Vincent O'BRIEN Obituary

On March 14, 2026, peacefully at the Oaks Retirement Village, aged 97 years. Son of the late Thomas and Mary, loved husband of Elizabeth, cherished father and father-in-law of Rita and Ern Levin Stephen, and Peter and Siew Lee, loved grandfather of Thomas, and Benjamin. A much-loved brother of the late Rosemary and Hans Knalmann, the late Tom O'Brien, and the late Malcolm O'Brien, and the late John O'Brien. Uncle of Paula and Bruce Broady, and Tina and the late Robert Jary, and a great-uncle of Marc, Callum, and Todd Matthew. Vincent was born and lived most of his life on the West Coast, before retiring to Christchurch. He worked for many years as a welder at the Railways workshop in Greymouth, had a keen interest in horse racing, was a player and supporter of West Coast hockey, was a keen gardener and grower of tomatoes, a handyman, painter and decorator. During retirement Vincent enjoyed indoor bowls at the Irish Society Club, while continuing to tinker with DIY projects around the house. He was a loving husband and father, and a kind and gentle man. Vincent will be sadly missed by his family and friends. The family would like to acknowledge the tender care extended to Vincent by the staff at the Oaks Retirement Village. Messages for the O'Brien family, c/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch would be appreciated by via internet banking Catholic Diocese of Christchurch (03-0802-0948733-22). The Rosary will be recited for Vincent in Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church on Thursday, March 19, at 7.00pm. The Requiem Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church on Friday, March 20, at 12.00pm, followed by a private cremation.