Gary Walter O'Brien
Great Father, Husband, and Teacher.
Gary died December 23, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Villa after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Gary was born to Cairns O’Brien and Jennie Johnson on April 21, 1934 in Murray, Utah. He is survived by his daughter Shauna O’Brien Greenwood (Troy); son Timothy John O’Brien (Melinda); ex-wife Lucy Jimeniz Batey; granddaughter Karlie O’Brien; grandson Samuel O’Brien; and a host of O’Brien, Mele and Jimeniz family that grieve his loss.
Gary’s roots are from Cumberland, England and Finland, Sweden. He was dealt a bad hand losing his right middle nger when a tractor fender fell on it when he was 5 years old. He has since been know as one and a half birds. He lost his mom, Jennie Johnson, when he was 15.
Gary fought through it all. He served in the Air Force. After graduating with his MBA in engineering from the University of Utah, he spent most of his career working for Boeing and Unisys.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life, Antoinette Jane (Dolly) Mele. Those and many others who have passed have met him in heaven and he is at peace.
He taught his children and those around him many things like how to work hard, fish, golf and most importantly how to have faith and never give up. He taught us how to be loving, honest, and generous.
He wasn’t one who trusted easily but once trust was earned it was never lost. He taught simple lessons like how to stack a huge load in our white ‘65 Ford Truck to go to the landfill, and to work with our hands managing over 30 rental properties. Other great memories are shing at Mormon Flats and Midway. We lost a lot of waders climbing over fences! We will always remember the moose the very last time we shed together and him being at all of our sporting events and activities. And at least every other weekend he would drive the family to Price, Utah to build relationships with the Mele clan.
Gary was a great dad and we have missed him while he suffered with Alzheimer’s disease under the care of the staff at St. Joseph’s Villa. We would like to thank them for all they did. And thank you Dad for the wonderful life you have given us all.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 6-8pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, SLC. Please use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Inurnment will take place on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 2pm at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and “T” Street, SLC.