GUY O'BRIEN

GUY O'BRIEN
With sorrow we announce that Guy O'Brien passed away at age 90 on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born May 5, 1935 in Fort William to parents Guy and Matilda (Heise) O'Brien, Guy was the youngest of their seven children, all of whom he survived.

After graduation from St Patrick's High School, Guy attended North Bay Teachers College and began a long and distinguished career in education. At Camp Petawawa, he taught children of Canadian Armed Forces personnel. He then went to work for the public school board in Atikokan, where he met and soon married Joan Grolman and began his family. He was soon recognized as an outstanding educator and recruited to be the inspector for the Catholic schools of the city of Port Arthur and communities east. During those years he also completed a Bachelor of Arts degree through the University of Ottawa and a Master of Education degree from University of Toronto's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

When the cities of Port Arthur and Fort William were amalgamated, a new Lakehead District Catholic School Board was formed, combining four separate school boards. Guy was appointed its Director of Education and held the position until his retirement in 1992. He provided vision, leadership and drive to develop the new school system into one of the most highly regarded in the province. Although often acknowledged for the system's success, he was quick to credit the many others who worked with him. He led his staff expertly with intelligence, wisdom, integrity, a strong sense of purpose, and his rare ability to inspire people to be at their best. He valued every member of the system, from Board members and administrators, to school staff and students, to custodians, viewing each as crucial in creating and maintaining the high standards of the system.

Guy also donated his time and talents to many groups within the community and province; his advice and counsel were frequently sought by agencies, organizations, and individuals. He was a proud Rotarian, serving for a time as president, and held positions on many boards of governors locally and provincially, often as chair. These included Saint Joseph's General Hospital, St. Joseph's Foundation, Lakehead University, the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers Association, the Order of Alhambra, Christmas cheer, St. Andrew's Church, the Dew Drop Inn, and election campaigns. He was a financial supporter of many charitable, cultural, and health organizations. Several chose him to lead successful fundraising campaigns because of his philanthropic example, upstanding character, and high reputation in the community. Through all these endeavours, he received many accolades, much admiration and respect, yet remained his humble self.

Guy's greatest devotion lay with his family. He and Joan spent 45 years showing their deep love and dedication for each other, their children and grandchildren, son Danny (deceased), son David (wife Barb and children Taylor and Nicholas), daughter Kathy (husband Don and daughter Krista), and son Michael. He prided in their accomplishments and delighted in their presence. To his family, Guy was a model of integrity, modesty, kindness. The word most used by family to describe him was "generous". He was always giving to others, especially his family. He wanted to make sure his loved ones were well taken care of. At the same time, he was incredibly humble.

After Joan's death, Guy once again found lasting love in long-time friend Barbara Viehbeck, with whom he remained for the rest of his life. Guy and Barb were each welcomed into the other's families. He was a joy to Barb's family (Sarah, Rob and Charlie; Davis, Rena, Livia and Kara) and they to him.

Friendships were also important to Guy, and they were many and far-reaching over the years. His golf buddies and Friday lunch bunch were especially enjoyed in later years.

Gratitude is extended to the nursing staff and other health care professionals at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center's Emergency, Cath Lab, and Intensive Care Units, in particular, to Dr. Taha and Dr. Scott.

Respecting Guy's wishes, cremation and a private entombment were held with immediate family at our Lady of Charity mausoleum at St. Andrew's Roman Catholic cemetery. In honour of Guy, donations would be appreciated to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation Northern Cardiac Fund or Northern Cancer Fund or St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay, or a charity of choice.

Guy O'Brien was a man of many virtues and talents, which he used wisely for the benefit of others. People knew him through his deeds and were fortunate to have felt his influence. Educator, leader, volunteer, husband, father, grandfather, friend, partner: he did them all well. He will be missed.

Condolences may be made to nwfainc.com