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O’BRIEN: Joseph Francis of Dashwood

October 11, 2019 By Haskett Funeral Homes 40 Condolences

O’BRIEN: Joseph Francis of Dashwood

Tragically, as of the result of a motor vehicle collision on October 10, 2019 of Dashwood and one week shy of his 87th birthday. Dear father of Andy (Cheryl) of Dashwood, Ted (Tanya) and Leigh-Ann (David) Sanders all of London. Special grandpa of Greg (Tess), Michael; Courtney; and Marley. Great-grandpa of Lily. Survived by sisters Teresa, Angela, Phyllis, and Margaret. Predeceased by his many brothers and sisters, and his grandson Bradley.

As per Joe’s wishes there will be no public funeral service. Cremation with family interment at the Pinery Cemetery, Grand Bend.

If desired, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.

Offer Condolence for the family of O’BRIEN: Joseph Francis of Dashwood

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Filed Under: Exeter, Obituary

Condolence Messages

  1. Paula Leslie

    October 23, 2019 at 11:46 AM

    So sorry to hear about Joe.

  2. Marilyn Adams

    October 19, 2019 at 6:02 PM

    Ted and Family
    So sorry for your Loss. Thoughts and Prayers for all

  3. Debbie McLennan

    October 17, 2019 at 7:53 PM

    Andy, Ted, LA and Family

    I am so sorry for the loss of your father, my uncle. He was a great man and so proud of his kids and all they accomplished. His door was always open and I appreciate all his help through the years.
    Sending my love ..Cous Debbie

  4. Darlene Justin Tara and Family

    October 16, 2019 at 2:50 PM

    Andy Cheryl and family. Sorry for your loss. Keep the memories close to your heart

  5. Larry Ebbs

    October 16, 2019 at 11:28 AM

    Uncle Joe touched many people’s lives.
    I have so many great memories. As a kid I played hockey against teams that he coached. He always beat my team (great coach), but he always had a kind word to say after the games. I spent summers at the Bend with our cottages next to each other. Lots of laughs and fun and family.
    As an adult Uncle Joe helped me get a job on the railway. Thank you.
    So many years have passed, but the memories will always be there.
    Uncle Joe you will be missed.

  6. Diane

    October 16, 2019 at 7:06 AM

    LeighAnn and family,
    So sorry for your sudden loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
    Chris and Diane Ciesielka

  7. Kim & Bob Case

    October 15, 2019 at 1:43 PM

    Dearest Andy, Cheryl and family
    We were so very sorry to hear of Your Dads death. Just so tragic for you all .
    He was the nicest man. Always kind words for all.
    Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers

  8. your neighbours, the Green Family

    October 15, 2019 at 1:28 PM

    Sincere condolences , we are sorry for your loss.

  9. Paula Taylor

    October 15, 2019 at 12:09 PM

    I was so sad to hear of Joes passing. He was s great guy, we always had a few laughs when he cane in. He will be missed

  10. Bill Mahoney (Windy Hill)

    October 15, 2019 at 11:35 AM

    My condolences. Sorry to hear of your Dads passing.

  11. Theresa Fowler

    October 14, 2019 at 4:53 PM

    Andy, Ted, Leighann and families, My condolences to your whole families at this hard time. Words are hard to express his passing. Our family is a tree with all the branches and leaves leading back to a strong proud and independent man with roots deep in the ground. It is difficult ground to imagine life without him. The foundation that gives us all life , his life was full filled with love for his family and many friends. I will miss you Joe
    Your loving Sister Theresa. (The old girl)

  12. Michelle Marie LaCharite

    October 14, 2019 at 2:34 PM

    You were a tremendous neighbor to us Joe when we lived in Highlands 2, and you will be greatly missed… My father also remembers you refereeing him many years ago when he was playing Junior A hockey in the 1950’s in Stratford, and he also passed along his condolences… Andy, Ted, Leigh-Ann and families – our hearts are with you all as per the tremendous loss of this wonderful man…
    Michelle & Dan LaCharite

