Devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle.
David passed peacefully on Wednesday in the company of his loving wife of 65 years, Judith O’Brien. David was born in Montreal on March 25, 1937, to John and Mariam O’Brien. David joined the Canadian army on his 17th birthday where he completed several postings to Europe and Cyprus, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He retired after 27 years in the army, to move on to another very successful career in business, eventually building and running his own company. David was a natural people person and made many friends during his life. He will always be known as having a quick wit, a bright smile, and genuine care and compassion for others. He is survived by his wife Judith, Brother Jack (Anne), children Michael (Leah), James (Sharon), Karen and David (Jamie). Grandchildren Rebecca (Cory), Jessica (Ian), Brendan (Ashley), Braedan, Evan, Devon, Nicholas and Alex as well as many great-grandchildren He is predeceased by his sisters, Maureen, Irene and Grandson Russell.
Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 2:00pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84399517906?pwd=RVJHZDdaMk4xckNRZ1lNZzY5K2NwUT09
In lieu of flowers, donations to Victoria Hospice or the Salvation Army are appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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LORRAINE RIDOUT
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Tammy Our sincere condolences to Judy and family. Dave was a great man and leader. Although we did not know him while he was in the service, he still provided guidance and friendship to us. May he Rest In Peace.
Tammy and Paul
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Douglas White Judy and Family , I’m saddened to hear that Dave has passed on. I meet Dave when he was the RSS MWO attached to the N Sask R. He was a fantastic person. His style of leadership was hard to follow! As a Cpl Dave had time for everyone. He was a great mentor for a lot of us JR Ranks. Its been years since he showed to the Sgts Mess in Saskatoon when he was a Whiskey Rep.
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Susan Shepherd (Stefanuk) Judy and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. While it’s been many years since I last saw him, I have many wonderful and fond memories that will last my lifetime.
Dave was not only a mentor to me, but a big brother that always looked out for me. We shared so many laughs and crazy antics on the badminton court and around the cribbage table that continue to bring a smile to my face.
I’m sending you all lots of loving thoughts and virtual hugs during this difficult time. Judy – It looks like you are perhaps living in Victoria. I’m also here. When you are ready, I would welcome a visit with you.
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Laurie (Almdal) Gregory So sorry for your loss!! He will be remembered for the friendly man he was.
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Doug Penner On behalf of the North Saskatchewan Regiment please accept or condolence to you Judy and the whole family. Dave was great soldier and friend shared many a stories in the Mess and Camp Durdurn.
Cede Nullis
Doug Penner
LCol(ret’d)
NSaskR
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Janet Walker Dear Judy. I’m sending loving thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones. Janet Walker
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Gwen Cecchini Sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
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Warren J Stefanuk Deepest Condolences to Judy and the O’Brien family.
I am saddened by the news of Dave’s passing
Dave was a mentor to me. He was an amazing solider and a gifted leader. He had a rare talent of finding some fun in every situation. His wit and charm made the army a better place. So many fond memories.
Rest in Peace David.
Until the Reorg…
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Karin Stever Saskatoon Judy and Family. I was saddened to hear of David’s passing. May he rest in peace. I am sending warm hugs and prayers that the Lord will grant you strength in this difficult time.
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Marge McKenzie Thank you all for sharing that beautiful celebration of David’s life with us. He was such a great part of our family and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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The Roberts Family, Michelle, Paul and Kai Our most heartfelt condolences to the O’Brien family. David Sr was a man who lived thousands of lives in all his adventures around the world. The stories he shared with us are the stuff of legends. He was so kind and caring to everyone. We will miss him greatly. Our love and support are with you during this difficult time.
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Dave and Alice DeVos Our condolences to Judy and the O’Brien family. When Alice and I bought the store in St. Adolphe Dave helped us a lot right from the start with his connections for Christmas parties and socials with Schenley products , we really appreciated the help thanks Dave for all you did. Dave then became a sponsor for our slo-pitch team , I think with a little help from Jim. Dave and Judy had numerous windups for the Schenley Spirits. You always came through for us you will be missed .
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Marge Dadswell David was a great friend..he’ll be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him! Grateful
beyond words..& thankful!!!David will be we
welcomed, into the pearly gates!!
Without a doubt! Please take great care, everyone! Sending my love to all!!!
