Reverend J. Kenneth O’Brien, Priest of the Diocese of Pembroke, 1948-2024
 
 Peacefully at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, fortified by the Sacraments of the Church on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Son of the late Clifford and Loretta O’Brien, and survived by his siblings Marie Swant (Vernon), Matt (the late Marlene), and Gerard (Colleen) as well as his beloved nephews and nieces. Predeceased by brother John.   Proud of his family roots on the Opeongo Road, Father O’Brien studied at Resurrection College in Kitchener, Ontario and at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario. 
Ordained the Priesthood in St. James the Less Church, Eganville on May 11, 1974, Father O’Brien served as assistant priest in Eganville, Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke and at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille in Pembroke.   
Father O’Brien served as pastor of Chalk River, Stonecliffe, Osceola, Cobden, Combermere, Latchford Bridge, Eganville, Pikwakanagan and Cormac. 
In addition to his parish assignments, Father O’Brien ministered as Chaplain to Catholic High in Pembroke, Diocesan Spiritual Advisor of the Catholic
 Women’s League, the Knights of Columbus and with great solicitude as
 Chaplain and Board Member of Marianhill in Pembroke for over 30 years.
Following retirement from parish ministry in November 2023 Father O’Brien provided pastoral care to the Sisters of St. Joseph and the other residents at Supple’s Landing in Pembroke. 
Reception of the Body at St. James Church, Eganville on Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m. followed by public visitation until 4:00p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. James the Less Church on Monday, December 9, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, at 12:00 noon, with the Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Pembroke presiding. 
Private interment to take place in the family plot of St. Joseph Cemetery, Esmonde. 

 Arrangements entrusted to the Zohr Family Funeral Home, Eganville.