Peter William O'Brien Obituary (1927

Peter William O'Brien was born April 17, 1927, in Lake Leelenau, Michigan on Easter Sunday. Peter and his twin brother Paul were so small at birth that they spent the first days of their lives in a dresser drawer as their crib. Peter enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school in August 1945 and was on his way overseas when the war ended. Upon returning home, Peter enrolled in Michigan State University and earned his degree in forestry management. After college he moved to Oregon where he began a 30 year career with the State of Oregon in the Forestry Tax division. On October 24, 1953 he married Ann Puklich at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Portland. Their early married life included many moves around Oregon as part of Peter's job. During this time, they had three children: Patty, Dennis, and Michael. The young family eventually settled in Hillsboro where they were long-time parishioners at Saint Matthew Catholic Church. Once their children completed school Peter and Ann moved to Salem to be near Pete's job. After retirement he moved back to Hillsboro to be close to family. He was known for gathering family and friends together for lively parties, card games and billiards. Poetry was a big part of Peter's life. He would recite lengthy Robert Service poems from memory keeping family and friends entertained for hours. Pete was loved and respected by all. His wife, Ann, preceded him in death in January 2001. Peter is survived by three children, five grand-children, five great-grand-children, and one great-great-grand-son. The family suggest donations in Peter's name to the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund; PO Box 130, Banks, OR 97106