Prof. Chris O’Brien passed away at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital last night
With his wife Gail, his children Adam, Juliette and James and other close family members by his side.
Prof. O’Brien was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain tumour in November 2006, and his initial treatment was successful. However, Prof. O’Brien”s condition deteriorated rapidly in recent days.
Prof. O’Brien was an outstanding surgeon whose humanity and compassion for his patients would be remembered. He was a gifted clinician who combined outstanding technical skill as a surgeon with an ability to sincerely reach out to patients experiencing the dark days of serious illness.
Even before Chris was diagnosed with cancer, he had a vision to transform the Sydney Cancer Centre into an innovative, patient-focused cancer research and treatment centre. His vision will be realised when Lifehouse at RPA opens its doors in 2012.
The team at Lifehouse at RPA will carry on the vision to ensure that his legacy will truly be a lasting one and that Australians will benefit for decades to come.
Gail and family have been overwhelmed by the response from the community towards Chris throughout his long battle, and respectfully requested some privacy during this sad time.
If you wish to, please leave a message of condolence below.
Lifehouse RPA Blog 
The O’Brien family are in our thoughts at this tragic time. After following Chris’ career for many years and reading his book, he truly was an inspirational man. RIP Chris.
May you RIP Chris and your work continue on for many years to come. You will be the shining star that watches over us and gives us the inspiration to ensure your work contunues. Your family will be forever surrounded by all the good work you have done and the beautiful memories you have created.
My sincere condolences to the O’Brien family and all the staff both at RPA and Lifehouse. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will continue. Rest In Peace Chris
RIP Chris, my heartfelt sympathy to your family, friends, and work collegues. You are a true inspiration and your memory will forever live on within your dream and your vision at lifehouserpa. You touched so many with your charasmatic charm and your brilliance as not only a person but as a talented doctor. Life dealt you a cruel twist of fate, but in your brilliance you rose to the occasion and have been a tremendous inspiritation to those who continue to fight.
Australia has lost a true hero, and you will never be forgotten.
Such a great loss but not a waste. May his legacy live on and help us win the fight on this terrible thing called cancer. My deepest sympathies to his wife, family and loved ones.
So sorry to lose you Dr Chris. An amazing physician is always remembered for their life and work, and your legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace.
What is it about being Chris? We choose the road less travelled, we choose to do things that others consider aren’t viable. I envy you Chris. You achieved so much, you died too young. If I could achieve half what you have in your life I would be supremely proud of myself.
From the moment that Adam Spencer reluctantly announced the death of a friend, I have heard interviews with this fine man all morning.
Godspeed Chris, It’s up to us to take on the load. You chose to take on the fiend that is cancer. That fiend made it personal. It’s time for us to return that personal challenge.
Chris, you will be universally be missed. Even by those who only heard of you this morning. Cancer, your days are numbered.
I’m off to make my donation to the Lifehouse.
C:\>
Well said!!!!
He will be missed.
Now, lets donate!!!
a truly wonderful and beautiful man, he showed us courage, humor and a love for his family and patients that wont be forgotten,if the world had more people like him this would be a better place.
i have never met him only seen him on tv but i consider him a friend.
there not alot of people you could say that about..
rest now my friend..
To the O’Brien family, it is an unjust passing of an inspirational man.
May his inspiration and wonderful work follow on…
Dr Chris O’Brien shared his knowledge in cancer research with many people. His desire to help those in need even though his own struggle with this disease will be long remembered. His legacy, his love for all and most importantly his committment to eradicate this disease after his passing is his gift to all of us. Bless your heart Dr O’Brien, you are a true angel.
My family and I wish to express our sincere condolences to the O’Brien family. What a wonderful man! What a wonderful legacy! He will be truly missed. I lost my mother to cancer – this terrible scurge – last year. My deepest sympathy.
Chris O’Brien, through his work, has created hope for the future. His work will continue and he will always be remembered.
i was saddened to hear of the passing of a wonderful great man, Professor Chris O’Brien. I never met you but I felt I knew you through watching RPA watching the wonderful work you did. I truly admired you.
The angels will be joined in heaven by the biggest angel of all. God Bless the O’Brien family and friends and colleagues. Rest In Peace Chris
Sometimes people enter your life and leave a mark. Chris O’Brien, while I did not know him personally, is an inspiration in the way he lived his life, a devoted husband and father, a remarkable doctor and a person who connected with so many people. To his wife and children be comforted by how lucky you have been to share his short life and he yours. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling at this time but as I sit here in tears typing this I can only offer you my sincere condolences. Rest in Peace.
A big thankyou to the O’Brien family for sharing this inspirational man with us. May he Rest In Peace
Thankyou Dr O’Brien for making a difference to this world. Why do the good people die so young?
I am sitting here heartbroken. From when we, along with most of Australia, first met Chris on RPA and recognised his talents and the compassion he felt towards and gave his patients, we knew he was someone special.
We have followed his brave battle with his “beast” and hoped that he would be entitled to achieve one of the miracles that he gave others. Sadly, that was not to be, but he did get to see his wonderful legacy of Lifehouse up and going.
Both myself (Stage 3 Esophageal cancer) and my husband (Stage 4 Kidney cancer) know that this centre will be a marvellous facility for the Australian people. It is reassuring to know that complimentary treatments will be available alongside traditional.
Know that our hearts are breaking and we send our sincere condolences to his wife and children, along with those at RPA and Lifehouse.
I have never met Chris but I enjoyed watching him on RPA. Hiis devotion to his patients and his genuine desire to treat them so they would survive to grow to old age was an inspiration. It is such a tragedy that a man with skills such as his would be aflicted with the disease he tried so hard to treat.
I am not a doctor but if I were, he would be the doctor I would aspire to be like.
I read Chris’s book early this year, it was a story of love, family and a life lived to help others. His humility, manner and smile will be missed by many including no doubt his many patients and collegues.
Such a sad loss for us all. I will be forwarding a donation to Life House today.
Vale Chris, comfort to your family at this time.
Dr Obrien’s passing will be felt heavily by those affected with cancer. His public fight gave my father hope while fighting his own battle (Stage 4 Bowel Cancer). My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Goodbye Dr Obrien – you will be remembered.
Chris , you are a wonderful and compassionate person , you met our son a week before you were diagnosed. You spoke to him as though he was your own son and to us with so much empathy. You set in place a treatment plan which gave us confidence.
Our son is up there in Heaven waiting for you to discuss his passion for Science.
God bless you Chris and my thoughts are with your family
James
Dear Gail, Adam, Juliette, James and family
My sincere condolences at your loss – Dr O’Brien had courage in his belief for a more caring mode of practice and we are grateful to him for that – his legacy will live on in you all as well as his work with clinicians and clients. I too lost my husband almost a year ago similarly and you will find comfort in your memories and the affection held for him. My support and care to you for now and into your future and I hope you are comforted by his legacy and most obvious love
Vale Dr O’Brien
Australia and the world has lost a very gifted man, even when he was fighting the cancer battle himself he was still working on a cure and his dream of a cancer centre. God called an angel home I guess but he will be very sadly missed. To his family and all those he has touched thanks for sharing a beautiful and special man. RIP Chris
After watching this remarkable man at work on the television in RPA, I am very saddened to hear of his passing today. To his family and friends and colleagues, please now be aware that there is another star in heaven this evening and forever in our hearts. He touched so many with his skils knowledge and wonderful courage.
I was fortunate enough to have met such a wonderful person whilst working at Gloucester house and along with the rest of Australia am experiencing feelings of loss and grief for a truly inspirational man. Professor O’ Brien is a true Australian hero in every sense of the word, kind, humble, hardworking, talented and dedicated just to name a few attributes! The only comfort is knowing that Professor Chris O’Brien legacy will live on long after we are all gone!
My thoughts are with the O’Brien family at this time.
