1946 - 2017
Passed peacefully away at home after a courageous battle with lymphoma in the arms of his loving wife Ruth O'Brien (nee Oates). Predeceased by his parents Ernest O'Brien and Gertrude W. (nee Willer) of St. John's, mother and father-in-law Maxwell and Julie Oates of Carbonear. Leaving to mourn his devoted wife Ruth Oates/O'Brien R.N., brother David (Carm), brothers-in-law: Craig (Bruce) Oates Brookings, Barry (Elizabeth) Oates, Eric (Marilyn) Oates, Hubert (Beverly) Oates, Terry (Charlene) Oates, Maxwell (Christine) Oates and Clarence (Judy) Oates; sisters-in-law: Beulah (Ray) Newell, Yvonne Barnes, Sandra (Randell) Mercer, Genevieve (Baden) Hiscock and Marina (Herman) Harris; also leaving to mourn a large circle of nieces, nephews and friends. Dr. O'Brien graduated from Dalhousie University Medicine, 1973, and practiced medicine in this province until his passing. He worked as an Emergency Physician at St. Clare's Hospital for over 20 years, and as a physician for the Hoyles-Escasoni Complex until it closed. Dr. O'Brien also dedicated his life as a family physician. He worked at the Kelligrews Medical Clinic until his passing. A special thank you to his partners: Dr. G. Garber, Dr. D. Phillips, Dr. A. Loveys, Dr. G. Sutton, Dr. D. Flemming, Dr. J. Sheppard and all the staff of Kelligrews Medical Clinic. Thank you for all your support, kindness and compassion that was given to us during our long and heart breaking journey. Also a special thank you to the stem cell transplant team at the Health Sciences Centre: Dr. Joanne Hickey, Dr. Kristi Tompkins, Dr. David Jones, Dr. Joanne MacIntyre, Yvonne Gulliver (R.N.) and Charlene Downey (NP). Also Dr. Mark Stefanelli, Dr. Wayne Gulliver and Dr. James Sheppard (family doctor). A special thank you to the staff of 4NA (Hematology) and the Ambulatory Treatment Unit. We are forever grateful for the compassionate and caring staff. Also, thank you so much for the friendship and guidance of his devoted friends and colleagues: Dr. Pradi (Smita) Joshi, Dr. Nikhil Joshi, Dr. Harold (Trixi) Wight and Dr. Randy (Betty) Smith, you will always be remembered for your kindness. Dr. O'Brien loved to ballroom dance and ski, leaving behind all the beautiful ballroom dancers and his fellow skiers. "Dance before the music is over. Live before your life is over." Cremation has taken place. Visitation at Caul's Funeral Home LeMarchant Road on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 21st and 22nd from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Private family service will follow. Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in Dr. O'Brien's memory can be made to the Health Care Foundation - Stem Cell Transplant Program.