John O'Brien

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nancy Ann O’Brien (McGrory).

Devoted father to Chris, David (Connie), Shaun and Mary Ann (Robert Hebert).

Proud Grandfather to Devin (Heather), Conor (Selena Van Aert), Anna, Caitlin, James, Madeleine, Luke and Quinn.

Predeceased by parents Francis O’Brien and Marjorie Mackell and his dear siblings, Francis (“Frank”), Margaret Mary, Robert (“Bobby”) and Raymond and dear cousin Robert (Bud) Orange.

John was born in Brooklyn, New York but lost his parents at an early age and relocated to Ottawa where he was raised lovingly by his cherished Aunt, Dorothy Mackell. Those early years were where John (known as Sonny for his ever-present smile) first spent summers in his beloved Tenaga often taking the train to attend school and where he later met the love of his life, Nancy along with many life-time friends (Benoits, Buckleys, Kehoes, McIntyres, Murphys). Together John and Nancy raised a family and spent many wonderful summers at their cottage in Tenaga. Despite humble beginnings, John went on to have a successful business career including many years owning Thrifty Car Rental in Ottawa.

Donations in John’s honour may be made to the May Court Hospice whose dedicated staff and volunteers treated John with the utmost care and dignity in his final days. The family will hold a Celebration of Life for John in Tenaga later this summer.