Professor Chris O’Brien’s legacy will live on for many years after a wonderfully dedicated life. Many people have been touched by him and their lives made all that much more tolerable. Sincere condolences to his loving family, they will miss him terribly. You have fought the hard fight Chris, sleep in peace, you have earned it.
To the loved ones of the irreplaceable Prof O’Brien…
To describe this man as a “hero” of the people would be a huge understatement. Undoubtedly, Prof Chris was a uniquely talented and gifted surgeon, who restored life and hope to countless patients.. a true light in an otherwise very dark place for many who were at their most weak and vulnerable. Most importantly, Prof Chris displayed a degree of empathy and compassion that is rarely seen and to simply say ‘thank you for restoring our faith in humanity’ is far from enough.
How blessed we are to have witnessed the depth of love this unique human being had for his family and his life’s work. Thank you for allowing us, in some small way, to share the journey of this remarkable man, who you treasure so deeply and miss so dearly.
Prof Chris – it is now your time to fly free and be uplifted by the angels, just as you uplifted so many on your journey here. Thank you & Bless you. Truly… Bless you.
I was very upset to wake to the news of the passing of Prof. Chris O’Brien. I did not know you personally but felt like I knew you from your appearances on RPA.
Such a wonderful, compassionate man who just kept giving to the very end. Sincere condolences to his beautiful family may you find strength at this time. Your legacy will live on through Lifehouse at RPA.
You are with the angels now, RIP.
I was deeply saddened and in denial that a great Australian crusader has passed away today. Not only was he a fantastic surgeon but also a great human being that even in the realisation that death may be near,did not give up hope for himself and many others that a cure could be found for this undiscrimantive cancer.May the O’Brien family find happines at this time with the knowledge the this exceptional man is at rest and is in my belief needed in heaven as his work on earth has come to an end.
Thanks to his wonderful example many people have hope. Thank you, O’Brien family, for sharing this extraordinary man with the world.
God Bless you all
What an amazing man, an amazing life and an amazing legacy that Chris O’Brien has left this world imprinted with.
RIP.
There goes a wonderful man, with a gentle voice, a caring soul, many admired him. I listened to the news of his passing this monring with the kids in the car. It is hard to beleive that he has left this life for another. He worked wonders, heaven has a great surgeon working for them now. I feel for the family and send my condolences. Lifehouse should be renamed in his honor……
I agree Judy, Lifehouse should be named in his honour. A wing at least.
My heart really goes out to his family, I know how they must be feeling, with me being a Brain Tumour sufferer and having 5 of the stupid things, I can at least say. I am still alive to see my kids grow up.
My condolences go out to Chris O’Briens’ family. I have read his book and will treasure it as I found words which helped me understand something of what my husband was going through. My husband lost his battle with cancer on 17th April and I have the belief in the concept of Lifehouse. I shed a tear for you all but know that his work will be continued
An inspiring Australian who will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends – know that the prayers of a nation are with you all.
Thankyou Chris for making a difference in so many lives and many more to come. What a fabulous Australian. My sincere condolences to his family.
Thankyou Prof.Chris for being an Angel on earth and a Special Angel in the sky. To your loving family “thankyou” for letting Prof.Chris be a part of our lives to give us Hope and he will always be by your side.
You were such an inspiration! Rest In peace =)
How absolutely devastating to have lost such a wonderful man who touched the lives of so many. May his memory live on through Lifehouse RPA and his family’s privacy be respected during this sad time. He was a true inspiration and an incredible Australian. So very, very sad. Condolences to his family and those close to him who must be suffering from this tragic loss.
I did not know him. But I know this about him. Chris made a difference. He inspired us and calmed us about death in the face of his own. Our wonderful country is an even better place because of this positive and optimistic man. My family’s thoughts are with his family.
our sincerest condolences to chris’ family. every life is valuable, but chris will be sorely missed by many for personal and professional reasons.
I, too, did not have the privilege this remarkable man, Professor Chris O’Brien. Instead my contact was through the television series, RPA. The world has lost a man whose bedside manner with patients and his personal battle with and personal attitude towards cancer was something that had to be seen to be believed. He would have been a true inspriration to those suffering the same condition. We are truly devastated by his death and pass our deepest sympathy onto not only his family but also his colleagues.
RIP after all your hard work. The world is a lesser place without you!!
I wrote to Dr. Chris a couple of years ago when he was diagnosed with a maligant brain tumor himself, on his website etc…..I told him about my Father who was diagnosed with the same desease…back in 1990 he lasted 72 days of being diagnosed. Dr. Chris said to me ‘ if it was today (2007) he probably would have being given a ‘bit more time”…. i respected his reply (more in detail) and told him with all of my heart ‘ for the work you have done and still to do, with your own ‘life sentence’ THANKYOU SINCERELY FOR ALL THAT YOU DO, AND PRAY TO GOD THAT HE GIVES YOU THE STRENGHT FOR YOUR HEALTH AND TO CONTINUE YOUR GREAT WORK AND INSPIRING HOPE YOU GIVE TO OTHERS.
I heard of his passing this am at 8am. I have been thinking of him and his family all day…..( i am currently fighting for the survival and continual services of the Pambula Hospital…south east coast of nsw) threatening of being closed. I have just being able to get to my keyboard and write a few words with sincere affection and condolences to his family. I will and continue to cry my tears for such a great and caring person, a Doctor who un-selfishly gave his life for others.
May God have a place ready for him in heaven.
I do not know who else to ask…..could I please ask you Nadia to forward this on to the family.
My sincere and heartfelt condelences to all of Dr. Chris O’Brien’s family, his wife and 3 children and families. I know what is to ‘lose a father’
my thoughts, my prayers and sincere sympathy to everyone.
may the ‘lifehouse centre’ shine brightly forvever, I await with anticipation it’s completion as Dr. Chris has wished. I will be donating towards the centre, I would have rathered sent the largest bunch of flowers…for every life he touched and cured. I respect his request in lieu of flowers.
I willalways remember Dr. Chris with sincere affection and respect
kindest regards to all
Barb Aggenbach
Merimbula
To everyone who is leaving condolence messages on our site, please be assured that we will be passing all these messages onto the O’Brien family in due course.
Thankyou, from all of us at Lifehouse.
I wish to express my sympathies on the passing on Professor Chris O’Brien.
I am not a patient of Prof O’Brien nor have i been to rpa as i live in victoria, but along with so many i watched him each week perform miracles on the sick with compassion and care and genuine love of the patient. Even through television you felt how much he cared. And even after he was diagnosed he still put the patient first and i admire him for that.
i wish there were more people like him in the world and maybe it would be better place.
My prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues.
It truly is a sad sad day for australia to loose a true hero.
Rip Prof Chris … may your dreams come true even though you have left us.
Dear Gail, Adam, Juliette and James,
My heart with you in this difficult time of your life. Prof. Chris was and will always be my idol in the medical field and as a gold standard human being. I am quite in tears right now, I feel I am going through the same time when I lost my dad to liver cancer at 57 in 2003! he was also such beloved and totally devoted to help people around him.
I always use Prof. O’Brien books and papers in my medical teaching at The ANU, Canberra and always tell my students to take Prof. Chris as their best example of how a doctor should be towards his patients and his medical career.
In my heart I already have two places engraved with two names: My dad and Prof. O’Brien.
Let his spirit rest in peace and for his family to know that millions nationwide are and will always be praying for him.
My partner Kaye and myself always made a point of watching RPA and were quite often almost in tears because of the compassion and complete dedication you showed in the treatment of so many sufferers of this hideous disease yet your determination to find a cure never waivered even in your own time of need. You were a truly gifted and selfless person who will be sincerely missed, yet your legacy through Lifehouse will remain for many years to come.
