Raymond (Ray AKA R.P) Patrick O'Brien

It is with great sadness we announce that our beloved husband, father, (great) grandfather, brother, and friend, Ray passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, just shy of 90 years of age. He was in the care of an incredible team at the beautiful Dulcina Hospice in Calgary, Alberta. He was fortunate to have some family by his side while other family and friends, physically separated by many miles, held him close in their hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Ray was born on April 24, 1936 to Mabel and Bartholomew O'Brien in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He leaves to mourn his wife, daughters, many (great) grandchildren, brother, extended family and friends.

Ray married the love of his life Mary Joan Elizabeth Slattery on April 19, 1958 after a 2-year courtship that began with a blind date. He was loving father of three daughters, Colleen and her children Christopher, Sarah (Dogus), Devin, Zakary. Sharon (Peter) and their children Aidan (Stacey) and Meaghan. Stacey (Frank) and their children Dante and Everett. He was fortunate to be blessed with and love deeply his 6 great grandchildren Yunus, Ahmed, Laila, Omar, Millie and Sadie. His brother Russell (Anita).

He was known by his family to be a very smart man who was always on top of politics and world events. He was strong, brave and quite stubborn - in a nice way, and mentor to many.

At the beginning of his life with Mary, they found themselves working together at Northern Telecom just across the hall from each other. Dad started in the mail room and worked his way up into various positions including shipping and receiving. In his 40 years at the company he traveled to many places, including Turkey, Ireland, and France. Along the way he and Mary were blessed with 3 daughters and in 1978 they moved from Montreal to Brampton Ontario. Then for his final chapter came a big move, selling their long-time home, relocating to mountainous/sunny Calgary in 2025.

He was a collector of stamps and enjoyed building model cars with his young daughters. He loved picnicking and fishing in the summers and cross-country skiing in Winter. He cherished some traditions, particularly at Christmas when he had a passion for building and sharing his elaborate model train set. He would also recite an old poem from 1907 entitled "The Cremation of Sam Magee". He would light a brandy coated plum pudding on fire with his family near which created such memories and a foundation of love and togetherness for his wife, children, and grandchildren over the years.

Ray took tremendous pride in his Irish Heritage including visiting Ireland where his ancestors were, loved St. Patrick's Day when he would listen and sing along to The Clancy brothers and Irish Rovers. He was also a fan of the Blue Jays, often watching and enjoying a good hot dog AKA a "steamy".

Dad you were such a force to your family and the many people you encountered during your long life. You had a way of making people feel important and welcomed. We love you and will miss you so much, we will meet again in heaven. 

You will always remain in our hearts.

Your loving family

Donations would be appreciated in his honor to The Dulcina Hospice (please ensure Dulcina hospice is the selected donation under the fund allocation box) or The Alberta Cancer foundation.

A Prayer Service will be held at Evan J Strong Funeral Services North ( 3625 12 Street NE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:30 pm. A Graveside Service will follow at Queens Park Cemetery. 

To attend the Service via livestream, please click on the video page below. 

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says,

"Grieve not for me”.

Remember the best times,

The laughter, the song,

The good life I lived,

While I was strong.

Continue my heritage,

I'm counting on you,

Keep smiling and surely,

The sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease,

My soul is at rest,

Remembering all,

How I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions,

No matter how small,

Go on with your life,

Don't worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly,

So keep up your chin,

Until the day comes,

We’re together again.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Raymond (Ray AKA R.P) Patrick O'Brien, please visit our Tree Store.