Donald James O'Brien

Peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family, Donald James O’Brien passed away on September 14, 2017.  He was born in Saint John, NB on September 7, 1944 to the late Charles A. and Mary Elizabeth (McLaughlin) O’Brien and was the loving husband of 50 years to Shirley (Stagg) O’Brien. 

Donald was a very quiet and caring man.  He had a great and dry sense of humor, who was not quick to judgement and reserved his smile for the special times.  He loved his pets – especially his cat Cuddles.  His family was the most important thing to him, and he was overjoyed at getting the chance to spend time with his grandchildren and the fact that he had the opportunity to meet and get to know his only great grandchild.  He was also a very faithful person and his church family was always of great importance to him.  Don worked as a laborer when he started out, and then for 20 years he worked at the Saint John Dry Dock as a Crane Operator.  When he retired from there, he still wasn’t ready to stop and began working as a commissionaire at the Saint John Airport.  After 10 years there, he was ready to retire fully and for the last 8 years he has continued in his quiet manner, providing for his family, and always giving but never taking.  His family will deeply miss this man with his quiet grace and care for those he loved.    

Along with his wife Shirley, he is survived by his 5 children; Raymond, Darren (Lyn), Billy (Billie-Jo), Jason and Tracy, 12 grandchildren; Shawn, Shane, Jacob, Jade, Nicky, Jordan, Zachary, Sam, Brandon, Brody, Madison and Maya and great granddaughter Scarlette.  He is also survived by his 5 sisters; Evelyn, Barbara, Anne, Bonnie and Christine, as well as several nieces, nephews and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin brother David, and brothers Joseph and Edward and sisters Mary, and twins Judy and June and his great grandson Kaleb. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) where visitation will take place on Sunday from 3-7pm.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 11am at the Garnett Settlement Christian Church with a reception to follow.  In keeping with Donald’s wishes, please do not send flowers, but instead if you would make a memorial donation to the Lung Association of New Brunswick or to the charity of the donor’s choice, he would greatly appreciate that. 

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