Sincere heartfelt condolences to the O’Brien family and to everyone who has lost a mentor, friend and saviour particularly in their time of diagnosis. Your dedication to what you loved doing, saving lives and giving patients hope, made you the respectable person who has passed on his love through Lifehouse. The sad times have now passed as you rest in peace. But you will now be able to smile as you watch down over your family & friends & all those who love you and who have come to love you and say you did what you could in the time given and what you did was better than anyone could do – you were the man of Hope and Dreams for many and you will be extremely missed in more ways than one…..R.I.P Chris…..
There are not enough words to describe the beautiful human being of Professor Chris O’Brien, he touched so many lives and I have no doubt he will continue to do so from heaven.
God has a very special place for him and I hope that his lovely wife Gail and his children will feel his presence all around them. He is now their Guardian Angel.
Gone too soon.
Australia loved you…xxx
We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to Gail, Adam, Juliette, James and all those who loved, worked and shared their lives with Dr Chris O’Brien.
All our lives are much richer having known of him. We will be making a donation to Lifehouse in his memory and hope that many others do so to make his vision a reality so it can help others.
Like so many we never unfortuantely met Dr Chris but knew of him through RPA.
He was always so caring and I often commented that he is the one Dr you would want to treat you as he showed so much compassion and boy what a bedside manner.
Dr Chris, your inspiration and memory will live forever in Lifehouse. You will never be forgotten. You deserve a State Funeral as you are a true hero in every sense of the word.
We can never say the right words that will help ease your loss from your loving family but send them our loving thoughts during this difficult time.
Vale Dr Chris O’Brien
Dr. Chris O’brien, Is a beacon of Hope to our newly form small association. A devout catholic whose life and work crossed on the treshold of Miracles and Hope. A saint worthy of recognition in the Heart of Jesus and His Father’s Kingdom.
http://www.sacredheartaustralia.com
What a legend. As a current 22 year old cancer patient and long time fan of Chris, I wish his family the best for the future and hope that his legacy will live on in his children and Lifehouse. I just donated $300 which is 2 weeks income, as I cannot work due to cancer treatment. What an amazing man who led such an amazing life.
Firstly, what a man, and what a legacy he has left for all of us. A true passion for all life, he has been more than an inspiration, to my family, he has been an advocate of hope and faith through immense adversity. Our son has been diagnosed with a benign brain tumour and is having treatment at the Mater in Brisbane. I feel confortable knowing that I can draw upon his experience and those that he has helped, to guide us through our situation. My sympathies go out to his family and friends, colleagues and all recipients of his gift. To all those at Lifehouse – Make him proud !!
Dear Gail, Juliette, James and Adam,
My most sincerest condolescences to both you and your family. Professor O’Brien will continue to live in the hearts of his patients, and his spirit will continue fighting in this life and the next. His unique compassion, care and delicate dedication to his patients will never be forgotten, rather it will forever be remembered and carried on by all of us medical students and other medical personnel as the golden framework to follow.
Lifehouse will not only provide the most integrated support for cancer patients, but also serve as a reminder of all the wonderful and selfless contributions you have made to mankind in the past, present and the not-so-distant future.
The world has truly lost an irreplaceable man…
The sad news confirmed, Prof. Chris O’Brien has died overnight with his family at his side, my thoughts are with them at this time; as I am sure, are the thoughts of those countless people Prof. O’Brien has touched & saved xxoo
To the O’Brien family, my thoughts are with you at this very difficult time,Professor O’Brien will be remembered for being being a kind and compassionate person, not only to his patients, but to all who had the pleasure of meeting him.He wil be the shining star looking down upon us all.
Although we did not meet Prof O’Brien personally, we felt that we knew him through RPA and he was always so compassionate without being patronising to his patients. He was a true inspiration and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Life is what it is.
But the world cannot afford to lose the best examples of our humanity. And Prof Chris O’Brien was among the very best in spirit and in heart. He will be sorely missed.
Thoughts and prayers to his family at this very tough time.
We are thinking of you all, as you now face life ahead without your most loved and loving husband and father, Chris. Whilst we only ‘knew’ Chris O’Brien from the beginning of the RPA series, he immediately caught our attention and interest as a ‘people first’ doctor. This is so important to any patient, and Chris obviously had it nailed! Reading his book, Never Say Never, gave us greater insight too, so that we did feel we knew not only Chris but Gail and the family. Please accept our sincerest condolences, and know that Chris’ memory is honoured in the donations we have made to the Lighthouse appeal in both Chris’ and my late mother’s memory.
My husband and I were deeply upset to hear of the death of Chris. We both followed (like many Australians) chris’s brave journey through the news and 6o minutes. To his wife and family we express our deepest sympathy to the loss of a true angel.
God bless you Chris. The inspirational way in which you lived your life will carry on with your dream to establish the Lifehouse Cancer Centre. You will never know the profound impact you have had on the lives of so many people. Your strength has given us all the ability to fight our illnesses. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and condolences to your family. I will always remember you and strive to fight as long and as hard as you did.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of this truly remarkable man, who has inspired a nation to participate in a quest to defeat this adversary. We pray that his legacy which has touched the hearts of many lives on as symbol of hope for those enduring their pain staking journey against this terrible disease…May he rest in peace as our prayers turn to Chris’s family in the aid to overcome their huge loss in their hour of need.
My sincere condolences to Professor O’Brien’s family.
What an amazing fellow! This man was tireless in giving to the community.
My mother died in Sydney from the same cancer last year. Unfortunately, I can well understand what he and his family have been through…
I am increduolous of his ability to organise and publicise the Lifehouse…even in his last days. Profesor O’Brien’s vision for Sydney’s cancer treament is correct in every way. The Lifehouse will be a great legacy to this wonderful man.
It is very sad news. My sympathies are with Chris Obrien’s family and friends at this time.
What an amazing man, so inspirational and blessed with a beautiful spirit .
I watched him on the show RPA and saw the gentle way he had with his patients,he seemed very humble.I read his book and just loved him even more.
What a big loss to this world.
You will be sadly missed Chris O’Brien.
May you be surrounded by love and angels
Kylie Watson
Bless and rest in peace Professor O’Brien. You will never be forgotten
Night falls, but day dawns to replace it… Grief comes, but time will ease the pain… Life ends, but death cannot erase it… In memory, love always will remain. There are those whose lives death cannot diminish. Their love radiates forever in the hearts of friends and loved ones, and their light shines on in the lives they’ve touched for so many years. One who has lived never truly dies, but crosses a bridge into the next life where all is beautiful and peaceful, and the breeze always whisper of lasting love. May it ease your sadness a bit to know that your precious memories will always be a bridge between this world and the next, between your loved one and you.
What a very sad day for the world and especially Prof O’Briens family to loose such a grand and inspiring, courageous, and remarkable man. My heart goes out to his family, to his wife Gail, to loose a husband is the most terrible loss to go have to bear, I send you so much love to get through this very hard time. To his children Adam, Juliette and James to loose your Dad so early is devastating. To the medical world the loss of such an inspiration and knowledgeable man that we mourn that loss also. My father has had cancer and it is a terrible disease to have to live with and fortunately we still have my dear Dad with us although it was a very hard road. Professor you gave so much to the world of medicine which we dearly thank you for, it is now time to rest. Thank you for all that you achieved and my deepest sympathy goes to Gail and your children.
With love
Michelle
My thoughts and prayers are with Gail, James, Juliette and Adam as they are suffering deeply from the loss of their wonderful man.
i met Chris at a Relay for Life meeting in May 08. I had had a long association with RPA as my mother used to work there, i was born at King George V and then after a serious MVA i was hopitilised there for a mth and still am in contact with some of the staff so we had a good chat about the hospital with me singing RPAs praises. Chris was just the most lovely friendly man, i felt like i had known him for years. He made you feel you were a friend right from the moment you started talking to him.
After reading his wonderful book (more than once) i feel i know him and his family.
