Wilf O’Brien passed away just shy of his 92 birthday in Quesnel, BC. He is remembered with love by his wife, children, extended family and friends.
Wilf was born to William and Louise O’Brien in Grafton, Ontario on April 2, 1923. He was the fourth of 14 children. When he was a young man, Wilf joined the army with intentions of serving in WWll. After his service, he returned to Ontario. Over the next decade, he worked and traveled across Canada. He eventually left Ontario and settled in Kelowna. In 1972, Wilf’s highway construction work, lead him to Quesnel where he met his wife, Doreen. Many in the Quesnel community knew Wilf as the “Candyman”. He was well known for his pocketful of Werther’s which he shared with local acquaintances as he entertained them with his jokes and stories. Wilf was a generous, community member. In the later part of his retirement years, Wilf annually raised money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada by canvassing his neighbor’s and family for donations. He was proud to have raised over $20,000 during this time.
Wilf will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Doreen, children Colleen (Jerry) Vanderhoeven, William (Sharon) O’Brien, LaVerne (Brigita) O’Brien, Cathy (Rick) Hughes, Karen (Dave) Hay, and step children Doug Lupulack, Bill (Sue) Lupulack, Linda Fuhrer (Gord Wall), Donna (Terry) Holmberg, Judy (Gord) Minion, and Ron (Kelly) Lupulack, and siblings Theresa Fowler, Joe O’Brien, Angela Peters, Margaret Cottons, and Phyllis Combe, as well as his 25 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends. Wilf was predeceased by his parents, 5 brothers, 3 sisters, and two sons.
A celebration of Wilf’s life was held on April 10, 2015 at Clayton Funeral Home, Quesnel, BC with internment at the Quesnel and District Cemetery. Doreen and family thank everyone sincerely for their support, cards, and flowers during their time of sorrow. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and will always be remembered. Donations in Wilf’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.