The death of Erald F. O'Brien occurred at home in Bedford on Sunday, April 4, 2010. Erald wad born in Burlington, Vermont, to Ida (Shanks) and Thomas J. O'Brien on May 29, 1933. His family returned to Fredericton, NB, where he was educated in Fredericton schools, the University of New Brunswick and the Fredericton Business College. After graduation, he was employed by Hope Adjustment Bureau for two years. He joined Imperial Oil Ltd. in 1955 and worked in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Gander, Newfoundland, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, finishing his career in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He retired in December 1990, after 35 years of service. Always interested in music, Erald was a member of several bands in his younger years and never missed a Halifax International Tattoo in later years. He was a member of the church choir in every community he lived in. In Bedford, Erald sang in the United Church Choir, the Bedford Singers, and the Bedford Leisure Club Choir. A lifelong fan of the Boston Bruins and the UNB Varsity Red Devils, Erald also was a fan of every team his kids or grandkids played on. He also enjoyed cars and car shows especially the Nationals in Moncton, N.B. Erald was an active member of the Bedford United Church. Along with singing in the church choir, he also served as an elder and on various church committees. Erald is survived by his wife of 52 years Ruby (Garland); his daughter Margaret O'Brien, husband Paul Murray, grandson Thomas of Calgary; his son Thomas, wife Catharine, grandsons Patrick and Liam of Dartmouth; and his son Jon, wife Paola Lobos, grandson Sasha of Toronto. He is also survived by his only brother Delvan and sister-in-law Marion of Saint John, NB, Mary Wilcox of Halifax and several other cousins in N.B. and N.S.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home. Visitation will take place in the Bedford United Church Narthex, 1200 Bedford Highway on Thursday, April 8, from 7 to 9 pm. A celebration of Erald's life will be held at the Bedford United Church on Friday, April 9, at 2:00 pm. The Reverend David Hart, Reverend Diane Tingley to officiate. A reception will follow in the church hall. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Bedford United Church or charity of your choice.