Rest in Peace Chris after your courageous battle. Thank you for Lifehouse, this will be a lifelong legacy to you
Sincere sympathy to the O’Brien family.
Dr. Christopher O’Brien was a remarkable man , and has certainly left the world a better place. He used his tallent to the fullest .
His book was a wonderful read detailing his many achievements with great modesty .
A remarkable life of a remarkable man . RIP Chris.
I grew up in the same suburb, 2 streets away from the O’Brien family and attended the same school so watched Professor Chris with great interest on RPA.
When I read of his illness I was heartsick, and to think he gave so many hope. I am saddened to hear that he has lost his courageous battle against cancer.
May his family find comfort that so many loved and admired his mighty fighting spirit. He was a true blue Australian hero, God bless.
To the O’Brien Family,
I believe that earth angels walk among us and I believe your Chris was one of them. I did not get to meet Chris however I felt as though I knew him by following his story. No words can replace your loss but I hope you find some comfort in knowing how much he was loved and valued by the Australian community and I have no doubt that his legacy will live on. RIP Chris ~ may flights of angels take you to your resting place.
Love Mel.
To the O’Brien family,
Chris was one of the nicest and inspirational and brightest and caring individuals I’ve ever met. It was a privilege to work with him, albeit briefly, on the profile of him we did for Sky News.
The great thing about Chris, and I’m sure he felt this, is that he leaves a marvellous legacy — Lifehouse at RPA and a wonderful family who loved him and supported him, especially when he needed you most. I know you will miss him terribly, but the legacy will be of some comfort to you in the years to come.
My sincere condolences.
Tom
My heart goes out to Prof O’Brien’s wife and children. Such a profound loss for someone that was so cherished, but no place more so than in his family life.
I was a volunteer for a few years at RPA , in their cancer centre. Pro. O’Brien always stroke me as such a lovely man, who took the time to know your name, which always seem very out of character for a Dr. He always had a smile on his face when I saw him, and he seem to radiate hope for many. But I am sure that his inspirational life will radiate more hope, through Lifehouse and his enduring legacy at RPA.
You will be missed
No words can describe the loss of this truly great, inspirational man.
Deepest sympathy to all of Dr O’Brians family & friends.
R.I.P
Gone, but never forgotten
Deepest sypathy to the family and friends of Prof O’Brian. I have read his book last year.
Also, I was given copy signed by him to me as a present recently. It will be treassured forever. Rest in peace!
Dear Chris,
You are truly an inspiration to humanity! What you have achieved most of us can only dream of achieving.Your compassion and kindness was genuine and it is such a terrible loss that you had to leave so soon. But like the true gentleman that you are, you tackled what life dealt you with such dignity and grace. You will be sorely missed Chris and to your family, my most sincere condolences.
I did not know you but like many others, I knew you were one of those exceptional people that graced humanity with their presence. This country was very lucky to be graced by yours all be it for such a short time. We’ll miss you Dr Chris but we will always remember you!!
I like many Australians did not know Chris O’Brien personally, but felt I knew him well by following him on RPA, then through his illness and book. Words cannot describe the sorrow I feel on his passing, he was truly a humble man. I pray for his family at this difficult time and thank them for sharing Chris with us.
A true Australian hero. You will be remembered for your heart, your soft voice and your compassion. You have helped and touched so many. My thoughts are with your beautiful family. May you rest in peace, free of pain. May your Lifehouse@RPA continue your work and legacy. You will be in everyones hearts forever. RIP dear man. Bless you!..
Being involved side by side each day with Medical Staff i shall sadly miss Chris O’Briens way of teaching and his great personality. To Gail and His family i send my condolances. Lester Phillips. RN. MRCNA
chris, i was priveliged enough to have met you at your book launch in griffith and spoke to you for a while, at that moment you inspired me to go ahead with a career in nursing.you brought hope into peoples lives.you will be sadly missed but never forgotton,you will stay alive in our hearts and in ‘lifehouse” at rpa.my sincerest condolences to gail and the o’brien family.
Dr Chris O’Brien was an inspirational human being. I felt that RPA showed his work, his love for his patients, colleagues and family and friends.
He was a humble and modest man who put others before himself. He has shown many what it is to have passion and drive and to fulfill your dreams, no matter what!
Sending prayers to his wife, children, family and friends.
May Lifehouse be a legacy of Dr O’Brien’s work, and an ongoing inspiration of how he lived his life.
I am sending you an e-mail of my condolence of the death of Chris O’Brien and I am sadden and shocked of the death of Chris O’Brien. Chris O’Brien’s death was an unexpected news I have heard and we are very saddened and sorry of the death of a Cancer Surgeon that was a saddest thing that we have had and it shocks Australia and I find this unexpected that the death was a shock for the Staff at RPA.
He have treated Cancer patients in the Sydney Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and he done a very good job and he is a clever Cancer doctor and he does all his work in the Sydney Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
His life was such a good wealth of knowledge for treating cancer patients. He does a very good job narrating a TV show called RPA on the Nine Network and he does a very good job doing it.
Chris O’Brien have done a very good job he has the knowledge and his guts to know everything about cancer and also he treated patients who has got Cancer so he done a very good job.
Chris O’Brien is now in heaven and hopefully his spirit and soul will be rebirthed and be reincarnated so he will become a different person and he will become a doctor in future and hopefully that his soul will come back to earth when he is resurrected who knows when it happened.
I felt sorry and shocked of the death of Chris O’Brien and I felt sorry for Gail and her family. My condolence will go to Chris’ family and his wife Gail his children Adam, Juliette and James and we are very sad and shocked about it.
Thanks for taking time for sending my message of my condolence in this difficult time we are very sad and shocked of the death of a Cancer Surgeon Icon and my Final word for Gail, Adam, Juliette and James is Chris O’Brien was a professional Cancer Surgeon at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and a clever cancer doctor.
Best Regards
Kenny Lu.
We can only hope to be as generous, compassionate and to make similar differences for our fellow human beings by using our skills to only do good things. Chris did great things, a fine example to us all.
He rests now, but will continue to influence others, what a legacy he leaves.
I was so sad when i heard this on our local radio station but he was a awesome man, father, doctor i pray that his work will continue and that he is at peace with the father in heaven and that his family will be remembered also for him as himself as well as a doctor.
I loved RPA and watched it everyweek and it was not the same without Chris on it but loved the updates.
May life house help many other people and Chris’s spirit will live on it the facility and that he taught many doctors that will help other people.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Chris’s passing and touched by his life’s story. The words of Robert Louis Stevenson say it all…
He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has left the world better than he found it;
Who has looked for the best in others and given the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration
Whose memory is a benediction
Professor Chris O’Brien was a compassionate doctor, someone who I admired and whose dedication has inspired me to try to do my best.
I used to watch him on RPA and appreciated his style of communication – he was a doctor who I have always looked up to and respected because of his approach to patients. He genuinely cared for his patients.
Professor Chris O’Brien’s book is a pleasure to read, he describes his days as a medical student, an intern, and his years of training to become a Surgeon. I continue to be amazed how he was able to do 15 appendectomies in his Intern year!
I have a copy of his book and continue to read it whenever I need some inspiration.
He emphasised the importance of family throughout his book, and how he would never compromise his role as a husband or father because of work commitments.
I did not have the opportunity to meet Professor Chris O’Brien, but from his book I felt as though I got to know what kind of a person he was.
On Friday morning as I woke up to watch the early morning news, I was made aware that Prof O’Brien lost his battle with cancer. I was deeply saddened by the news. No-one will be able to fill his shoes, his compassionate nature as a person will be missed but his legacy will live on. Lifehouse at RPA is a fantastic project and I will look forward to visiting it and possibly working there. I believe that cancer care for Australians is not as good as it could be especially for rural folk. The value of being able to participate in clinical trials would be a great opportunity and would mean being involved in ground-breaking research.
