Obituary – Brian Gerald O’Brien

With sad hearts we announce the passing of Brian Gerald O’Brien, who left us peacefully on Feb. 7, 2025, at the age of 65 years with his children by his side.

Brian was born to Frank and Nellie O’Brien on May 19, 1959, in High Prairie. He was the sixth of seven children in the O’Brien family.

O’Brien Lumber was the family business in High Prairie and being raised in a lumber yard made for an interesting childhood. There was always something to do, whether it was playing ball in the yard with his four older brothers or working in the planer mill pilling lumber at a young age.

Brian was known for his kindness and gentle spirit. Brian would always meet you with a smile on his face and a song in his heart.

He learned to play the guitar as well as the harmonica, just like his father. He loved playing music in the family sing-a-longs. He loved John Denver and Johnny Cash music. His laugh was big and contagious.

His family nickname was “Bull” – not just because of his size but because he was stronger than he knew. Many times, when he was younger his strength would surprise even himself, he had one hell of a handshake.

Brian and Darlene McDermott were married in High Prairie in 1984 and although they did not stay together, they created the proudest part of Brian’s life, their children Gail and Steven. Brian loved playing with his children and grandchildren, swimming or playing in the park made his heart the happiest.

After his Dad and Mom retired to Westlock in 1976, Brian continued working in the lumber industry for Bissell Bros. in Enilda and Buchanan Lumber in High Prairie.

When he left High Prairie, Brian spent many years in Calgary. For the last 10 years of his working career, he worked for a warehouse division of Walmart driving a forklift. He loved his job, but a foot injury started him with health challenges that continued to plague him for the remainder of his years. He never complained, even when his left leg was amputated below the knee, he continued to be his jolly self, learning to walk with a prosthetic.

Brian moved into the Pioneer Lodge in Hythe in 2018. It became his home; the staff are amazing, and he was surrounded by so many nice people to share his time with. Trudy was the person he would most spend his time with, going for walks and enjoying each other’s company.

On Feb. 4, 2025, Brian had a stroke. The ambulance took him from Hythe to Grande Prairie and then on to STARS Air Ambulance to the U of A Hospital where specialized surgery was performed to remove a brain clot. The level of care he had received was tremendous, but he was no longer strong enough to battle all the other health issues.

The family would like to extend their sincere thank you to all the staff at the Hythe Pioneer Lodge and all the Alberta Health Service medical teams that have cared for Brian over the years. He was well taken care of.

Brian is survived by his children Gail (John Whelan) and Steven, grandchildren Ember, Riley and Lincoln; siblings Helen (Jim) Henderson, Dan (Audrey) O’Brien, Frank (Micky) O’Brien, John (Dawn) O’Brien, Alan (Joy) O’Brien, Margaret (Dennis) Bell; his nieces and nephews: Shaun, David, Barbara, Anna, Derrick, Dennis, Owen, Joel, Jesse, Ian, Jackson, Anthony, Lynsey, Candice and great nieces and nephews as well.

Brian was predeceased by his Dad Frank O’Brien in 1984 and Mom Nellie in 2006, nephews James O’Brien in 1994 and Kelly O’Brien in 2019.

The family will get together for a private gathering this spring to say their final goodbyes and share stories with lots of love and laughter as an Irish family does. Brian was loved and he will always hold a place in our hearts.