Barry O’Brien
December 4 1930 – October 1 2021
We are sad to announce that Barry passed away on October 1.
He was born in Heyfield, Victoria, Australia, to John Robert O’Brien and Annie Smith.
Barry leaves to mourn his sisters, Claire Russell of Melbourne, Australia and Jan Healy of Ouyen, Australia. He will be missed by nieces Felicity Healy, Gabrielle Hammett and Dominique Bourgoine, and nephews Anthony, Ben and Peter Healy, and their families, in Australia. In France he leaves his brothers-in-law François Mourgues (Annie), Henri Mourgues and his nieces and nephews Yves Mourgues, Alain Mourgues, Frédéric Chatoux, Christine Mourgues, Hélène Mourgues, and their families. He was predeceased by his niece Fiona Russell and his sister-in-law Evelyn Mourgues.
Barry was devoted to his wife of 53 years, Lise Mourgues O’Brien, who predeceased him in September 2020.
Barry was a quiet and gentle man who devoted himself to teaching, but in his youth, he lived a life of travel and adventure. His career as a teacher took him across the world. As a young man, he taught in Papua New Guinea, at one point riding on horseback to reach his students. He met his wife Lise while teaching in the south of France, and together they decided to emigrate to Canada and work as teachers, first in Alberta, and then in Montreal.
Barry and Lise shared a love of classical music, opera, theatre and travel. He had a lifelong interest in encouraging young people to further their education and realize their potential.
An intimate graveside burial service will take place.
In memory of Barry, a donation to the Pearson Education Foundation Beacon Hill Elementary Fund would be greatly appreciated.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Voluntas (voluntas.ca | (514) 695-7979).
O’BRIEN, Barry
October 1, 2021