After learning about his passing on Friday morning, as soon as I started my day I consciously decided that I would make a greater effort of communicating with my patients that day, and the rewards spoke for themselves.
I hope we all can continue his legacy of improving the health and lives of Australians with cancer.
I agree with the statement that “Chris O’Brien epitomized what a doctor ought to be like.”
I will forever be inspired by Professor Chris O’Brien and I thank him for his dedication and commitment to medicine.
My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
To Gail, Adam ,Juliette and James, We have held Chris on a pedastol for many years now. I have read his book and passed it on to many others including my 93 yr. old mother who adored him and sends her love and thoughts to you all. Thank you to your family for sharing such a difficult personal time with us all. What courage and compassion. You should indeed be proud, so proud as wife, and children to have the honour of having Chris as your partner, mentor father and friend. His great love for you all will comfort you as time goes on. He was indeed a wonderful Australian and a humble man. God bless him and all your family.
To the O’Brien family, how proud you must be of Chris and the compassion and love he had for his work, patients and colleagues. A nicer man now at peace
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Our hearts go out to Prof O’Briens family. We too have felt the sorry and loss that Cancer introduces to a family and it has to stop.
Lets hope that his work continues and that a cure is found for this dreadful disease.
I am planning on raising funds for the Lifehouse at RPA project through everyday hero with this years City to Surf. My thoughts are that every little bit helps.. I may not know how to cure it or help people with it like Prof O’Brien could but by raising money we can put funds into research for other talented people to do this.
To Prof O’Briens family – continue as you know he would want you to .. life does get easier and it is okay to stop and remember and shut down and not be strong as it helps us get through it all.
An absolute inspiration, not just in the medical field, but as an extremely passionate person. RIP Prof O’Brien, many condolences to family, friends, colleagues and patients touched by this amazing man!
Prof O’Brien was a perfect example of what a human being should be. He inspires me and makes me want to be a better person to my fellow man.
To Prof O’Brien’s family: take care of each other and always take comfort knowing that his work will live on for many generations.
Farewell Dr Chris O’Brien
I first learnt of you watching RPA years ago. It has been inspiring watching you consult, operate and follow up on each patient in your care. As a nurse myself I have the up most respect for you and your professionalism. I finished reading your biography about 5 months ago, and felt that I knew you and your family. My deepest sympathy to the O’brien family and friends. Regards Cheryl
Amazing work and extreamelly inspirational – RIP Prof O’Brien.
To the O’Brien family,
The world has lost a very special man who gave his all to make their lives of his patients a little easier, he had a true gift.
Know now he is at peace and that he will be with you always.
May Lifehouse be everything he wanted it to be and more.
Cancer is a disease that just won’t stop tearing families apart, but hopefully with the inspirational ideas of Prof O’Brien the pain and suffering for the patient and their families will be less traumatic with the development of Lifehouse. I know such a place would have been of great benefit when my Dad passed away 11 years ago from Cancer. Prof O’Brien was, and will always remain, a true hero to many. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. Stand proud, your dad and husband was a true figure of humanity in it’s greatest depths.
i would like to send our condolences to prof o’briens family,we are deeply sorry for your loss ,we lost our mum in april 2007,from a brain tumour and we lost her 5 mths after diagnoese…please accept our apologies…lynne
What a wonderful man. The world is poorer for his passing but his legacy will live on through Lifehouse.
To family and friends, please know that the rest of Australia mourns with you.
Australia has lost a Great Man in Dr O’Brien and 1 of natures gentlemen, for the work he acheived, and the respect her so deserved,
My husband had Brain Surgery 24years ago after a bleed and depends on me for his care, I understand the heart ach the family have and are going through at this time, but their faith and the love of God well help them in their darkest hours
Mrs o”brien & family ny heart goes out to you
Dr O;brien may you rest in Peace you have served the people well and it is your time to rest
GOD BLESS
To the wonderful Obrien family
When we heard the sad news on saturday morning of the passing of the much loved Dr chris O Brien we were all heart broken. Dr Chris was a inspiration to us all, as all the preivous emails acknowleged. He wasnt just a First Class surgeon he was a real down to earth human been. I also admired his beautiful wife Gail she showed us what a true lady and caring wife should be like. Their three children also seem to have the same caring and loving nature of their lovely parents. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
We will gladly donate to Lifehouse
I followed Prof O’Brien’s journey through the news. He touched my heart, like he has done to so many. His interactions with his own patients with cancer were inspirational. I know my Grandfather who passed away 8 months ago would have been privileged to see a doctor like him. However, he even in his own ‘battle’ endeavoured to get this project off the ground, which will be a godsend for those patients. Weren’t we lucky to have this man walk our earth?
To the O’Brien Family, friends and work Collegues,
We are so sorry to hear of your sad loss. We watched RPA and Prof. O’Brien who came into our home every week. His legacy will always remain, a wonderful gifted caring man who helped so many; a true inspiration to us all. Prof. O’Brien lives on through the lifehouse.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family; a very special man and his achievements that you should be so very proud of.
I met Chris over 20 years ago when he operated on my sister at RPA and from the minute I met him I knew she was in safe hands. He also performed minor procedures on both myself and my mother over the years as we knew he was the best, from this he became our friend. I was praying for a miracle but awoke to the saddest news that I could not comprehend. Chris was always witty, a true character, he made us laugh,there was always a joke or two or three.
Our deepest condolences to Gail and his family.
We are fortunate to have known Chris, he has inspired me more than ever to fulfill my dreams and cherish everyday I have with my family.What an impact someone can have on ones life.
He was truly one of a kind.
Michelle Fielding
My condolences to Mrs O’Brien and her children, you have suffered a great loss. I lost my dad to a brain tumor several years ago, but he only had 6 weeks from diagnosis to his passing. Perhaps if the Lifehouse was available then he may have had longer, but I hope that for all future patients this centre will bring much needed hope and health. Again, my families thoughts are with the O’Briens at this time… Ruth.
Prof O’Brian was a true example of the light that humanity can bring to this world when patience, humility and empathy are employed as ways to relate to your fellow human beings. While there is a dark shadow left behind now that Prof O’Brian has passed, his light will continue to shine from the countless people he helped and the countless more that will continue to benefit from the work he has done on this Earth during his time here.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family in this time of massive loss.
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father and friend. We’ve all followed the updates on Chris’s progress over the time since he was first diagnosed and keep hoping that we’ll hear that he’s won the battle. Will definately miss his positive outlook on everything….our deepest sympathy..
RIP Dr. Chris O’Brien
A true saint among men. Caring, compasionate, understanding, truely blessed with such wonderful gifts any human being good ever posses.
Your family and your medical family will miss you ever so much but they will also be inspired to try and pick up and follow your wonderful character and deeds so your dreams will be forfilled.
Your grief is truely shared by everyone who was touched by this saintly man.
God Bless you all and may Chris rest in peace.
TO a wonderful man we would like to send our condolences to prof o’briens family,the courage chris had was amazing,i am half way thru chris book. rest in peace. juie,linda and nathan
Our thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of your husband, father, son and friend. We know the legacy he leaves behind will live on for many, many years to come.
What an exceptional human being,What a great loss to his family and us.So very sorry to hear of his death.My thoughts are with you. long live his dream. Anne
Chris your love, light and inspiration will shine on in your hearts for ever. God bless your family your love for them will never end.
RIP Chris, condolences to his family and friends.
So so sad! Where is the justice one may ask?? Maybe he was an angel put here for a limited time for a special reason. I have shed many a tear since Friday morning. I had the priviliege of being one of Chris’s first patients at RPA after he returned from overseas and then worked with him as a nurse and physiotherapist in years to follow. So I have the aurthority to know he was different from any other doctor. What a trully special person in every way! Chris became a friend to all my family who had dealings with him over the years. His quirky sense of humour, love of opera music and red wine Ill always remember. You made a mark on all of us Chris and your legacy will live on in your family and Lifehouse.
