heart. Many thanks to Frank, Dolores and family for loving guardianship of Michael from the age of twelve. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Michael O'Brien.  McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.