Kelly and family
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband. Thinking of you.
O'Brien, Robert "Bob"
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O'BRIEN, Robert "Bob"
1939 - 2022
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Robert O'Brien on February 23, 2022. Bob passed away peacefully at Blanche River Health - Kirkland Lake Site, at the age of 82, with family by his side.
Predeceased by his first wife Theodora Ann O'Brien (Sovie). He will be deeply missed by his wife of 30 years, Kelly Noland. His children Michael O'Brien, Craig O'Brien, Meghan Ducharme (Philipe), Nicholas O'Brien, and his grandchildren Jade & Connor.
Bob was a family man with a lifelong love for travel, literature, and good wine. He lived his life with optimism and gratitude. Bob would often say "If I was any better there would have to be two of me."
After graduating with a degree in English Literature from Sir George Williams University in Montreal, Bob completed a year of Teacher's College at the University of Toronto. He soon after landed a job as an English Professor at Northern Institute of Technology, where he would spend the next 30 years teaching. Bob was well known for his lectures, which he would often hold at the local pub. Bob believed in tailoring the lesson to the students and helped many students achieve their goals.
Bob was an active member of the community and an integral part of the Kirkland Lake Labour Council, as well as an avid Union member. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Museum of Northern History (2 Chateau Dr, Kirkland Lake, ON) on Saturday, March 5th at 4:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Blanche River Health Foundation (https://www.blancheriverhealth.ca/about-us/our-foundation).
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28 messages received
Craig
Our condolences to you and families!
Kim and Steve Spack, February 28, 2022
Kelly and family
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.
He was one of the best English teachers that I have ever had. I first met him when I was a first year student at NOIT and can personally vouch for his teaching in pubs—I fondly remember a number of lectures he gave us in the games room downstairs at the Princess!
In the second semester Bob presented a Canadian literature course and introduced me to Modecai Richler‘s writing, especially due to his upbringing in Montréal.
After I graduated I stayed in Kirkland Lake and became friends with Bob and enjoyed talking with him every chance I had.
You have my sincerest sympathy.
Dale Simms, February 28, 2022
O’Brien family
Bob was one of my professors at Northern College in mid 90s. And yes I attended one or two of those lectures at the local pub. For years he always recognized me as a former student and always had time to chat. My condolences to his family.
Kathleen Dudgeon
Kathleen Dudgeon, February 28, 2022
Kelly and Bob’s children
I’m so very to hear a Bob’s passing. His generous heart and spirit will be missed by many
Noella Labine-Bustraen, February 28, 2022
to all the family
my deepest sympathy going to the family sorry to hear of his passing bob was a good teacher and a good father he will be missed by everybody
francine charbonneau, February 28, 2022
Kelly and Family
Sorry for your loss. Bob was a great guy to hang out with.
Stan Skalecki, February 28, 2022
Bob and everyone who loved him
Oh Bob, it was such an honour to know you, to have partied with you and to have adored you. Our candle has been lit for the strength that will be needed, by your family to overcome their sadness, of you no longer being on this little blue marble. Pull out some good books for us while you stroll through the library of Alexandria, and put in a good word with the big guy please. We love you...that is all.
Sally and Henry Melong, February 28, 2022
Kelly and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Lynda Clark-McTaggart, February 28, 2022
Kelly and Family
My thoughts are with you all. May the memories of Bob last as his legacy in your hearts. So sorry for your loss.
Carlyn McNamara , February 28, 2022
Kelly and family
Bob was a great teacher and friend. It was a privilege and fun to work with on NDP Campaigns. I’m sorry for your loss.
Trevis Carey, February 28, 2022
Meghan and family
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bob was always such a loveable and bright man. He will be deeply missed.
Brooklyn O'Reilly, February 28, 2022
Kelly and family
I am very sorry for your loss, I will always remember how Bob helped me, with the day of mourning and the health and safety award evenings, I learned about the history of Kirkland Lake while I was a representative on the Labour Council for the Workers Health and Safety Center.
May he R.I.P
Barbara Noel, March 1, 2022
Craig
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Mark jones, March 1, 2022
The O'Brien Family
I was saddened to learn of Bob's death. He and I were among the first instructors at NOIT in the early 1960's and there aren't many of us left now. Bob was always cheerful and loved a good discussion. Sorry for your loss.