My condolences to Gail, Adam, Juliette and James
As one of the many Australians who watched RPA we were always moved by Chris O’Briens compassion and warmth towards his patients. He was always positive and strong for them. So very sad for his family. But so many wonderful memories. He will always be remembered.
To Chris,
Thank you so very much for your inspiration, skill and wonderful personality that you have brought to this world. After reading your autobiography, you inspired me to new heights to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. You are one in a million and i am sure that your work will live on through the eyes of life house. God bless you always. Your strength to keep fighting until the end has no doubt given others new light and hope that they can keep going. Well done.
To Gail, Adam, Julliette, James and family, I would like to express my sincere condolences for your loss, my Chris’ achievements bring you all strength and comfort during this difficult time. Im sure he will be looking down on you and praying for you all. God bless you all and may the holy spirit come down on you all during this time.
Sincere sympathy to Gail, Adam, Juliette, and James. May your faith in the Risen Lord support you at this sad time. Wonderful to read the articles praising him ! I taught Chris at Parramatta Marist – Science (Physics and Biology) in 1968-9. He was School Captain in 1969. I still have the Thank You letter he penned to me on 28 Jan 1970. Some extracts – ” … gratitude for so much help, and, what is far more important, inspiration. Much of my success last year, both scholastic, and in general school life, I must attribute to your guidance and encouragement. All this I can only repay with the warmest “thankyou”. … I am proud to have been a member of your class.” YES – a REAL PEOPLE PERSON, even in his late teens. A special letter ! Br Cyril Quinlan.
A truly inspiring human being – if only every person had the same kind of human kindness and courage Chris displayed.
My thoughts are with Chris’s family at this sad time.
I lost my father to Pancreatic Cancer last year at the young age of 50. From someone who has been there, the memory never fades & the heartache slowly turns to relief that he no longer has to suffer.
Take comfort in knowing that you had the privelege of not only knowing him, but sharing his greatest memories with him.
My deepest condoleces to Christ’s family. Chris was born with a mission on this earth, God gave him the soul to help people with this terrible disease, to give hope and alleviate the pain for sufferers and their families. His generous heart and understanding of human beings made him a very exceptional man. He saw further for cancer sufferers and wanted a special place for them, the LifeHose will be a monument for him and a example for future young generations.
God blessed Chris.
RIP Chris,The o’brien family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.Chris was an inspiration to me through is fight of illness.
Professor O’Brien was a truly inspirational human being and consumate gentleman. Our deepest sympathies to Professor O’Brien’s wife, Gail and children at this extremely difficult time. May you know that you husband and father was a truly gifted and compassionate human being who contributed so much and inspired us all. He touched the lives of so many. We thank you for allowing us to share your life journey. Our world is a much lesser place without him. We have lost a great human being – he will live on in our hearts forever. Thank you Professor O’Brien.
The death of proffesor Chris, rocked us to the core. He was a truely remarkable man. Compassionate through and through. Our sincere sympathy and best wishes go out to his wife and children, during this emotional time. May everyone be iinspired by his determination, and courage. You will surely be missed but your legacy will go on.
Chris O’Brien was a great humanitarian. His work and life demands that his memory and legacy lives on. There is a Facebook page that currently has 3,200 members and 300+ messages for Chris and his family.
This message is to ensure their voices are added to the supportive messages left here already. Here is the page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=89444658150&ref=ts
RIP Chris, as a nurse we respect and value the advice of surgeons and specialists. He will be sadly missed. Have watched in on RPA and he’s a wonderful person. Condolences to his family.
Thanks for being a great Dr, You gave hope to so many, your time on earth made a great difference and you will not be forgotton, most people never knew you, but we were with you all the way. RIP Dr OBrien
My family and I wish to send our deepest and sincere sympathy to the O’Brien family for the great loss that they have to bear. I always watched Dr O’Brien on RPA and always felt from the very beginning he was a special doctor and a lovely man. He seemed to always be thinking of others even in his darkest hours. He was such a wondeful human being and a remarkable doctor loved by so many. There will be many Australians crying for the loss of this man today but I have a feeling that the shining light that was Chris O’Brien will continue to burn bright for many years to come. God Bless him and his family.
Wow….what an inspirational man. May he R.I.P knowing his legacy will live on. My condolences to his wife & children. xoxo
A truly remarkable gentleman. Our sincere condolences to the O’Brien family. RIP DR.O’Brien.
To Professor Chris O’Brien’s wife, children, extended family, friends and work colleagues. My sincere sympathy goes out to you all at this very sad time, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure the love you had for each other and all the wonderful memories will help you cope with the loss you are feeling.
He was a truely incredible human being. He touched so many lives in so many wonderful ways and I can’t begin to imagine how proud you must be of him.
His dedication to his profession and his great work will thankfully live on through Lifehouse RPA for the benifit of all of us. Thank you Dr Chris, RIP.
God has him in his keeping you have him in your heart.
valē professor and thank you
The TV program RPA with Chris O’Brien was compelling viewing. Over time I grew to know Chris with admiration as a compassionate, gifted surgeon. News of his illness and subsequent death hit me very hard. To his family I share your grief. He left such a great legacy.
Mrs O’Brien, I had the humbling pleasure of hearing Chris talk at a UQ seminar and further read his book. I can say I was truly touched by Chris’ fight, passion and determination to (funnily enough) never say die attitude.
I wish to pass on my deepest condolences to you and your family. No words are ever going to be eough, but if there’s any silver lining, it’s that your husband touched so many lives in all forms of media and medicine. No one will be the same after. I can’t help but think of the old adage: behind every great man is a even greater women.
I think I can only end with one last phrase befitting such a shining light as Chris; Lest we forget. May God bring peace and warmth to you. I know I’ll be praying you and your family.
Sincerest best wishes,
Peter
I am very sorry to hear that Prof. OBriens death and am very sadded by his loss of which Iam also a Brain Tumour patient and was looking for funds to seek his treatment.
I am sending my condolences to his family from Papua New Guinea.
Jacob Gubi
My tears are so freely flowing, We have lost a wonderful man, outstanding Doctor, comasionate human being. We cannot comprehend the sadness and heartbreak his family is feeling, we can only send our love and sincere good wishes to them through this emotioanal journey. Have faith in knowing you shared the life of such a remarkable man. To say he will be missed is an understatment, but there is no other way to say it. You are a true angel Dr,Chris. May God keep you safe, R.I.P. Until we meet in heaven.
Professor O’Brien was a remarkable doctor and Australian, and our thoughts and prayers are with the O’Brien family. We hope that other doctors aspire to meet the exacting medical and compassionate standards of care Professor O’Brien afforded his patients and for people to support Lifehouse at RPA lest they become a patient in need of care.
Rest in Peace Chris.
You helped so many people before you had cancer, then more people when you had cancer … you will continue to help people with the legacy that you have left.
You were a truly inspirational person.
What a truly remarkable man..
My sincerest sympathies to Chris O’Brien’s family and friends.
You will be missed..”Chris”
May you rest in peace Professor Chris O’Brien..
God Bless.
What a truly inspirational man,who will be missed by many, he touch so many hearts with his inspiration. RIP Chris. Your legacy will contiue with life house lets all get together and donate to this wonderful place.
What a truly wonderful human being? You gave life to many other suffers in a selfless way. may your memory live on Professor Chris O’Brien and God Bless you in your new journey and to your family.
