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Bob Young posted a condolence
Sunday, February 28, 2021
Sorry to hear of Peter's passing, I 1st met Peter when I was transferred to Nova Scotia as a Representative of the Steelworkers Union and although Peter's jobs in Nova Scotia was across the table from me, I never found him to be anything but a new friend. Peter had explained to me about growing up in Buchans and then we often spoke of our roles with industrial relations. I always found Peter to be a wonderful person to chat with about current affairs as well as Newfoundland and Labrador issues. One thing I remember of our talks was the fact that he would at every opportunity go back "home" to buy a sheep for his winter supply of of lamb as he always liked the taste of the lamb raised back home than that purchased at the supermarkets in Halifax. Isn't it strange of the subjects and conversations that pop-up so many years later. Peter and I also served on the "Labour-Management Committee which was advising the Nova Scotia Government on labour-management issues of the day. It was the John Buchannan Government and Ken Streach as Labour Minister and the infamous Michelin Bill that caused the end of that Committee. However even though Peter and i were on opposite sides of the table we never had any bad feelings towards the issues. Peter and Lloyd Shaw were the 2 people on the management side that I most remember and both were true gentlemen. Rest peacefully Peter and thank you for the chats, support and memories.
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Laura (Higdon) Williams, St. John's NL posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Peter and although you do not know me, I extend my sincere condolences to all of you at this time of grief. The O'Briens lived quite close to me when I grew up in Buchans. I remember Peter and his brother Stephen, both of whom were just a couple of years older than I. Their mother, a very lovely lady, was our school nurse. Although I have never crossed paths with Peter since those days of my youth, I do recall my parents telling me about his successes and I remember reading some of his writings that were printed in newspapers. The O'Briens were admired and highly respected in our town and it was wonderful to read about Peter's life and the things that truly mattered to him. HIs parents would have been very proud. May memories of happy family times shared together be a source of comfort in the days ahead. God bless you.
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Rick Rivers posted a condolence
Monday, February 22, 2021
Dear Erin, Greg, Mark and Family
So sorry for your and Halifax’s loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I never met your Dad/Father-in-Law but his work profile was so good for the citizens of our community.
Remember the countless happy times he gave you!
Rick Rivers
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Dan O'Connor posted a condolence
Monday, February 22, 2021
My deepest condolences. I was NDP chief of staff from 1986 to 2013, with a two year break when I did the same job in Ottawa. I got to know Peter as an extremely effective and constructive representative of small business, and a wise observer of provincial politics in this region. It was always fun and instructive to chat with him. He never seemed to waste a minute of his time or anyone else's, yet so easy-going. Peter understood and represented a particular interest with a great spirit of public service. A great loss.
Dan O'Connor
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Richard Fahey posted a condolence
Monday, February 22, 2021
My deepest condolences for the passing of a true advocate for small businesses in the Maritimes. I had the pleasure of working with Peter to defend the underdog and make sure they strive. His legacy carries on and he will continue to guide us in the years to come!
Richard Fahey (Montreal)
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Joe Foy posted a condolence
Monday, February 22, 2021
Dear Mary and Family, my sincere condolences. And also to all those many others for whom Peter's passing is like looking up at the night sky and realizing that a star has gone out. How clearly I remember the hundreds of times, during the years that I was in the NS Govt., when the phone would ring and that brash Irish voice would say "Hi, Joe" and laugh, and then "Do you know what is happening (about this or that)" or, just as often, "How about a coffee!"....during which we would discuss any of the uncountable things he was interested in, or our parallel times as young men being trained by Christian Brothers and Jesuits, or growing up in Buchans or St. Louis, or other "good ole days"....the story teller in Peter was irrepressible and the chuckle contagious! He leaves us with the greatest of legacies: Many, many good memories. Joe Foy
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Anne Crossman posted a condolence
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Dear Mary and Peter's family,
I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I was always grateful for his attendance at my former husband's (John Sansom) funeral service all those year's ago. He was warm and friendly and tough and smarter than anything. He had such a lovely voice and smile. Peter had a good long haul and made a difference.
All my very best,
Anne M. Crossman, formerly Sansom
Centrelea, NS
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Terry Provo (Bigpapa) lit a candle
Sunday, February 21, 2021
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My deepest condolences to the O'Brien family. It was great to spend 10 days with Peter while we were both in the hospital. I met Peter back about 20 years ago when I got to work for his son Greg at the cafe that he had opened. It was very nice to get to talk to the family after all these years. Very sorry for your loss. May god be with you in this time of grief.
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Michael Banks posted a condolence
Sunday, February 21, 2021
I first met this wonderful man decades ago when he was doing PR for the old Medical Society of NS. Using his fatherly baritone, he coached us in negotiating fees with the provincial government. Later, he and I began a professional relationship which I cherished. Whenever I saw him, there was a proudly delivered story about his offspring and always a nugget of O'Brien philosophy or political prediction, delivered with his trademark chuckle. He was unique, in the very best sense of the word. My sympathies to you Mary, and to Shawn, Greg and Erin who have been left a rich legacy to savour forever.
