The Tribune

JOHN K O’Brien, an old-time Bahamian, who lived in Raleigh, NC, passed away peaceful at his home on Thursday, October 18.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Cabell Robb O’Brien, his daughters Catherine Maclure Williams and Sheila Robb Shamel; grandchildren, Ally Williams, Elizabeth Williams, Nathan Shamel and Catherine Shamel, all of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by his son-in-laws Michael Williams and Todd Shamel of Raleigh; his sisters, Sheila Bethell of Dowling Park, FL. and Mary Alice Wassitsch of Nassau, Bahamas; his brother-in-law, Pedro Wassitsch of Nassau; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a host of good friends in both Nassau and Raleigh.

There is a saying that goes, “You can take the man out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the man.” John epitomised this saying. He loved his native land and made sure that everyone he met knew all about The Bahamas.

An avid fisherman, his “fish” stories abounded and he spent many a happy time fishing with his sons-in-law off Ocracoke, NC and while at home in Nassau, his interest in “catchin’ the big one” never waned.

A memorial service will be held at St Paul’s Church, Lyford Cay at 4 pm on Friday, November 2. Instead of flowers, a donation can be made to the Bahamas Cancer Society, PO Box SS-6539, Nassau, Bahamas.