Richard Edward O'Brien

Richard O'Brien Apr 26, 1923 to Jan. 11, 2017 After 93 wonderful years of life, Richard O'Brien passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 11, 2017 at his home in Novato. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends for his infectious energy, insatiable curiosity, humor, positivity, storytelling, kindness, and warmth. He enjoyed every moment of his life and always looked towards the future. Family was the most important thing to Richard. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Laurice Seroogy O'Brien, and survived by his four children, Michael O'Brien, Cristine O'Brien Pollock, Jim O'Brien, and Jeff O'Brien, as well as his nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Richard was born in Excelsior Springs, Missouri and grew up in El Segundo California. He began college at St. Norbert in De Pere, Wisconsin, where he met Laurice. In 1942 he joined the U.S. Army to serve in World War II. After the war, he and Laurice moved back to California, where Richard completed his degree in mechanical engineering at USC. Richard had a successful career in the pulp and paper industry. He served as president of the Pulp and Paper Division of Chicago Bridge & Iron Company and was awarded 18 patents related to pulp and paper equipment. Professionally, he was known for his creativity and his warm connections with his colleagues. When Richard retired at age 62, he and Laurice moved to Mesa, Arizona, trading Midwest snow for year-round sun (and a golf course right off their back yard). In 1998, after ten years in Mesa, they moved to Marin County to be closer to their children. Richard was a "people person." He made friends wherever he went. In Marin, he was an active member of Sons in Retirement (SIRS), and served as the president of its local chapter for two years. His fascination with the future and love of learning kept him perpetually curious about business, technology and politics. Up until the last day of his life, he could be found riding his motorized scooter to the neighborhood coffee shop to read The Economist and The Wall Street Journal. The private service for Richard will be held at the Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery, where he will join his wife, Laurice. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in honor of Richard O'Brien to the Buck Institute for Research on Aging (8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato 94901).