John Michael O’Brien (Mike) passed away Friday, July, 22, 2022, in his home surrounded by his family following an illness.
Mike was born in God’s Lake, Manitoba on May 29th, 1940. He spent 12 years in the Navy, during which time he married his wife Margaret in 1968. With the news of his first child, Christopher, he put in for his retirement from service, and 4 years later welcomed his daughter Erin into the world. He spent many years as a soccer coach with Bays United, and is to this day known as “Mr. O” by his team. He was also the first president of the Esquimalt Curling Club. After his retirement, he embarked on his favourite and most rewarding career – being a Grandpa, both to his own grandkids and to the kids of the neighborhood. His duties included teaching his grandkids to walk, picking them up from school, hosting sleepovers and being a short order cook. He was known to say that if he knew about the joys of being a grandparent earlier, he would have done that first. He spent many mornings making breakfast for his family, and many afternoons with his dogs in the park. He was a friend to anyone he might meet, and his radiant smile and infectious laughter will live on in his loved ones.
He is survived by his brother Terry, his cousins David and Gwen, his wife Margaret, his children Erin (Gord) and Christopher (Debra), his grandchildren Haley and Matthew, and his dogs, Tucker and Ted.
At his request, there will be no service. However, if you have a sudden urge for a cup of tea with fresh milk or a Hershey bar, remember him.”
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Rick Gunderson
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Malcolm McIntosh Marg,
I’m sorry for Mikes passing. Remember the fun you Mike Julie and I had at that medieval feast in Vancouver back in the early 70’s I have never laughed so much my sides were aching for days..
Mike will be sorely missed.
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Geoffrey Beattie Dear Marg and family.I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a nice caring person. The biggest memory that will keep with me was the devotion he had for his grand children.I don’t think I have seen any Grandpa as devoted as he was.I will miss his visits.
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Capt. Steen Jessen, Mike and I sailed together in HMCS Saskatchewan 1966-68 and got to know each other well. He was a good shipmate with a great sense of humour. Our paths diverged at about this time but about 35 years later we would end up as almost neighbours here in Oak Bay. He still had his wonderful sense of humour and his devotion to family was very evident.
Bon Voyage Mike!Captain Steen Jessen, RCN/BC Ferries (Ret’d.)
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mike siska Dear Margaret, Chris, Erin and family,
Very sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. He was a dear friend and I shall allways remember his radiant smile, terrific sense of humour and infectious laughter in all of our encounters.
He will be dearly missed….
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Wilfred A Bauer So sorry to hear about Mike. Have many good memories with him when we sailed together on Sask and some great curling times where we enjoyed a libation afterwards.
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Ken Bauer Our sincerest condolences from myself and my family. I knew Mike as our soccer coach, Chris as a classmate and friend. My father remembers working together with Mike in the navy and he let me know of Mike’s passing just this morning. I have fond memories of time with him and send hugs to Margaret, Chris, and Erin from me down here in Guadalajara, México.
– Ken Bauer
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Linda & Carter Kelly Marg and family. So very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He will be missed by those who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Stay safe.❤️
Please accept my deepest condolences on Mike’s passing. Whenever I was out for a walk I looked forward to my chats with Mike if he was out in your front yard or walking Tucker and Ted.