Michael O'Brian (photo by Karina Hjort Petersen courtesy of Paul Kyle Gallery)
Vancouver art philanthropist and retired businessman Michael O’Brian died Oct. 6 from a sudden neurological injury.
Born in Penticton in 1941, O’Brian served on the boards of many arts organizations and donated generously to many institutions, including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Anthropology, National Gallery of Canada and Emily Carr University, which showed its appreciation by awarding O’Brian an honourary doctorate in 2019, the same year in which he received the Order of Canada. He was also an avid art collector.
In Vancouver, O’Brian first worked in the investment sector with Pitfield Mackay Ross and later served as director and vice-president of Canaccord Capital and CEO of C.M. Oliver Group of Companies.
O’Brian is survived by his wife, Inna, six children and 15 grandchildren. A service of thanksgiving for Michael's life will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard St. Vancouver, on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 3:30 p.m.
Source: Vancouver Sun and Paul Kyle Gallery