CHARLES

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CHARLES McNEIL OBRIEN Peacefully on July 22, 2004, at Selkirk Hospital at the age of 79, Charles OBrien passed away with his son and daughter by his side. Charles was the eldest of the 10 children of the late James and Violet OBrien. Charles leaves to mourn his son Charlie OBrien (Gabriele) their children, Evan and Kathleen; and his daughter Eileen Sproule (Tony) and their daughter Megan. Charles also leaves to mourn his surviving sisters and brothers from Dumfries, Scotland and one sister in Toronto, Canada. Dad actively served in the Second World War under the British Navy. After his discharge from the navy Charles married Isa in 1946 and from that time they spent 58 happy years of marriage until moms passing in April 2004. Shortly after their marriage they came to Canada by ship. After working a short time in Quebec Charles came to Manitoba, first residing in The Pas for a short time, then moving to Winnipeg. Charles, a bricklayer by trade, worked in construction during this period where he helped to build the Health Sciences Centre and the Winnipeg Concert Hall to name just a few. Around 1967 Charles then moved to Selkirk, MB where he was first employed as a bricklayer at Fial Masonry and then as a bricklayer at Manitoba Rolling Mills, where he worked until his retirement. Dad was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and A.N.A.F. There he spent many hours, socializing and playing darts with friends. Dad must have had a keen eye for darts because of all the trophies he had around the house. Dad also enjoyed playing golf, spending time golfing at the Teulon golf course. Dad loved the outdoors, spending hours fishing down by the docks in Selkirk, or on the boat trolling through the river. He enjoyed taking his granddaughter Megan down to the docks where in one day they caught two Catfish over 20 lbs. and for that feat their pictures were put in the Selkirk Journal. Dad was very practical in all the jobs that he did, making sure that it was done right. The grass in his yard was always maintained, his hedges were always trimmed and his flowers were all in a straight line across the bed of soil. Charles loved his family, looking forward to when the grandchildren were coming over. Dad was a man of few words but had the wisdom of the world. Making sure his family was always looked after and well. Dad had a heart of gold and would always share what he had with others. We will all miss you Dad, knowing you are with mom now, we wish you and mom all the happiness until the time when were all together again. Love your Family Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at a later date. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 28, 2004