  13. Dave 'n Karie Hay (nee O'Brien) 'n Families

    October 13, 2019 at 9:13 PM

    Andy (Cheryl) …. Ted (Tanya)…Leigh-Ann (David)

    …. I’m not certain that i can find the words to express what is in my heart.. ‘n even if i did find them… they will be inadequate…My heart is shattered.. with the loss of your beloved Father/Grandfather/Great-Grandfather. my Uncle Joe… Oh how i love him… i will always remember my trip as a young girl to Victoria with Uncle Joe ‘n two Aunties… ‘n how wonderful he was… He made us laugh… he touched all of our hearts….with his determination.. positive attitude… ‘n thoughtful insights . Over the years ‘n the miles apart.. he was endeared to me even more.. with the stories ‘n updates my late Daddy (Wilf) would share with me of … His baby brother… Uncle Joe’s Legacy is not leaving something for people …..but rather leaving something in people…. please know that we share in your loss… Uncle Joe… I love you ‘n i will miss you always.. always… hug Daddy for me… xo

    ~ His life was gentle … ‘n the elements
    so mixed in him…. that Nature might stand up
    ‘N say to all the world… THIS WAS A MAN … ~

  14. Mike Cregan

    October 13, 2019 at 2:22 PM

    Andy & Cheryl, my sincere condolences on the passing of Joe.

  15. Pat Mark Conrad (pate)

    October 13, 2019 at 12:07 PM

    To Andy, Ted, and Leighann, and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Uncle Joe was so very special to me. So many very fond memories of your dad growing up. He used to whistle Donald Donald Duck and make everyone laugh. XXOO

  16. Joanne Bengough

    October 12, 2019 at 9:59 PM

    Our deepest sympathy Andy, Cheryl and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Betty Grenier
    Joe & Joanne Bengough

  17. Wayne and Clara Patterson and Family

    October 12, 2019 at 8:48 PM

    Dear Andy, Ted and Leigh Ann

    Words cannot express our feelings for the loss of our Dear Uncle Joe.. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  18. Eric and Cathy Brebner

    October 12, 2019 at 8:16 PM

    Andy & Cheryl

    So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You are in our thoughts and Prayers.

  19. John & Arlene Berendsen

    October 12, 2019 at 5:35 PM

    Sorry to hear of your loss..John Berendsen

  20. Judy Conran

    October 12, 2019 at 5:23 PM

    My heartfelt condolences to all of Uncle Joe’s family. He was such a kind-hearted, peaceful, loving, gentle man, a pleasure to be around. My kids, Carver and Emmerson adored him; Carver having had a special bond with him through their common love of fishing.
    May he rest in peace.❤

  21. Joe Powell

    October 12, 2019 at 5:14 PM

    Joe was my next door neighbour during my entire childhood at Highlands 2 in Grand Bend.

    EVERY winter he would build a (kickass) outdoor ice rink on the empty lot between our houses, for my Sister and I to skate on.

    He did it all, the boards made of plywood, the flood lights up in the trees, and the perfectly leveled ice. It was my favorite place to be on Earth.

    He would play hockey with us after school and when I could, I’d spend entire days and nights out there practicing.

    And when we got called in to get ready for bed, that is when he would go to work and spend hours shoveling and watering the ice, making sure it was perfect for the next day.

    I would always look out the window before going to bed to see him watering the ice. He knew how much I looked forward to being back out there the next day.

    He never not cared and always did it. Every night. Every year. Year after year. Asking for nothing in return.

    His door was always open and he always had snacks and drinks and a good story to tell while we watched the Montreal Canadians game (his favorite team) on TV.

    I have always been so grateful for both him and my Dad, to have spent so much time to allow me to do the thing I loved the most, play hockey.

    To this day, every time I drive to the arena to play I think about both of them. Every time I walk into the arena and take a big whiff of the cold ice, I think about both of them. And i think about how lucky I was and how grateful I am. Every time.

    Joe taught me that making a massive impact on the world can happen in many ways. That you don’t have to reach a million people.

    One kind gesture for one person can have a powerful enough effect that it will carry through that person for their entire life, effecting every person that person reaches.

