Ronald Walter O'Brien

Ronald Walter O’Brien “OB” passed away Saturday, June 1, 2013, due to health complications. He was born July 1, 1939 in Iowa City, Iowa to Sylvester and Marion O’Brien. At an early age he moved with his family to California. He was raised and educated in Lynwood, California where he graduated from Lynwood High School. Ron had a work ethic like no one else. During high school he worked the swing shift at a paper factory, later becoming an iron worker at Rebar Engineering retiring as a supervisor. Just as Ron worked hard, he played just as hard if not more so. Ron raced dirt bikes at an early age, boasting about his run at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1960 and winning two new tires for his motorcycle! He raced drag boats, but later found his passion with the K-racing runabouts (power boat circle racing) racing coast to coast. Ron always sought that adrenaline rush “faster is better” spending a weekend on the lake racing was where he was happiest. Ron also enjoyed old hot rod cars, his pride and joy being his 1949 Chevy truck he completely finished and drove in city parades and entered in car shows always willing to share his knowledge with all who would listen. Upon retiring, he and his wife Carol moved to fulfill their dreams buying a ranch in Bigfork, Montana. Here their happiness grew while ranching together with all the livestock at the Wild O Ranch. Many lasting friendships were formed in Montana. Ron enjoyed many activities with his friends; square dancing, horse riding, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and becoming an active member of the Elks Lodge in Kalispell, Montana. He held many different offices in the organization. He loved serving his fellow man and his community. Ron had a special place in his heart for the Veterans, volunteering at the Veterans Hospital weekly while his health permitted. He was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Church. After his wife Carol passed away, he moved to Country Pine Retirement Community in Clinton, Utah to be closer to his daughter, Roxanne and his grandchildren. It was there that he met his second “family” actively participating in the many activities with his friends. Ron was always loved by those who crossed his path. Ron was preceded in death by parents, one sister, Patricia Putney, and one grandson, Eric Wilson. He is survived by his sister, Teri Farris, South Gale, CA; a brother, Richard (Melody) O’Brien, Medford, OR; a daughter, Roxanne (Deris) Wilson, West Haven, UT; grandchildren, Chris (Ginger) Wilson, Fruita, CO; Jacob Wilson, West Haven, UT; Rachel (Colton) Russell, Ogden, UT; and one great-granddaughter, Sofia Wilson. The family wishes to thank his lifelong friend, Tom (Deanna), Willis, CA; and Dave and Caroline, Kalispell, MT. Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary.