Dick O'Brien

Richard “Dick” Murrough O'Brien passed away peacefully after a courageously fought battle with pancreatic cancer on Saturday, July 26th, 2025.  Born in Wolfeville, Nova Scotia, Dick was the loving husband of Gale; dad who stepped up to Ryan (Jordan) Miltenburg and Aaron O'Brien.  Proud grandpa of Jackson Miltenburg.  Dick will be deeply missed by his siblings Peggy (Peter Lockie), Ardagh (Franz Futterknecht), Katherine (Wayne Papoff), Susan (Dennis Weekes), and Michael; As well as his brother-in-law Gary (Mary Ellen) Golbeck. Cherished uncle of 17 nieces and nephews.  Also remembered by Leslie Tindall.   Pre-deceased by his parents, Murrough & Lesley O'Brien and his in-laws, Floyd & Caroline Golbeck. 

Throughout his life Dick made a positive impact on many, beginning as a scout leader in London, Ontario and a Big Brother in Etobicoke.  Dick was voted outstanding young person for the Borough of Etobicoke in 1978.  First elected in 1973 Dick served his Etobicoke community for over 27 years; 15 years as an Alderman for the Borough of Etobicoke, 10 years as a Metro Toronto Councillor and 3 years as a Councillor in the newly amalgamated City of Toronto.  Throughout his political career Dick served on many committees, both as a member and chair, including as the mayor's representative for the City of Toronto Y2K steering committee.  He joined the board of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in 1984 and was elected by a group of his peers as chair in 1996.

Known in his community as "Uncle Richard", his greatest passion was spending time in the maple bush at his farm in Priceville and producing Uncle Richard's maple syrup. 

Cremation has taken place.  As per Dick's wishes there will be no funeral service.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 308, 271 Bruce Street North, Durham, Ontario on Sunday, September 14^th from 1 – 4 p.m., with memories being shared at 2 p.m. 

At Dick's request, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to the Dick & Gale O'Brien endowment fund, c/o Brightshores Health System Owen Sound Foundation; London Health Sciences Centre Foundation; the Saugeen Valley Children's Safety Village or a charity of your choice. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many doctors for their care and compassion during Dick's difficult journey - Dr. Rai; Dr. Leslie; Dr. Glick; Dr. Batra; Dr. Young; Dr. Sandhu; and palliative care Drs. Batten and Barfoot.  Not to be forgotten are the very caring nurses and staff of the oncology department and 6th floor of Brightshores Health System, Owen Sound who treated Dick with dignity and respect until the very end.

Arrangements entrusted to McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.