Michael Banks
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Linda MacLeod posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Dear Mary and family. I am so saddened to hear about Peter's passing. I met him in April 1967 and he was such a great guy and gentleman. He took me under his wing when I was endeavoring to become a singer/songwriter. If you remember, I stayed with you on Connaught Avenue the first time I ever came to Halifax. Any time I phoned him over the years he was always gracious with his time. I will remember him fondly and of course, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sending much love and hugs to you.
Linda Mac|Leod
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Stephen Jones posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
My condolences to the O’Brien family on your loss. Mr. O’Brien was a constant presence at Saint Agnes, the rink or playing field. I still have a photo he took at a hockey banquet in the church hall -Sean was gr. 9- which speaks to his kindness and pride of family. His confidence and drive were passed on to his kids who in turn had a positive impact on those around them. His influence has made Halifax a better place and we are all a little poorer for having lost him.
Stephen & Anne Jones and family
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Gordon Gillis posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, February 20, 2021
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20 years ago I used to meet with Peter almost on a weekly basis to hear the views of small business. He would engage in confidential discussions and never once did I worry about any leaking of information prematurely. With his help we developed much better legislation and programs than government could have done without his advice. A real honourable gentleman.
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Colleen MacDonald posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Dear Mary, Shawn, Greg and Erin: My deepest sympathy for your loss of Peter. I knew your husband and Dad from his many visits to Province House, both when I was a staff member of Premier Savage’s Office and then as Chief of Protocol. Peter was always a gentleman. He was a fierce advocate for small business. I witnessed many a scrum, as you mentioned in his very well written obituary, in the halls of the legislature. We had many talks as he waited for his chance to make his pitch to the press, especially regarding my roots in Newfoundland. With always a smile when he saw me, I will always have fond memories of a very decent and hard working man. I was honoured to have known him. With my positive thoughts of Peter and heartfelt condolences to your entire family. Sincerely, Colleen (Mercer) MacDonald
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Pat Duggan posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
I have great memories of growing up with the O’Briens. Fondly remember the times at Herman’s Island when we snuck out late one night and thought we were smart ... only Mr. O’B was smarter and scared us back to our rooms! Sincere condolences to the entire family especially Mrs. O’B, Shawn, GOB and Erin.
Pat Duggan
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Robin Falconer posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Sorry to hear of Peter s passing, will miss him and Mary at the little Queensland beach. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Robin and Marlene Falconer
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Chris Bryant posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
I was sad to read Peter's obituary. He was such a larger than life character that I kind of assumed he would live forever! When I worked for government, I had a number of dealings with Peter. He regularly attacked government for things we had done, or not done. to small business but he usually warned us in advance so we could be ready to respond. Peter and I used to run into each other doing grocery shopping and he always had helpful things to say. A true professional who will be missed. I send sympathy to his family of whom he was very proud.
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Kim Houston posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, February 20, 2021
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Shawn and family may you celebrate your father with the same enthusiasm as he lived his life, and may you pass on all the life lessons learned to the next generation to make this world a better place. I just wish I had had the opportunity to meet this great and wonderful man as I know I would be a better person for it. My heart is with you all and may the power of memory always be with you.
Kim Houston
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Joyce Crowley posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Mary and family, My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Peter. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time . May God bless you all as you say good bye to a good man .
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Brian Duggan posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Shawn, Greg, Erin
Remembering a good man who was always ready to engage in 'conversation'. My first experience of your Dad was in Saint Agnes Church Hall, we had an energetic conversation about the 'politics' of the day (1970's). I forget all of the arguments but will never forgot that moment!
Wishing all of you comfort and peace these days.
Brian Duggan
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Jeff McInnis posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
To my wonderful Aunt Mary, cousin’s Shawn, Gregory and Erin, extended family (Susan, Lynn and Mark) and all the grandkids, it is with the deepest condolences and personal sadness that I share your grief in the passing of this loyal husband, amazing father, grandfather, friend and favorite uncle.
I will forever cherish the countless memories of our collective fun family times together, too numerous to regale and most of which will leave us in tears from laughter. This great family man never missed a teaching opportunity. How to properly conduct ourselves as young men, always be on time for Mass, solve our problems through thoughtful discussion & debate and achieve our goals through dedication and hard work. I am especially grateful for our many long car rides together, you as chauffeur and me as the stick boy. He always provided the perfect balance of encouragement when needed and instilled the fear of God when appropriate. His passion for for the “little guy” and entrepreneurial spirt inspired many of us to take chances in our own business’s and reminded us it’s ok to fail.
Uncle Pete, it’s now your time to put your feet up for good, of course with your trademark “executive length” socks on. Your work here has been plentiful and rewarding. You leave behind a wonderful legacy of inspired family members, friends community and business associates and you will be deeply missed. I know you will continue to watch over and guide us in spirit. I’m looking forward to celebrating your life when we can all get together this summer.
Your “favorite” nephew, Jeffery.
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Beverly Hubley posted a condolence
Friday, February 19, 2021
Dear Shaun ,
I’m so sorry to hear of your father passing . This is indeed a sad time during Covid . Your dad enjoyed life to the fullest and had a great love for his family . My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time .
Deepest sympathy, Beverly Hubley
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The family of Peter Foran O'Brien uploaded a photo
Friday, February 19, 2021
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