Contributions to the tribute of Tom O'Brien

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Mike Butler posted a condolence

Friday, July 21, 2023

I just heard about Toms passing. My condolences to the family. I met Tom at Lakeshore Teachers College in 1969. Then spent time together at Laurier. I wish the family the best. Good bye to an old friend

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Michael and Marisa Berardo posted a condolence

Monday, January 24, 2022

Just saw this now. So sad to hear. My wife Marisa and I moved in next door to your parents on Clearbrooke. Such amazing memories of your family, always a place in our hearts. So sad again to hear about Tom. Thoughts and prayers Michael, Marisa Berardo and Family.

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Christine Devine posted a condolence

Saturday, October 30, 2021

To Tom’s family, I am Soo sorry for your loss. Tom was a giant of a man. His humour was larger than life. His care and warmth had no limits. His guidance and leadership stretched far and wide. I had the pleasure of working with him and being mentored by him for a number of memorable years. Myself and many others were blessed having known him and having worked alongside him. He will be missed.

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Kimberly Myers posted a condolence

Friday, October 29, 2021

I just heard of Tom's passing. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Tom at St. David. As a new teacher, he took me under his wing (just like he did so many others) and taught me many valuable lessons not only as an educator but as a person. His sense of humour was second to none and his passion for basketball and teaching youth were extraordinary. A true legend that will definitely be missed by so many.

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Christine Sabourin posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

My connections with Tom span many years and places... and what a small world it is! I worked with Tom at St. David's for many years and always enjoyed his sense of humour and commitment to the school and particularly the athletic program contributing his legendary basketball expertise. I had completed 3 years of teaching in Sierra Leone and decided to leave my photo albums in the staffroom for a few days for colleagues to share. It was then that Tom excitedly informed me that there were photos of his brother in my albums! Unknown to me was that Kevin O'Brien, with whom I had worked in Sierra Leone, was Tom's brother - coincidence #1. Several years later when flying to Amsterdam on route once again to teach in Sierra Leone, I sat beside a priest who was heading up a group of parishioners heading to Germany for the Passion Play. In our discussion he shared that one of his parishioners had a son who had taught in Sierra Leone and that he would switch seats with her so we could chat. Unbelievable as it was, the woman was their mother, Mrs. O'Brien - I had taught with Tom in Waterloo and Kevin in Sierra Leone - coincidence #2. More recently I had the pleasure of meeting up with Tom several times at Grand River where we agreed to keep each other in our prayers - coincidence #3. Rest in peace "Tommy O".

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Chris Critelli posted a condolence

Saturday, October 23, 2021

Tom was a gentle man, unselfishly gave to the game of basketball and this made him loved by his players and fellow coaches. Hs wisdom was shared and his thoughtfulness valued. I am so fortunate to have known him. Chris Critelli

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Craig Nickel donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Saturday, October 23, 2021

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Laura Hayne uploaded photo(s)

Friday, October 22, 2021

His warm smile and that hint of mischief in his eyes will be remembered by the many students whose lives he has touched. Mr. O’Brien was a favourite of so many of us at St. David’s. Our condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Mr. O’Brien.

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Jim Wyatt posted a condolence

Thursday, October 21, 2021

I first met Tom in ‘63/64, introduced through a mutual friend (Greg Warren). It wasn’t until 65/66, again through a mutual friend (Ross Woodley), that we got to know each other. That year I became a fraternity brother of Toms. Tom was only 1 yr. old than myself, but was so wise beyond his years. Can you say hero worship!!! Tom was very intelligent, a natural comedian and a competitive athlete. He was loved and respected by all whose hearts he touched. Tom’s light has dimmed; but he will always live on in our hearts and memories!! As he was always a natural leader; I am sure he is being made Chairman of our Nirvana Chapter. Sincere wishes for strength and understanding go out to the O’Brien family.

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Brian and Ann Collins pledged to donate to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Thursday, October 21, 2021

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Terry & Judy Benn pledged to donate to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Thursday, October 21, 2021

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Pam Garbutt & Family donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Thursday, October 21, 2021

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Peter & Barb Smola pledged to donate to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Thursday, October 21, 2021

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Kevin O'Brien & Stephanie Andrews donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Thursday, October 21, 2021

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Kevin Stanely donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Thursday, October 21, 2021

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Dave Gwilliams posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

I was saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I have such great memories of Tom through our years at TCI and as bros in Gamma Omicron. My sincere condolences to all of his family in his loss.

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John Blom donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Our deepest condolences to the O'Brien Family.

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Bob Fry posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Maureen and I were deeply saddened hearing of Tom’s passing. Although we haven’t seen each other in 50 years we look back fondly on our high school years together. A fraternity brother, an usher at our wedding, Tom was a true friend. Time and distance has kept us apart but that is all water under the bridge. Our condolences to his children and his family. He will always have a warm place in our hearts. Bob and Maureen Fry

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Peter and Barbara Smola pledged to donate to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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The family of Tom O'Brien uploaded a photo

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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Tribute Store

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. AS ALWAYS, TOM, TOMMIE AND MICHAEL.

