Liam Sterne O'BRIAN

1928 - 2022

LIAM STERNE O'BRIAN June 27, 1928 - November 18, 2022 Liam died peacefully at home in Ottawa. He was 94. Son of Geoffrey Stuart O'Brian (d. 1956) and Katharine Van Rensselaer (St. George, d. 1990); youngest brother of Peter (d. 2007) and Jim (d. 2021); for 57 years, devoted husband of his beloved wife 'BB' Blake, (d. 2011). His death marks the end of a family generation. Liam will be remembered with great love by his children, Ciddy Maclaren (Charlie), Kath O'Brian, and Blake O'Brian (Jennifer Lee). Adored Papa to seven grandchildren - Jen Roberts (Pete), Peter Maclaren (Chantelle Capicciotti), Jill Maclaren, Andrew Pyle (Bre McPhee), Liam Pyle (Caitlyn Gibson), Rowan O'Brian and Kane O'Brian. Great-grandfather to Piper and Ellie Austen; Blake, Henry, Zoe and Callum Roberts. Educated at St. Andrew's College and Upper Canada College, Liam's early experiences at Camp Kieve in Maine and Camp Deerwood in New Hampshire would stay in his heart forever. As a Lieutenant in the 48th Highlanders of Canada, Liam saw service in post-war Germany and was so honoured to be chosen to march as part of the Canadian Armed Regiment in the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He had a varied and interesting career, starting in business and finance with the George Hees Company and Cochran Murray Ltd. in Toronto, McLeod Young Weir in Kitchener-Waterloo, then to Ottawa as the National Director of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in the 70s, finally to Montreal and full circle back to Toronto as Vice President of (TD) Canada Trust until his retirement in 1993. Liam enjoyed gardening, curling, and reading, but he loved golf. He was a Life member of The Toronto Golf Club and served as Club Captain and Honorary President. Liam and BB wintered for 20 years in Sarasota playing at The Meadows and Laurel Oak, enjoyed golf with great friends all over the UK, USA, and Canada, and cherished time with family at cottages in Bobcaygeon and Grand Lake. Liam will be remembered as a kindhearted gentleman, a prodigious and engaging storyteller, leader and organizer. Always sincerely interested in others, Liam's strong presence and engaging smile could light up a room. He lived each day with a positive attitude, and through his actions we learned the importance of always stopping to connect with others, greeting everyone by name. He will be missed more than he could ever imagine. Cremation has taken place. Liam and BB will be interred together at a family gathering at the MacLaren Cemetery in Wakefield QC next summer. We are grateful for the kindness and wonderful care provided by the staff at Carefor, MLC Healthcare Services and New Edinburgh Square. If you would like to make a donation in Liam's honour, please consider Diabetes Canada. Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-233-1143