Obituary for Brian Matthew O'Brien
Passed away peacefully on March 19, 2022 at 81 years of age.
Loving husband of the late Bernadette (nee Joanette) for 57 years. Loving companion of Agnes Dahmann (6 years). Cherished father of Shane (Corky) and Carole Deslippe (Tony). Proud grandfather of Ross, Katie (Carolyn and Blake), Ashley, Maegen and Jamie. Dear brother of Eileen King (the late John), the late Ronald O’Brien (Anne), the late Frank O’Brien (the late Marie), the late Eleanor Rattray (the late Harry), and the late Mike O’Brien. Survived by his sister-in-law Cecile Joanette. Predeceased by his parents Gerald and Ilma O’Brien. Brian will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, grand-children and dear friends, especially Cliff Hart and Ron Drekic.
Brian’s work career started with the Department of National Defense (Canadian Armed Forces) where he spent 10 years before being hired at FCA Windsor, ON Canada eventually as an Emissions Control Analyst. His job with Chrysler allowed him to travel visiting all three Windsor area plants and those in Brampton and Bramalea (ON), as well as all plants throughout the Midwestern United States. He also visited plants in California and Tuluca Mexico many times before retiring from Sterling Heights (MI) after almost 20 years.
Hockey was a lifelong passion for him. Brian loved refereeing and sometimes acted as a linesman for the IHL, OHL and OHA while almost joining the ranks of the NHL. He volunteered through golf for Knobby’s Kids and Siro Martinello Organizations. Brian umpired baseball for many years. He enjoyed playing pool starting in his teen years and all through retirement with local teams in Ottawa and Windsor, most recently with the Essex County 8-Ball Association. He also had a passion for golf not only as a player but through volunteering with Golf Ontario in many roles including Course Rater for Windsor / Essex County. In his prime he played with the LaSalle Men’s League at Dominion and was that friendly Starter/Ranger for both Fox Glen and Ambassador Golf Clubs for many years. He always looked forward to his South Carolina trips with his friends where he kept stats for tournaments for years.
During his retirement years, Brian enjoyed doing the Detroit Free Press’ 3 crossword puzzles offered daily and being a trivia buff, he always looked for the trivia block too, sometimes clipping out ones of interest to relate into a conversation later on.
Brian had a lifelong interest with electronics and devices. He loved learning new technology and always had the neatest toys and gadgets. His best gig volunteering was spending every Saturday morning as an Operator/Dispatcher for Michigan Emergency Patrol (MEP) broadcasting over CB Radio as a liaison for the Michigan State Police Dept.. He worked from 6 – 10 a.m. nary missing a shift in 25 years. He and his family were very proud of this outstanding volunteer achievement and milestone helping to keep the highways and community safe in the Detroit, MI area. Brian was well liked by all. For years he was affectionately known as “Archie” or “Andy Capp” to his close friends. Along with his easy demeanor, he had the smoothest and best sounding voice for radio. In his CB radio days, he was a member of Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Teams (REACT), the Affiliated League of Emergency Radio Teams (ALERT) and the Sun Parlour Amateur Radio Club (Ham radio operator).
But Brian’s greatest passion in life was listening to music. He had a rich album collection amassed over the years. He loved and appreciated many genres and artists and always supported his children’s live music endeavours. His favourite songs included 'Stranger on the Shore", "Born Free" and "Bilitis" to name a few and Willy Nelson was a favoured singer/songwriter who, he would say 'had a way of touching one's heartstrings' (and so many more). Although he loved instrumentals, the lyrics could always enhance his emotions. He appreciated poet’s and songwriter’s talents alike. Listening to music for Brian was like sharing your soul, no matter the mood, event or time, it captured and enraptured him completely.
He loved cruising on short or long trips listening to his newest playlists of favourites with Agnes by his side. Together they shared a love of travelling, visiting family and vacationing all over the globe.
In his last few years he was twice elected President of his Condo Association. He will be sadly missed by the many friends he’s made there.
Brian was true to his faith. Prayers were a twice daily ritual. He held his love, faith and family dear always.
The O’Brien, Deslippe and Dahmann families would like the thank the ICU Staff at Metropolitan Campus, especially nurses Brooke and Derion, for their kind and compassionate care in his final hours. Special thanks also to Gulis (6th floor). We can’t express our gratitude enough for all your care. Thanks also to Dr. Oozeer, Dr. Javaid. Dr. Ohar and Dr. David along with nursing and hospital admin staff for their kindnesses, especially through CoVid constraints and restrictions. Many thanks also to Mark Hewer Photography and Families First Funeral Home.
If you so desire, donations to the L’Arche Ottawa would be appreciated by the family.
