Mike O'Brien

Michael Edward John O’Brien was born in Peterborough, Ontario on April 23, 1953, and spent his childhood and early adulthood there. He moved to Winnipeg, MB in the early 80’s and met the love of his life, Faye. Together, they lived in Lockport, MB before making Ste. Rose their home in 1991. They raised their children and numerous foster children throughout the years. Mike worked many years between the two grocery stores in town and became a pretty familiar and friendly face to many, even long after he retired. He was a hard working, humble, caring and friendly man who would do anything for his family. He loved sports, especially his Manitoba teams, the Blue Bombers and the Jets and although the Jets have been doing terribly this year, they pulled out a big win on dad’s last day. In his younger years, he and Faye managed the baseball team the Reedy Creek Royals and he played alongside his sons Austin and Patrick and other family members. He played hockey as a kid and had such a love for the sport that when he got older and quit playing, he decided to be a referee, and he ref’d minor hockey for a number of years here in town. He enjoyed golfing with his buddies and did so right up until this past summer. He took part in and helped shut down many men’s nights at the Ste. Rose Golf Club before it closed down. You could usually find dad with a book in his hand and his favourite place to read was in his backyard in front of the waterfall, he referred to it as his “happy place”. He was an amazing cook, and we all loved to gather at mom and dads, especially on game days, and enjoy dad’s pizza or famous chili. He loved camping and sitting around a fire and he loved it even more when his family was enjoying it with him. He loved listening to music especially when his grandsons brought their guitars to play and sing. He had a wealth of knowledge about quite a bit, but music and sports were his favourite to answer trivia questions about. He enjoyed going for his daily walks around town and always had a smile and a wave for anyone he met. His family meant everything to him and he was so proud of all his children and grandchildren.

Mike passed away peacefully at the Ste. Rose Hospital on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the age of 72.  His wife, Faye, was by his side when he took his final breath.  

Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife Faye; children Austin (Cary), Patrick (Nicole), Shannon (Matt), Tiffany and Andy (Jen); grandchildren Shelby, Owen, Colt, Wade, Eva, Grayson, Axyl and Korra; brother Don (Carol) and sister Joanne (Rod); brothers-in-law Norval, George (Vi), Reuben (Dawn), Richard (Margaret) and Roger; sisters-in-law Karen, Shirley, Gloria and Annette as well as numerous nephews, nieces and many friends.

Mike was predeceased by his son Cameron; parents Fred and Birdie O’Brien; brother Tom; sister Judy; father and mother- in-law Cecil and Katie Anderson; sister-in-law Pat (Duke); brothers-in-law Austin, Gary and Lindy and nephew Richard. 

The family wishes to thank the doctors and palliative care staff at Ste Rose Hospital who cared for Mike with such compassion and skillful care during his final days. We are forever grateful for the comfort and peace everyone provided.  

We are also very grateful for the prayers, words of support and gifts of food and flowers throughout dad’s final days.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mike O'Brien, please visit our floral store.