Obituary of Joseph O'Brien

O’BRIEN, Joseph Wesley October 22, 1933 - October 12, 2016 Joe died as he would have wanted to, suddenly and at his home in the Glynnwood Retirement residence, Thornhill, Ontario. Joe had enjoyed time with his family over Thanksgiving and was mourning the loss of his dear golden retriever, Bonnie. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Helen O’Brien. They had built a good life together, and Joe supported Helen through a long and difficult illness. Joe is also survived by his first wife, Jean O’Brien. Joe was a proud and loving father to his three children, Carol Anne (Jim Barker), David (Idris Ghazal), and Steve (Catherine), and his grandchildren, Ben, Peter, and Erin. He was a second father to his stepson Casey Worthington (Julia). Joe was raised in Didsbury, Alberta and Ottawa, where he attended Glebe Collegiate. He was “head boy” and a football player, and was recruited to play for the Queen’s Golden Gaels. He graduated from Queen’s in 1955, having met Jean Curran, and they married in 1957 in Toronto. Together they enjoyed Halifax, while Joe attended Dalhousie Law School. Following his call to the Ontario bar in 1960, Joe began his law practice in Kingston. During the Bar Admission Course, Joe met David Griffiths, and in 1961 David invited Joe to join his Toronto litigation practice, Bell Temple Griffiths. Working together with a group of talented colleagues, they developed what became a successful insurance litigation practice at Cassels Brock. Joe was an active member of The Advocates’ Society and taught in the Bar Admission Course. Joe was honoured to be appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ontario (as it then was) in 1981. He enjoyed and was invigorated by his work as a judge, until his retirement at age 65 in 1998. In his post-retirement career, Joe was re-united with David Griffiths, and worked with a number of other retired judges at ADR Chambers, doing arbitrations and mediations until his full retirement in late 2010. In addition to his work, Joe took pleasure in all of the seasons and their many athletic and outdoor activities. He enjoyed golf at the Mississauga Club, the Hunt Club, the Board of Trade and on vacations. He played tennis for many years, including at the Boulevard Club. He continued downhill skiing well into his 70’s, with at least one annual trip to Colorado or Jackson Hole with his long-time ski buddies. Joe was pleased that Casey took him to Georgian Bay for kayaking trips, and enjoyed the challenge of learning a new sport. The pool that he and Helen had at their Kleinberg home was enjoyed for daily work-outs and for summer gatherings. His favourite place was the Humber Valley adjacent to their property, where he jogged, hiked, cross-country skied or snow-shoed with his dogs. Beginning with his Airedale Terrier, Laddie, Joe had a life-long attachment to his dogs, most of whom were golden retrievers. Kelly was the hub of life at the Caledon place and in Moore Park, and she made the move to Kleinburg with Joe and Helen in 1984. She was followed by Tigger, Murphy, Clancy, and Bonnie. If he wanted to avoid discussing his work as a lawyer or judge, Joe would tell people that he raised golden retrievers. They were his dear companions. Joe enjoyed reading history and discussing his reading with Jim. Joe’s efforts to master the piano provided a pleasing challenge to him, and he continued with that at Glynnwood. Joe and Helen took some wonderful vacations together over the years, exploring many parts of Europe, taking cruises, and making regular trips to Hilton Head and Florida. They enjoyed many vacations in Mexico with the Parmelee-Hutchinsons. They also travelled with David and Idris, and a trip to Jordan was a highlight. When Helen could no longer travel, David and Idris helped Joe to continue travelling, with recent trips to Mexico and Costa Rica. Joe moved to Glynnwood in 2014 and appreciated that he and Bonnie were able to enjoy daily walks in the woods. He took pleasure in new friendships and appreciated the kindness of Glynnwood’s staff and of Dr. Voudaris. A private service will be held at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) followed by a private cremation. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the Nature Conservancy of Canada would be appreciated. Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.