A private family visitation and cremation has taken place.
Loving husband of the late Bernadette (nee Joanette) for 57 years. Loving companion of Agnes Dahmann (6 years). Cherished father of Shane (Corky) and Carole Deslippe (Tony). Proud grandfather of Ross, Katie (Carolyn and Blake), Ashley, Maegen and Jamie. Dear brother of Eileen King (the late John), the late Ronald O’Brien (Anne), the late Frank O’Brien (the late Marie), the late Eleanor Rattray (the late Harry), and the late Mike O’Brien. Survived by his sister-in-law Cecile Joanette. Predeceased by his parents Gerald and Ilma O’Brien. Brian will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, grand-children and dear friends, especially Cliff Hart and Ron Drekic.
Brian’s work career started with the Department of National Defense (Canadian Armed Forces) where he spent 10 years before being hired at FCA Windsor, ON Canada eventually as an Emissions Control Analyst. His job with Chrysler allowed him to travel visiting all three Windsor area plants and those in Brampton and Bramalea (ON), as well as all plants throughout the Midwestern United States. He also visited plants in California and Tuluca Mexico many times before retiring from Sterling Heights (MI) after almost 20 years.
Hockey was a lifelong passion for him. Brian loved refereeing and sometimes acted as a linesman for the IHL, OHL and OHA while almost joining the ranks of the NHL. He volunteered through golf for Knobby’s Kids and Siro Martinello Organizations. Brian umpired baseball for many years. He enjoyed playing pool starting in his teen years and all through retirement with local teams in Ottawa and Windsor, most recently with the Essex County 8-Ball Association. He also had a passion for golf not only as a player but through volunteering with Golf Ontario in many roles including Course Rater for Windsor / Essex County. In his prime he played with the LaSalle Men’s League at Dominion and was that friendly Starter/Ranger for both Fox Glen and Ambassador Golf Clubs for many years. He always looked forward to his South Carolina trips with his friends where he kept stats for tournaments for years.
During his retirement years, Brian enjoyed doing the Detroit Free Press’ 3 crossword puzzles offered daily and being a trivia buff, he always looked for the trivia block too, sometimes clipping out ones of interest to relate into a conversation later on.
Brian had a lifelong interest with electronics and devices. He loved learning new technology and always had the neatest toys and gadgets. His best gig volunteering was spending every Saturday morning as an Operator/Dispatcher for Michigan Emergency Patrol (MEP) broadcasting over CB Radio as a liaison for the Michigan State Police Dept.. He worked from 6 – 10 a.m. nary missing a shift in 25 years. He and his family were very proud of this outstanding volunteer achievement and milestone helping to keep the highways and community safe in the Detroit, MI area. Brian was well liked by all. For years he was affectionately known as “Archie” or “Andy Capp” to his close friends. Along with his easy demeanor, he had the smoothest and best sounding voice for radio. In his CB radio days, he was a member of Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Teams (REACT), the Affiliated League of Emergency Radio Teams (ALERT) and the Sun Parlour Amateur Radio Club (Ham radio operator).
But Brian’s greatest passion in life was listening to music. He had a rich album collection amassed over the years. He loved and appreciated many genres and artists and always supported his children’s live music endeavours. His favourite songs included 'Stranger on the Shore", "Born Free" and "Bilitis" to name a few and Willy Nelson was a favoured singer/songwriter who, he would say 'had a way of touching one's heartstrings' (and so many more). Although he loved instrumentals, the lyrics could always enhance his emotions. He appreciated poet’s and songwriter’s talents alike. Listening to music for Brian was like sharing your soul, no matter the mood, event or time, it captured and enraptured him completely.
He loved cruising on short or long trips listening to his newest playlists of favourites with Agnes by his side. Together they shared a love of travelling, visiting family and vacationing all over the globe.
In his last few years he was twice elected President of his Condo Association. He will be sadly missed by the many friends he’s made there.
Brian was true to his faith. Prayers were a twice daily ritual. He held his love, faith and family dear always.
The O’Brien, Deslippe and Dahmann families would like the thank the ICU Staff at Metropolitan Campus, especially nurses Brooke and Derion, for their kind and compassionate care in his final hours. Special thanks also to Gulis (6th floor). We can’t express our gratitude enough for all your care. Thanks also to Dr. Oozeer, Dr. Javaid. Dr. Ohar and Dr. David along with nursing and hospital admin staff for their kindnesses, especially through CoVid constraints and restrictions. Many thanks also to Mark Hewer Photography and Families First Funeral Home.
If you so desire, donations to the L’Arche Ottawa would be appreciated by the family.
A private family visitation and cremation has taken place.