Philip Michael "Mike" O'Brien

February 15, 1944 - January 22, 2024

The O'Brien family is heartbroken to share the sudden passing of Mike O'Brien. Mike passed away at Victoria General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Mike is survived by his wife of 42 years, Peggy, who was the love of his life. He was Dad to Tim, Papa to Emma, Lily and Jasper and father-in-law to Lindsay and Terry. Mike was pre-deceased by his daughter Jodi, siblings Sylvia and Terry, and brother-in-law Ken.

Mike was born in a baggage car between Ignace and Dryden, and grew up in Thunder Bay, ON. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth and spent his career in public service. He was the Director of Organization Development at Victoria General Hospital during the planning and construction and move to the Helmcken site. He served as Vice-Chair of Worker's Compensation Review Board and Appeal Division, and Vice Chair and Chair of the Review Board.

Mike had a lifelong love of wood boats. He restored and maintained 3 beautiful classic wood yachts, attended Silva Bay Shipyard school and in his retirement built wood boats in his home workshop.

Mike was a life member of the Classic Yacht Association and was a founding member, Commodore and historian of the Canadian fleet of the Association.

Mike and Peggy spent countless summers boating in the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound and beyond aboard Euphemia II.

After retirement, Mike and Peggy travelled the world, collecting stamps in their passports from over 100 countries, all 7 continents and cruising every ocean. Their most recent adventure was to Antarctica in November, where Mike fulfilled a lifelong dream of a submarine expedition in Antarctic waters.

He will be greatly missed by his large extended family and friends. Mike was a trusted advisor, mentor and confidant to so many throughout his life.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.