Reverend Father Michael O’Brien
The son of John and Hilda O’Brien and brother to Betty, Pat, and Sister Jacki O’Brien, CSJ (all deceased). He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Father Michael O’Brien, a beloved Roman Catholic Priest, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, at the age of 84, after an extended illness. Father Michael was ordained in 1967, serving as a priest and pastor in parishes across the Roman Catholic Diocese of London for over 57 years.
After retiring from active parish ministry, he served as Spiritual Director at the Holy Family Retreat Centre in Oxley, where he conducted numerous retreats and provided individual spiritual guidance to many adults. In addition, for many years, he was the Spiritual Director for the Retrouvaille program and the Padre of the Knights of Columbus, Francis J. Clark Council 5350, in Harrow.
Father Michael, known for his soft spoken, quiet disposition and profound spirituality, is remembered for serving his parishioners with a humble spirit, gentleness and unwavering faith and devotion to God. He dedicated his life to offering spiritual guidance, comfort, and support to all who sought his assistance.
His humility, quiet strength, and kind heart, as well as his compassion as a confessor, touched countless lives making him a respected and cherished figure to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Special thanks to the caring staff at Age Care Royal Oak in Kingsville and to the medical personnel who treated him in the Erie Shores Healthcare.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024, at St. John de Brebeuf Catholic Church (67 Main St E, Kingsville) starting at 9:30 a.m. until the mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m.
Burial will be at 3 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Cemetery (5781 10th Line, Merlin).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by cheque to St. Peter’s Seminary Foundation, 1040 Waterloo Street North London, ON N6A 3Yl or the St. Vincent de Paul Society Windsor Essex Central Council, 1245 Lauzon Rd, Windsor, ON N8S 3M9.
“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bear good tidings to the afflicted, to encourage the brokenhearted.”
Isaiah 61
Service Details
Visitation
When
Monday, June 24, 2024 9:30am – 11:00am
Location
St. John de Brebeuf Catholic Church
67 Main St. E.
Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 1A1
Get Directions: View Map
Mass of Christian Burial
When
Monday, June 24, 2024 11:00am
Location
St. John de Brebeuf Catholic Church
67 Main St. E.
Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 1A1
Get Directions: View Map
Interment
When
Monday, June 24, 2024 3:00pm
Location
St. Patrick’s Cemetery
5781 10th Line
Merlin, Ontario
Get Directions: View Map
Donations
Donations are being accepted for: SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL WINDSOR ESSEX CENTRAL COUNCIL.
So sad to hear of Father Michael’s passing. Our group had the honor of his presence at Holy Family Retreat House for a few years in March. He would come and welcome our group on Sat afternoon when we all arrived and honored us with a special mass on Sunday at noon. He was loved by all of us. You will be missed Father Michael and know you are in a glorious new home.
So saddened to hear of the passing of Father Michael. We at St. Patrick’s in Merlin owe him a lot for his help in keeping our beautiful church open. Such a kind and faith filled man. May he rest in peace.