Charles O'Brien

O'BRIEN, Charles (Charlie) Simon passed away on October 26, 2020 at the age of 73 surrounded by his loving family. Charlie was born in Cape Broyle and spent much of his life working outside of the Province, first in Labrador as a young man and then in Scarborough and Brampton Ontario, settling back to his beloved Cape Broyle in retirement. Along with being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and brother-in-law, he was well respected in his community and in Ontario where he had many good friends and co-workers. Incredibly hard working and self-reliant, Charlie loved entertaining and having a good time. He shared his passion for his guitar and the Montreal Canadians with all. He opened our home in Brampton to many a lonely Newfoundlander looking for refuge, friendship and home. Predeceased by parents Charles and Madonna O’Brien, brother Augustine O’Brien, nephew Brendan Kelly and brothers-in-law Ronald Hayden, John Walsh and Bill Kelly. Also predeceased by parents-in-law Paul and Dorothy Ronayne, brother-in-law Martin Ronayne and niece Tracey Ronayne. Charlie will be missed by his sweetheart, love of his life and wife of 52 years Anna, daughters Julie (Dave) Moore, Lisa O’Brien (Jesse Croft), Coleen (Scott) Crane and grandchildren Jessica, Amber, Madison, Ashton and Charlie. Charlie was close to his family and a committed big brother. He will be missed by his uncle Fred (Marg) Perry, sisters and brothers Sheila Kelly, Florrie Hayden (Dermie), Aggie Walsh (Philip), Marion (Randy) Sturge, Linda Whelan, Rosie (Fred) Meaney, Dave (Carol) O’Brien, Steve (Pam) O’Brien, Walter (Jocelyn) O’Brien, and by brother and sisters-in-law Joe (Peg) Ronayne, Muriel Ronayne, Mary (Wilbur) Rice, and Rita (Vince) Lynch. Charlie loved his many nieces and nephews, having a special place for them in his heart and a few dollars for them in his pocket. The family would like to especially recognize the tremendous professional care he received from nurses Michelle Rossiter, Audrey Dalton, nurse practitioner Sharon Aylward, Katie and Dan at the Baltimore Family Pharmacy, Dr. Lester at the Cancer Centre and to his compassionate caregivers Pam O’Brien, Jill Walsh and Patricia (Cookie) Walsh. You all tenderly helped us through the special family time we had during his illness. The family would also like to thank the people of the communities on the Southern Shore and those in Cape Broyle in particular. Charlie loved Newfoundland, the southern shore and his hill which he tended as a boy with his father and grandfather. He believed in the strength and future of Newfoundlanders and paid forward many acts of kindness that were quietly repaid by those who loved him in the last year and a half – we will remember each of you. At his request, cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Bay Bulls on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 2pm to 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 11am at the Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Cape Broyle. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this will be limited to 100 people who will be contacted and confirmed in advance. Inurnment to follow at Our Lady of the Cape R.C. Cemetery, Cape Broyle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Our Lady of the Cape Cemetery in Charlie’s memory. Please share an act of kindness with someone in memory of our dear love and dad who was so special and will forever be in our hearts. “Say nothing and only saw wood”.
The island has no strangers
'cause everybody is your friend,
The little isle of Newfoundland,
I'd like to see again. (B. Cuff)

SERVICES

Visitation

Friday, October 30, 2020
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Ryan's Funeral Home
1 Cemetery Lane East
Bay Bulls,

Funeral Service

Saturday, October 31, 2020
11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception RC Church
Harbour Road
Cape Broyle,

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