Robert O’Brien is a Past Chairman of the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy from 2007-2010.   He was born on November 30th  a date which he shares with Sir Winston and has been a Churchill enthusiast since early age.  He was invited to join the Board of Directors in 1999 and remains on the Board as the most senior director.  Among his contributions to the Society include that he was the editor of the Blue Book for 12 years formally documenting speeches from the Award Recipients and keynote speakers, serving as liaison with Trinity College in connection with the Churchill Collection, organizing the annual Parliamentary review series and speakers events, attending seven international Churchill conferences, attending two Library of Parliament events in Ottawa and himself is an avid collector of Churchill books and memorabilia.    

Professionally Robert is senior partner with Coutts Crane which has celebrated its 77th anniversary.    He articled and was a law partner with the late Elgin Evans Coutts, Q.C. who was a distinguished member of the Royal Canadian Force and he has participated in Remembrance Day events in Toronto, Holland and Prince Edward Island with whom he shares a family background.  He was recipient of the Vera L Parsons and Joseph Sedgwick Awards in the Bar Admission Course of the Law Society of Ontario.

He is a Past President of The Rotary Club of Toronto and has been a member of the Rotary since 1985.   He has been serving on the Board of Directors for The Rotary Foundation (Canada) for six years with directors serving across Canada taking a leadership role in charitable giving.

Robert has been a public speaker to various community and professional groups on a wide variety of topic.

Robert is an accomplished long-distance and marathon runner having participated in the Toronto, Niagara and New York City Marathons.