Robert "Bob" Edward O'Brien

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Bob O’Brien on July 4, 2024.  He was 83 years of age.

Robert “Bob” Edward O’Brien “OBIE” was born on March 26, 1941 in Charlottetown, PEI. Bob spent his childhood years on the family property in Covehead, PEI where he enjoyed a rural upbringing helping with the family chickens, goats, garden, and the champion race horses his father trained. He also loved working on lobster fishing boats from time to time.

He received a guitar as a gift at a young age which began his lifelong love of playing as often as possible. Bob learned his skills from friends and relatives at kitchen parties. He carried on playing with many well-known, accomplished musicians when he moved to Montreal, Toronto, back to the Maritimes and later to Calgary where he played for the Maritime Express band and at any local jam or gathering he could find.

In 1996, Bob started coming to the Crowsnest Pass, AB to play at the jams at the Hillcrest Miners Club. He became good friends with the members of the band, and it also led to him meeting his future wife, Sandra when he would go to her mom’s house to jam with friends after the club jam was over. He also played with the Coyote Creek band in and around the area for a few years.

After Bob and Sandra married, they purchased the Rangeview Gas Station in Lundbreck, AB which they renamed O’Bies General Mercantile. Bob was in his glory: renovating, managing, and getting to know the locals. After 10 years, they decided to retire from the business and sold it.        

Bob was a man of many skills. He could fix anything, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or mechanical. After retiring he restored a 1928 Durant truck, worked on his guitars, recorded a bluegrass song “Reminiscing” with the help of his friend, Roy Warhurst, jammed as much as possible, travelled (his favorite trip was to Nashville in 2019), renovated the house, rode his motorcycle, and helped friends and family with any project going. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Sandra; his sons, Robert “Bob” and his son, Robert of Barrie, ON and Dale, his wife Shauna and their daughters, Taylor and Katelyn of Lethbridge, AB; his granddaughter Jessie and wife Regan O’Brien; grandson, Wade O’Brien and grandsons Carter and Bentley of Ontario; stepsons, Errol and Patricia Nystrom and their daughter, Jayda; and Behn Nystrom and fiancée Gisele d’Auteuil of Lundbreck, AB; as well as his sisters, Shirley Andrews, and Patsy Myers, and many friends and relatives in PEI.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Stella; his son Ed in May of 2023; and his brothers, Noel and Joseph.

Donations in memory of Bob will be gratefully accepted by Dying with Dignity Canada (500 -1835 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4S 1X8), or the Jack Ady Cancer Center (960 – 19 St. South, Lethbridge AB. T1J 1W5).  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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