The Legend of the Raindrop
The legend of the Raindrop
Has a lesson for us all
As it trembled in the heavens…
Questioning whether it should fall –
For the glistening raindrop argued
To the genie in the sky
“I am beautiful and lovely
As I sparkle here on high,
And hanging here I will become
Part of the rainbow’s hue
And I’ll shimmer like a diamond
For all the world to view”…
But the genie told the raindrop,
“Do not hesitate to go,
For you will be more beautiful
If you fall to earth below,
For you will sink into the soil
And be lost a while from sight,
But when you reappear on earth,
You’ll be looked on with delight;
For you will be the raindrop
That quenched the thirsty ground
And helped the lovely flowers
To blossom all around,
And in your resurrection
You’ll appear in queenly clothes
With the beauty of the lily
And the fragrance of the rose;
Then, when you wilt and wither,
You’ll become part of the earth
And make the soil more fertile
And give new flowers birth”…
For there is nothing ever lost
Or eternally neglected,
For everything God ever made
Is always resurrected;
So trust God’s all-wise wisdom
And doubt the Father never,
For in His Heavenly Kingdom
There is nothing lost forever.
To the O’Brien Family,
A loss to all humanity, a gift to be treasured through the ages.
How wonderful to have had this exceptional man as your spouse, father, son, brother, uncle, friend
I wish you peace in your sorrow, and joy in your memories
Michele
I am a terminal cancer patient as Chris was and when I heard that this wonderful human being had lost his battle with this insidious disease called CANCER my heart light went out I’m sure. I have adored this man for so long I can’t understand WHY he was taken away from us. We needed Chris so bad for our inspiration, hope, his kindness and understanding. What an amazing person!
I can only dream that when my time comes he will be in heaven and i can tell him how much we all adored, respected, and missed him. Chris is our real legend, one in a million.
To Chris’s family I can’t even imagine how you will go on without him, but I know you will and time will be the healer of your broken hearts. We can only envy you to have this wonderful person be a part of your everyday lives. How so lucky you all were. God bless you all.
Chris will always be in my heart and my prayers and I can honestly say I love you for the person that you are and always will be in Life & Death.
Sincere sympathy to Gail, Adam, Juliette, and James. Chris was an inspiring man, very positive and compassionate. My husband was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage IV in January 2009. He’s still fighting the battle. Having been through many medical appointments and admissions to hospital, we look forward to the opening of Lifehouse which will provide a much better co-ordinated facility for those suffering cancer. Chris will be long remembered.
Although we never met Chris we feel as though we was our friend, our thoughts and wishes go out to his family at this sad time and know that he will be remembered and loved. His legacy will live on. We believe that he will be orchestrating the success of Lifehouse from his lofty position above. God Bless.
I watched with awe, I have no idea, the medical marval that was here. He saved lives, he spoke compassion, one in a million was his fashion. Miss him we will, inspire he did, Dr Chris and his family are the true gods gifts. REST IN PEACE CHRIS. MUCH LOVE TO EVERYONE YOU TOUCHED. (p.s. no poet by any imagination) my tribute xxxxx
I was so sorry to hear of chris’s passing i watched rpa regularly and really admired his work and especially his comasion, it was sad he had the disease but i truly believe he got it and has been true example to others, im just sorry his family will miss him so much. god bless to all of you love and light to you all xx susie
God bless to a considerate and a great human being,as well a great doctor in his field.
Our thoughts and prayers to the family, May God bless you Dr Obrien and your family. Thank you for all youve done and your legacy will live on
Andrew & Jo Falconer
Wagga Wagga
Chris you were and are a true hero, thank you for being such a beautiful person, you will be sadly missed forever RIP Chris
A truly remarkable man! A very sad loss. My thoughts are with the O’Brien family.
What a loss to oour nation
Pro Chris O’Brien was a wonderful human being
There are not many like
He will be missed
My sincere sympathy to the O’Brien Family in their loss of a truly wonderful man. Having read his book “Never Say Die” makes me feel so upset in his loss. What a marvellous person he was, devoted to helping and healing the sick. RIP
Chris, you were a inspiration to me. Lost my mother to cancer 5 years ago. Saw your
interview. Had tears n my eyes.. to see u choose Charles Teo to help you. R.I. P. Chris.
Condolencese to the family, may many more doctors aspire to acheieve what Chris acheived.
Rest In Peace.
Deepest condolences,
Dennis
Bless you, Prof Chris O’ Brien. What an amazing man, such a loss but such a wonderful legacy he has left. Sincere sympathies to his family.
My deepest sympathies to the O’Brien family. The passing of Chris O’Brien has saddened a nation, but I believe as we reflect in the life and times of this great man, one will feel inspired to try and live our lives as Chris lived his – with kindness, compassion and true optimism. I am sure the Lifehouse at RPA will remain a lasting legacy of this great man and the people who believe in him. May he rest in peace.
Gail, my thoughts are with you and your family. Although I haven’t met Chris, only having see him on TV, he seemed like an amazing man and visionary. If someone’s legacy is “helping people and caring about others”, then wow what a way to be remembered. My cousin is fighting breast cancer now and this has exposed our family to the world of cancer. I can only think this is one of the reason why my family was moved from Sydney to Perth. To try and help and support her. I will buy her Chris’s Books and hope that he will provide an inspiration for her as well. We will also make a donation to Lifehouse. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chris and his legacy will continue on. And hopefully with his help and vision our children or their children will find a way to beat it. I always find the beach and the water makes me feel better when I am feeling pretty sad or home sick. Take care. Deborah
I wish to express my sincere condolences to the O’Brien family upon the sad loss of an amazing individual.
I am currently studying medicine and have been truly inspired by the technical skill and amazing rapport he developed with his patients. Even through the television, Professor Chris O’Brien has been able to act as a mentor and provide an excepional example for all medical students to follow and aspire to. I thank Chris for the opportunity to observe these skills through the RPA program.
His legacy will live on for many years to come.
May he rest in peace
My condelences to Gail and your family and friends. Chris was such an inspiration to so many people and his goodwill touched so many lives. He was put on this earth to do something good and look what he achieved in such a short time. Please feel comfort in knowing what a good man he was, an excellent Surgeon, a decent human being, an exceptional husband, father, friend and colleague. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on forever. May he rest in peace.
We have lost a great Australian and human being! God Bless
Deepest sympathy to Gail, Adam, Juliette, James and the rest of Chris’ family and friends.
I only knew Chris from RPA and the interviews I have seen of him over the last few years. I’ve come to know him as a remarkable doctor and wondeful human being and we are so much the richer for his being here.
If only we had more like him, the world would be a far better place.
I am an ordinaary Australian and proudly sulute and Extrordinary Australian.Through the reality TV show RPA I felt the compassion caring and Charisma of Dr Chris OBrien always shown towards his patients. I felt the pain when he was diagnosed himself with
Cancer and wondered— where is the justice.
To his family especially today at his funeral may they feel the warmth of the love generated by so many.
They can stand proud in the years to come as Lifehouse becomes a reality in this remarkable Husband Father and Doctors memory
Juliette, Gail, Adam and James.
My condolences to all of you and your family. Chris was such an inspiring and remarkable man doing wonderful things. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. RIP Chris. You will be truely remembered for the wonderful person you were.
Australia has lost a wonderful,inspirational man. He was extraordinary,but so humble, brave and caring. What a role model for us all. My sympathies to all the family.
Our condolences to Gail and family, friends and colleagues of Chris, a remarkable human being who has enormous respect in the community, even though most of us only knew him through his wonderful work on RPA. he will be missed by many. A wonderful example in every way he conducted your life, Chris may your legacy live on for ever.
Watching Prof. Chris O’Brien on RPA as I was growing up all those years ago, I remember how inspiring he was. Chris was, and always will be remembered as a most brilliant & compassionate doctor & surgeon, and above all else, human being. He gave so much to so many, and he will never be forgotten.
Someone mentioned earlier that although they did not personally know Chris, they felt that he was a friend. I think Chris was a friend to humanity; a beacon of light for those that knew him, and knew of him.