    Joe didn’t tell me how to be kind to others or how to do nice things for others and ask for nothing in return. He showed me. Continuously for years.

    He showed a young child by example how to treat others. Something I will never forget and something I will always pay forward to others. #thankyouJoe

  22. Lynda O'Brien -Felker

    October 12, 2019 at 3:38 PM

    Dear Andy, Ted , Leighann, and families,

    We are so sorry to hear of the sudden death of your dad . Joe was a special uncle to us and always made you feel welcome when you dropped in . We have some wonderful memories of him and times shared at the cottage and enjoyed reminiscing with him at our last visit . He will be sadly missed!
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time .

    Lynda and Bob Felker

  23. Jack & Elaine Chipchase

    October 12, 2019 at 1:55 PM

    Ted & Tanya
    We send sincere sympathy to you and all family at this sad time.

  24. Richard and Wendy Jennison

    October 12, 2019 at 9:27 AM

    Andy and Family,
    Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s accident. Joe was always very talkative and a great guy to chat with wherever you came across him. Always ended talking about family and how kids and grandkids were doing. He loved you guys and that’s important to hold on to and remember.
    Our thoughts and prayers to all Joe’s family.

  25. John & Liz Stephens

    October 12, 2019 at 9:16 AM

    Angela & O`Brian Family . My deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother .May your memories of happier times help you through this difficult period .God Bless ,hug`s Liz ( Class of 59 HDH )

  26. rick powell

    October 12, 2019 at 9:12 AM

    on behalf of the Powells, this is very sad news, Joe was a long time neighbour to us and one “hell of neighbour” as well. rest in peace Joe.

  27. Craig combe

    October 12, 2019 at 8:26 AM

    He was good uncle Joe to KellyJo and Greg will always be in our good person memories now. My condolences to all the family .

  28. Harv & Evelyn Vincent

    October 12, 2019 at 8:25 AM

    Andy, Cheryl and family
    Sincere sympathy in your great loss. Praying the good memories help bring peace and comfort.

  29. Ed Schalk and Family

    October 12, 2019 at 7:40 AM

    Dear Andy and Cheryl, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Joe’s sudden passing. I was always remember his quick wit and great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

  30. Jim & Linda Dietrich

    October 12, 2019 at 7:39 AM

    Andy, Cheryl and Family,
    Sincere sympathy so sorry for your loss.

  31. cookie&family

    October 11, 2019 at 9:47 PM

    Andy &family,
    please except our condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the families.
    R.I.P. Uncle Joe ,

  32. Terri-lynn Luther

    October 11, 2019 at 9:31 PM

    My deepest sympathy Andy, Cheryl and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  33. Terry Brown

    October 11, 2019 at 7:21 PM

    Andy,Cheryl and family. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you!

  34. Gary O’Brien

    October 11, 2019 at 7:16 PM

    May we extend our most sincere sympathies in the tragic death of Uncle Joe.

    We will continue to pray for him and his family’s ability to cope .

    Gary and Susan O’Brien

  35. Judy Vandenberk

    October 11, 2019 at 6:43 PM

    Dear Andy, Cheryl and family.
    So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking about you all.
    Nick & Judy Vandenberk

  36. Audrey Bergsma

    October 11, 2019 at 6:27 PM

    Sorry for your loss. Condolences to your family…will keep you in thoughts and prayers.

  37. Patrick W. O'Brien

    October 11, 2019 at 5:54 PM

    Dear Andy, Ted, Leighann, and families,

    We are so sorry to learn of Joe’s sudden death. He was more like an older brother in many ways than an uncle, and we will miss visiting with him, as we did just last month. May he rest in peace!

    Joe, and all of you are in our prayers at this time of grief!

    Sincere sympathies,

    Pat and Evelyn O’Brien

  38. Karn Durdin

    October 11, 2019 at 5:13 PM

    Andy, Cheryl and family we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to out to you.

  39. Larry and Carole Luther

    October 11, 2019 at 5:04 PM

    It is with great sadness, we hear of Joe’s passing. Andy, Cheryl and family you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  40. Nicole McDonald

    October 11, 2019 at 4:17 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the O’Brien Family.

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