Doug van Vianen, March 1, 2022
Kelly Nick and Megan
I am truly shocked and saddened at the los of Bob our conversation over his hair cut was alway the greatest . The pride in voice for Megan and Nick was so abundant . Along with his Grand children Jade was apple of grandpas eye he sparkled when he talked about her . So proud of Conner . Your dad will always be a special client I had . I enjoyed every visit with him . And he will be missed very much and a spot in our heart missing god bless
you all .Bev Hachey
BHachey, March 1, 2022
Kelly, Meghan and family
Bob was such a kind and well respected man. My thoughts are with you all. Sincere condolences.
Colleen Fagan, March 1, 2022
Kelly and family
Condolences to Kelly and family for your loss. He will be missed by those who knew him and loved him. RIP Bob
Betty (Tapson) Crytes
Betty Crytes, March 1, 2022
Michael, Craig, Kelly, Meghan and Nick
My deepest condolences to all the family. Bob had a great sense of humor, was active in promoting justice and fairness when dealings with others. So proud of of his family, quick to share all their accomplishments.
Martha, March 1, 2022
Kelly and all the kids
Bob will be greatly missed! He was a great source of light and imagination. He was a wonderful friend and encouraging voice to me since my babysitting and tenant days. Sending many hugs and condolences to Kelly, Meghan & Nick and Michael & Craig.
Love, Isa Montagnese
Isa Montagnese, March 1, 2022
The O'Brien Family
Bob was a wonderful friend, we talked weekly , often about old friends. He could find the bright side in every friendship. He never lost his enthusiasm for living; theater,books, homemade beer, Guiness, red wine, politics and story telling. Did Elaine and I ever have fun talking with him about the good old days.
He also lived for the now, cherishing Michael , Craig,Kelly, Megan and her family. Did he ever love the little ones. They were the bright lights in his life. He will be missed.
Jim Purdie, March 1, 2022
Kelly and Family
I extend my deepest condolences to Kelly and family. I knew Bob as a friend, colleague, and mentor for many years. Bob was an outstanding individual on many levels. I will cite two.
I remember him as a counseling and consoling college professor who aided and assisted countless students with their academic and personal lives using both wit and whim making students around him feel better after his humorous, teachable, story telling. Students sought his abundant academic advice and in times of personal despair, at any time, approached him for his wise words.
On another level, I remember Bob playing an instrumental instigator role in initiating and defending workers’ rights by establishing the Kirkland Lake and District Labour Council. Bob was the one who spent countless hours encouraging local employees and local Unions to join the Council so that it could be a voice for all workers’ rights.
As a life long Kirkland Lake resident, the community has certainly gained from his enormous scholastic and civic contributions he left behind.
Stephen Boaro, March 1, 2022
The O'Brien Family
Saddened to hear of Bob's passing.
Bob was a great guy who always shared his stories and his views with everyone honestly.
I respected Bob for his views on the rights, health and safety of working class people.
RIP Bob and thank you for your "Labour" of love!
Every April 28th I will be reminded of your great work in our community.
RICK BARKER, March 3, 2022
Kelly, Meghan and Nick
So sorry to hear about Bob,
our thoughts and prayers are with you all...
Joann Schpitzer, March 3, 2022
Kelly and family
Sincere condolences to you all, Bob will be dearly missed fondly remembered.
Roman & Carol Borowski, March 5, 2022
Meghan and family
So sorry for the loss of your Dad.
Sending you a big hug and warmest condolences.
Keep those memories near and dear to your heart.
Hélène and Don Studholme, March 5, 2022
O'Brien family
Good remembrances of Bob from my student days at Northern College. He was the best English teacher I ever had. He would interview us on weekly readings then have us write and present based on what we had read. Enjoyed talking with him over the years and also appreciated his political analysis of events. He'll be greatly missed in the community.
Paul Filteau, March 10, 2022
Kelly & family
Kelly & family,
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I will forever remember him...such a caring man, loved his family so much. I always looked forward to my home care visits with him, always a had something new or told geat stories. Forever and sadly missed.
Cherie, April 16, 2022