My condolences to the family, and those closest to him.
Rest In Peace Chris.
What an amazing man. Australia is a richer country for having known Prof. Chris O’Brien on RPA and now what a legacy he has left with Lifehouse.
My sincerest condolences go out to his family. May the Lord grant you all peace, strength and faith.
Em
A true hero, Dr Chris O’Brien. Rest in peace knowing you have made the world a better place for so many people.
Our thoughts and sympathy go out to Gail and family. Chris was truly a talented doctor who cared for and had respect for all of his patients. Chris will be sadly missed.
Dr Chris was a real hero, an inspiration. We will miss him.
I knew him through watching the RPA show – his compassion was truly amazing.
He also helped a friend who had cancer.
I know he will be resting in the Lord’s arms now – the Lord has welcomed him and said
“well done good and faithful servant”.
My condolences to his family – may the Lord give you strenght and peace.
My prayer is that Lifehouse will be Chris’ lasting legacy.
What a beautiful person Professor O’Brien was. He was truly inspirational in so many ways. My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. May his spirit live on forever.
This week has shown Professor O’Brien is well loved both for himself and for what he has given to others through his work. My condolences to his family, by all accounts and by what I saw of him through RPA, he was a great man who will be missed.
Our lives were touched by Chris O’Brian through the media. We could feel the warmth & inspiration he gave to those he treated & came in contact with through his work.
Also the special love that he had for his family.
Thank you Chris for being a small but precious part of our lives.
You were truly a wonderful person.
Our condolences & sympathies to his family.
RIP
TimPam
Why did Dr Chris have to pass when he was such a wonderful surgeon. I always liked his compassion for patients – just what we today. A marvelous legacy the Lifehouse. Bless his lovely family. He will be watching over you.
So sorry to hear that Professor Chris O’Brian passed away, its a shame when someone with such warmth and compassion and such a loving person towards other people pass on. I am sure he leaves lots of people who appreciate his talent and has made others lives much the richer for knowing him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Debbie
Dear Chris
I must confess I never knew about you till you passed away last week. The TV show, the book, the LifeHouse fell on ears that were perhaps distracted or too busy. And then I found out about you – a doctor, a husband, a father, a friend of the truest kind. You caught me off guard as I was about to make a career decision that was not about being true to myself. But as I read about your life and listened to the tributes flood in it forced me to look in the mirror and remember why God put us on this earth – to be the very best “me” I can possibly be.
Thank you Chris, you were the best “you”, and your life, your legacy is in my heart and in my head to remind me to always strive to be the best me.
May the sunshine of your spirit shine on your family and loved ones always.
Catriona
To Chris O’Brians family, my deepest condolences on the loss of an amazing man.
I never got the chance to meet Chris but watching him on RPA and in subsequent interviews showed me that he was a true Australian hero. We have lost an amazing figure in medicine and an we have also lost a great man. He has left a legacy as an amazing surgeon with an indescribable bedside manner but now we have the legacy of Lifehouse. Dr Chris O’Brian made a difference to so many people on so many different levels, one of those people being me so thank you. You will be sadly missed.
Dear Family of Chris O’Brian
I feel for you for the great loss & what you had to go through, I know what it is like.We,my son & I also lost my husband who was also a Doctor to this insidious illness 19 years ago.
Please except my condolences with warmth.
Chris has been an out standing human being.
With best regards
Eva Farkas
My most sincere condolences to the family at this very sad time. I too lost my father to cancer. You made a great difference to many peoples lives which Australia and the world will be forever grateful for.
Its amazing what a difference one man (a great man at that) can make.
We are deeply sadend by the loss of such an inspiring and loving man. Our love & thoughts are with his family & friends. May Lifehouse find and provide all that he and others with cancer are looking for. Thankyou for sharing as a family you most private of struggles as Chris has touched all our hearts. A true Australian Hero.
I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of Prof Chris O’Brien. I was lying in hospital myself last week when I heard to the tragic news…waiiting on my own brain tumor resection pathology results.
Thinking of you all at this tragic time, as all Australian’s are.
RIP Chris. I believe your influence on the wellbeing of cancer patients will be stronger after your death than it was when you were alive.
I have watched Chris O’Brien for years on RPA and have followed the progress of his illness and I was devastated to have heard that he died. I think it is amazing the vision of Lifehouse and I hope that as many of the community as possible gets behind this project to see it up and running. RIP Chris and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
To the O’Brien Family,
My condolences on your very sad loss. Christwas a great inspiration to many cancer sufferers with his courage and dignity in all facets of his life and work.
You and all of Australia has lost a great man. May he Rest in Peace knowing that his work with cancer patients old and new will be remembered always.
We owe this man so, much like many other people, Chris saved my mums life and I will be forever grateful, he become a friend to our family while my mum was sick, if it wasn’t for him, I am not sure if my mum would be here now.
To his family my thoughts and prayers are with you, and will always be.
May he never be forgotten.
I wish to extend my condolences to the O’Brien family. I was a patient of Professor O’Brien back in 1997 and was saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace.
Vale to a truly inspirational and dedicated Australian. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to your living legacy. Condolences to your family.
RIP mate you were one in a Million, there will never be another you.
God Bless you and your Loving caring family and friends at this sad time.
Hope you can continue your work in heaven, there might be a few up there that might need your services.
So all I can say is god bless you mate.
There are only two ways to live . . . one is as though nothing is
a miracle. . . the other is as if everything is.
– Albert Einstein
God bless Chris, his family and all on this Earth who live to heal others, may God guide them always
My sincere sympathy to the O’Brien family. Prof Chris O’Brien was a great inspiration to many.
My sister-in-law who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in March was inspired by reading his book.
Lifehouse will be a great thing for Sydney and as a nurse maybe one day I could work there.
Thank you , for all you have done Doc…
Another Angel in heaven to look over us..
thought with your family
margaret
Dr. O’brien was a truly inspirational surgeon who gave hope, dignity and compassion to his patients. His personal struggle with his own illness will give those struggling with ill health courage and the option of maintaining humour and positive thinking in dealing with their disease. I commend the O’Brien family for sharing their story with the public and enabling those who did not know him to pay their respects to him, by watching the telivised state funeral which was incredibly moving. I wish his family my deepest condolances.
What an inspirational person leaving a legacy for thoudands of fellow Australians. RIP Dr O’Brien, You have shown what an exemplery human being can achieve.
I would like to send my condolences to the family of Professor Chris O’Brien. Lifehouse will keep the spirit of Dr O’Brien alive – he will never be forgotten! A great man and a great loss.
To the family of Professor Chris O’Brien. I send my heart felt sympathy for your loss. You were so very lucky to have been in his life for the time you were, he is a remarkable man, compassionate and caring, how lucky were his patients to have had such a wonderful doctor to look after them. I know you must feel so terribly sad to loose him but just imagine how sad your life would have been if you had never had him in it.
Some of us never have someone so special in ours.
He will leave a mark on many lives I know he has touched my heart in many ways and he will always be in my memory just as he will in yours xxx
Never have I admired a person so much as Dr Chris. After reading his book I admired him all the more for all the good he has done. He was certainly an inspiration. To Gail and his three children our sincere condolonces. For a man who would fill the white wine bottles from a cask at his dinner party he was certainly one of us. He will always be remembered for his excellent work. We must all donate to overcome this terrible thing callled cancer. There is only one place he could be and that is at the right hand of his Maker in Heaven. Rest in Peace Good Man.
Professor Chris was my father’s surgeon and we loss our father 2 years ago after battling the illness for 9 years.
Our heartfelt condolence to his wife and children. May his sole rest in peace.
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My sincere condolences to the family. I lost my father to GBM on Friday – multiple tumours and he lasted 9 months. At the funeral this week, we have asked that donations be made to Lifehouse in lieu of flowers. I hope we can help fight this insidious disease.