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Brian Coghlan donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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Peter & Michele Domengoni donated to GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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Tom Kieswetter posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

When Tom was coaching the Women's basketball team at the University of Waterloo I was coaching the Men's team, so I was able to spend lots of time with him, in gyms, on buses, in restaurants and often in each other's offices talking about basketball and life. He was intelligent, insightful, affable and caring. He was also a great person to talk to because he was a helpful listener and he knew a lot about teaching, coaching, competing and about people. The world was a better place when Tom was around and he made difference in many, many lives. My condolences to his family. Tom Kieswetter

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Doug Bernard uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

I was saddened today to hear about Tom’s passing. Tom and I first met in elementary school at St. Benedict’s. Years later Tom and I taught together at D’Arcy McGee, Michael Power and Father Redmond. Tom graciously agreed to be the MC at my wedding to Kathy and as usual he did a wonderful job. Our young families vacationed together at Wasaga Beach. Unfortunately, when Tom and his family moved to Waterloo we lost contact with each other. Tom was an excellent teacher, coach, mentor and friend. He had a wonderful sense of quirky humour and we shared a love of 60’s music. One of my fondest memories of a night with Tom was attending a Roy Orbison concert together at Massey Hall. The picture I have included is a picture of Tom at Teen Ranch during a week long trip there with our D'Arcy students. I would like to express condolences from my wife Kathy and I to Kerry, Kevin, Rick and the rest of the O’Brien family. The world is a little sadder place with Tom now gone. May he rest in peace. Doug And Kathy Bernard

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Kevin O'Brien Posted Oct 20, 2021 at 5:23 PM

Hi Doug! This is Tom's son Kevin - our family remembered yours fondly, despite having lost contact - in fact, I found a picture the other day of Elyse (sorry if I'm spelling the name wrong) and I together on a ride at the Ex. Lots of love to you, and your family. Thanks for the comment.

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Stephen Bourdon donated to GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Tom's family and friends.

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Darlene posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Mr. O'Brien taught me at Redmond in the 90s. He was certainly a fantastic teacher and individual. I am very saddened to hear of his illness and passing. My deepest sympathies to his family. Rest easy Sir. Darlene Downey

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Dan and Marg Fernandes donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

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Patty & Jack Duggan posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Dear Cousins/ O'Brien Family We are sending our condolences & prayers for Blaise ( Tom') So many wonderful memories of the gatherings of the Roche/ O'Brien gang on Clearbrooke Circle. Rest in Peace Blaise Love from Patty & Jack Duggan ( cousin)

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David Jaeger, Christine Bencina, Jordan Figueiredo purchased flowers

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

The St David admin team sends condolences to the O'Brien family. My God's grace shine brightly on Tom. He will be missed, he will not be forgotten.

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Peter Smola posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

I was very fortunate to have taught with Tom for about 10 years at St. David Secondary School. What a delightful guy! I thoroughly enjoyed his unique sense of humour. He lit up the staff room! Just a great guy who was enjoyed and respected by staff and students alike. Rest it peace, Tom! Sincerely, Pete Smola

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Kevin McCarthy posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

My condolences on Tom's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time! Kevin McCarthy

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Lisa Scott-Walsh donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

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Amanda (Kieswetter) Finch posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Kevin, Kerry & family, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. He was a wonderful coach and friend. He taught me a lot- not just about basketball, but about being a leader and better person. I am forever grateful for his guidance, support and sense of humour. Sending love and healing vibes during this difficult time. (Waterloo Warriors, 2000-2004)

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Clare Webb posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the O'Brien family during this time of sorrow. Clare (Murphy) Webb and Norm

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carol argue martin posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

So shocked and saddened to read the news of Tom's loss this morning. I had thought I was close to reconnecting with him. So grateful for his kind self, his gentle nature, his jovial jests (including photographing my swollen jaw after wisdom teeth removal) his respectful and generous personality. The O'Brien boys threw the best parties on Clearbrook Circle and the family was essentially loved by all. I know many people from the three local high schools have gone through life carrying memories of Tom either through sports, fraternity, church, or positive influence. For those of you who were lucky enough to continue through life with Tom you were truly blessed. Tom was a wonderful "boy" With affection Carol Argue Martin

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Richard and Karen Burkholder donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Monday, October 18, 2021

Our deepest sympathies to Kerry, Kevin, and your families in the loss of your dad.

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Stephanie Andrews uploaded photo(s)

Monday, October 18, 2021

You are always in our hearts.

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Sarah McQueen & John Machin donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Kevin, Kerry & family, We are so saddened by the loss of your dad. We are thinking of you all during this incredibly difficult time.

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Cathleen McKague pledged to donate to GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Sunday, October 17, 2021

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Janine Nusca uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, October 17, 2021

To an amazing, loving, kind-hearted brother who always kept us laughing with his corny jokes…missing you already.

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Kam Deep & Jara Stojanovic donated to HOSPICE OF WATERLOO REGION

Sunday, October 17, 2021

To Kevin, Kerry & the entire O'Brien family, our deepest and most sincere condolences.

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John Metcalfe posted a symbolic gesture

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Sad to learn of Tom's passing. A character of the game who it was always fun to trade barbs with. Until we meet again Tom, stay wellhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/basketball.png

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Paul Boucher posted a condolence

Saturday, October 16, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with Kerry, Kevin, and their entire extended family during this very difficult time. Tom was a wonderful person who touched the lives of literally thousands of students, parents, and educators with his kind and caring personality. I feel very fortunate to have known him as a friend and colleague. Rest In Peace, Tom. Paul Boucher.

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Elizabeth Payne Posted Oct 17, 2021 at 12:49 AM

Met Tom at the Terrace on the Square where I was privileged to observe his warrior spirit as he bravely went off for chemo with his sandwich only to return with a newly shaved head and nary a single complaint.Each time it was a hearty “Good bye folks See you later” I will miss this gentle strong man.

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Tribute Store

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Our heartfelt condolences to Kevin and the OBriens from Diane and Greg

Tom O'Brien

1947 - 2021