Obituary of Gregory "Greg" Allan O'Brien, Glace Bay, Halifax

1960-2022 Today we the family and friends of Greg O’Brien, age 62 announce his passing on Saturday, June 4th, 2022 at the Glace Bay Hospital after a brief illness. Born in the coal mining community of New Aberdeen, Glace Bay, Greg was the dear and proud son of the late Daniel Joseph “D.J.” and Mary Catherine (Corbett) O’Brien. Greg was one of eleven children, which consisted of seven brothers and four sisters. Aisha was his niece but he always looked at her as a little sister. They had a special bond of love and respect right to the end of his earthly journey. She learned many life lessons from her Uncle Greg and will continue to make him proud of showing kindness and respect to others. Brothers and sisters left to mourn are, Brendon (Lori), Brampton, ON, Kevin (Jo Ann), Ottawa, Kirk (Linda), Glace Bay, Terry, Mira, Robert, Glace Bay, Danny, Glace Bay, Marilyn (Kevin), Sydney, Linda, Glace Bay, Paula, Halifax, Corinne (Adrian) Mackenzie, British Columbia as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Greg was predeceased by a special nephew, Jaren Patrick and a sister in law, Phyllis (wife of brother, Rob). They all hold a special place in his heart. Greg was a very active man and enjoyed the outdoors; he had a great passion for skating, walking, skiing and spending time at the beach, enjoying the sun. Helping others and making a difference, that was Greg. He loved people and never took anything you gave him or anyone who showed him kindness and appreciation for granted. That is how he lived his entire life. Greg was very proud of his roots and given any opportunity would certainly speak so highly of Glace Bay and Cape Breton in general. Whether it was when he was a tour guide at the Keltic Lodge in Ingonish or working at both the V.G. and Q.E. II Hospital, Halifax, where he retired from after 30 plus years of service. They threw the mold away when Greg was born, he was the whole package for sure. When he worked at the hospital he loved the interaction with the wonderful staff, patients and families. They gave Greg a heartwarming send off for his retirement, he was truly touched by this gesture. He was blessed to have such great co-workers that he called, “Friends”. His presence will be deeply missed. Greg was a Roman Catholic and had a strong faith. He loved to cook and prepare a nice meal for family, friends, co-workers and neighbours. Always giving of himself, when you were leaving Greg’s, you were always given a “Treat bag” which would consist of many goodies. You had to wait until you got home to open the treat bag, that was tradition. Greg loved laughter and watching people enjoying each other’s company. He enjoyed all types of music but Celtic was high on his list as well as the Rankins, Rita McNeil and Men of the Deeps. When Greg retired from the hospital and moved to Sydney, he became great friends with Karen and Bill Taylor. He also loved their dog, Clark Criswall, who became his little buddy. We would like to thank the Taylor’s for being special friends, Greg thought of them as family, also to the nursing staff of 3rd floor, Glace Bay Hospital and family doctor, Dr. Carol Boutilier for her home visits and Dr. Diane MacLachlan for her care and compassion shown to our family. A special thank you to Greg’s lifetime friend, Karen McLeod, Sydney and dear friend, Pauline McLeod of Sydney Mines, and travel friend, Rachael McLeod, Halifax, who all showed him so much kindness and compassion. Your visits, phone calls and sense of humour put a big smile on Greg’s face and ours as well. There will be a kitchen party in heaven tonight. St. Peter will be given a treat bag by Greg and the sounds of Rita McNeil music will be playing loud. Visitation for Greg will be held on Sunday evening, June 12th, 2022 from 7 pm to 9 pm in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday afternoon, June 13th at 1 p.m. in St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay with Fr. Duaine Devereaux presiding. A reception will follow in the church foyer. Burial in the parish cemetery, Wallace Road. Memorial donations in memory of Greg may be made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, Cancer Centre or your local SPCA. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca Greg's funeral will be Live streamed at: https://youtu.be/V6RPvOCCF5E