THORBURN - John Everett O'Brien (Jeffery), 53, Thorburn, passed away Friday, October 8, 2010, in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax after a courageous struggle with cancer.
Born on October 27, 1956, John was a son of the late George O'Brien and Dorothy (Jeffery) Taylor, and was raised with his sisters and brothers in Sylvester. John spent most of his life in Vancouver, B.C., before returning home a year ago. John was a chef, having worked at Pictou Lodge and throughout Canada. During the 1980's, he was chef on the C. S. S. Baffin, during which time he wrote the poem "Family" to chronicle his experiences. John enjoyed animals, especially his Shih Tzu dog, Patrice. He possessed a strong faith and believed that he would someday return to his beloved "cabin" at Garden of Eden. John purposed to help those who were alone and vulnerable.
John will be lovingly remembered by his family: twin brother, George, Vancouver; Don (Marilyn) Jeffery, Greenhill; Rose (Jim) Curran, New Hampshire; Fred (Shirley) Jeffery, Reta Owens, Hopewell; Jim Jeffery, Moncton; Wendell (Linda) Jeffery, Edmonton; many nieces, nephews; special friend, Gloria Ryan, Garden of Eden.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Wayne and Billy; sisters, Vivian, Ruth and Annabell; stepfather, "Papa" Jamie Taylor.
The family will receive visitors from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the chapel with Captains Neil and Dolores Abbott officiating. Interment will be held at later date.
Donations may be made in John's memory to the Salvation Army, Westville. www.pkmacdonald.ca.