O’BRIEN, George 1912 - 2007 Dad was born on the family farm a few miles northeast of Aneroid, Saskatchewan, third of four sons to Hardam and Lottie O'Brien. As a young man, Dad loved working with horses and of course there were many used to farm in those early days. At a very young age, he had to learn to harness the horses for hauling grain and doing field work. Dad told many a story of his adventures working with the horses. He also very much enjoyed playing baseball and hockey and this too generated great stories. Dad finished Grade 10 at Aneroid, then started Grade 11 in Edmonton where they had moved after the deepening Depression resulted in the loss of their farm and Massey-Harris agency at Bracken, Saskatchewan. He then went to work diamond drilling at the Coal Branch, Ft. McMurray and Yellowknife, and while west of Caroline met the love of his life, Florence Kanten. They were married in 1939. They worked hard between the farm at Westlock and the Coal Branch, and had three children, Grant, Sharon and Patty. In 1955 the family moved to Edmonton where Dad started working at the Edmonton General Hospital as a steam engineer, eventually taking responsibility for maintenance of the laundry. His skill and creativity with wood and metal was extraordinary. After 21 years at the General Hospital, Dad and Mom retired to Red Deer. With retirement, Mom and Dad became snowbirds and during the 13 years of travelling to Arizona, they made many close and long lasting friendships. 2006 was a turning point in their lives. It started with major surgery for Dad and a fall by Mom which resulted in her move in to long term care. Dad managed on his own, visiting Mom often, proudly driving his own car for more than another year, until his health declined and he also moved to Bethany Sylvan Lake, where he was able to be closer to Mom. Once again he made many friends with staff and residents who enjoyed his sense of humour and music. He will be missed by many, especially his wife of almost 68 years, Florence, son Grant, daughters, Sharon and Pat, grandsons, Bryan and Mark, also the O'Briens, sister-in-law, Kay, nephews Dale and Darryl, niece Maxine and their families, other cousins in Saskatchewan. He will also be greatly missed by his other family, the Kantens, Leonard and Toots, Oscar and Carmen, and Glen, many nephews and nieces across Canada and in the United States. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Dad's life will take place in mid-July. If desired, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Kakumbi Clinic Fund c/o Grant O'Brien. "Remember him with a smile today, he was not one for tears. Reflect instead on memories of all the happy years. Recall to mind the way he spoke, and all the things he said. His strength, his stance, the way he walked, remember these instead. The good advice he'd give us , his eyes that shone with laughter. So much of him will never die, but live on ever after." Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.reddeerfuneralhome.com