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Fred & Sue Condolences to Judy and all the family, we have a lot of wonderful
memories of. David,my favourite cuz.Fred and Sue
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QOR of C Association, VIB Sincerest Condolences to all of the O’Brien Family on the passing of your loved one from all Members of the QOR of C Association, VIB. Dave was a valued Member of our Association and a dear friend to many of us. RIP Dave, you will not be forgotten.
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Mary & Terry Dawe My Cousin David was an awesome person. He was gentle, funny, told the best stories, enjoyed music and could sing like a lark. My husband Terry and I first met David when we were posted from Germany to Winnipeg. We had a few visits with him and Judy there but the very best was when they came to NFLD a few years ago. We packed a lot into a few days and it was a very memorable visit.
We Love you David and will think of you often. I’m sure you all have many wonderful memories of your Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend. They will help you through this most difficult time.
RIP my friend. Kids, look after your Mother
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Don and Su Cameron Dear Judy and family: Our thoughts are with you all. We enjoyed Dave’s company and sense of humour at the fun O’Brien gatherings we attended. Such a wonderful photo of him in his uniform.
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Regimental HQ On behalf of all ranks of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Regimental Headquarters, please accept our condolences on the recent passing of James O’Brien, a proud member of our Regiment. His name will be added to our Last Post so his Regiment and friends whom he served with will remember his spirit and history.
Regimental Major
Maj Cory A.J. Foley, CDRegimental Warrant Officer
WO Gregory G. Davis, CD
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Judith Pettinger A truly beautiful human being who will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace David and know that Judt will be well taken care of
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Vince kennedy I write to express to Judy and her family the sincere condolences of the Patricia’s on the passing of Dave. He was very well known and respected in the Regiment, and I like hundreds of others enjoyed working with him in various units – and especially 3 Canadian Mechanized Commando. I also got to work with him after he retired in Winnipeg and in Toronto, where he helped the Regiment with 100th Anniversary work as early as the late 1990s.
The Regiment remembers Dave’s service, and we are glad that your family is proud of that service. His name will be read in this year’s list of the lost when we read that out on November 11th, 2023 in the Sacred Space in Beechwood, the National Military Cemetery, Ottawa. His name will also be listed in the 2023 edition of the Patrician’s Last Post section, published in March 2024.
Thank you for obviously supporting Dave throughout his service and later. We are glad that he had a vibrant family and such a long and successful marriage.
Thank you all.
Brigadier-General Vince Kennedy (Retired)
Former Colonel of the Regiment
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
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Linda Sutton So very sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. Sending condolences to you all from my family and myself.
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George and Barb Randall Our condolences and prayers are with Judy and Family at this trying time. Rest In Peace Dave.
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Carol Porter Dear Judy and family
We are really sorry to hear of David’s passing, he was truly one of life’s gentleman sending you and your family healing hugs. May David rest in eternal peace.
Carol and Alan.
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Patrick Dillon We served together, he was a super soldier !
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Gene Markell My very sincere condolences to Judy and all the family. Dave was a friend and a good soldier who I was blessed to serve with. Rest easy Dave your duty is done
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Bridget Kelly Sincere condolences to Judy and all the family. May David rest in peace.
From Bridget Kelly, wife of late PJ Kelly formerly of Kilfenora, Co. Clare.
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Herb kenny Condolence to the Family from all members of the Edmonton Branch of the PPCLI Association. Once A Patricia Always A Patricia. May he Rest in Peace. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him. VP
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Don and Judy Kreuger Our sincerest condolences to the O’Brien family. Our heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Dave was such a great gentleman and long time friend who we all will miss.
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Janis & Ray Evans Judy, we’re so grateful to have had David in our lives. Always hospitable, considerate and caring, he’ll be missed at The Charleston.
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Ranae McKenzie My sincere condolences to the entire family. I have many fond memories of David. He was kind, funny and a great story teller. I am grateful to have known him.
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Don Baird Dear Judy and family our deepest condolences. Dave was a true friend and a legend. I will cherish the many memories we shared.
Don and Rose Baird. Winnipeg
I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Dave’s passing from Judy. I met Dave and his friend John at a bench in Beckwith Park many years ago, where they sat with Mike, Minnie and Lucy. I will definitely miss not seeing him there anymore, and my condolences are with Judy and anyone else who cared about Dave.