Ed was a wonderful and kind person. When my husband,David Bostrom, was on the Street Law Board,he so enjoyed working with Ed. We will all miss him.
Pat Quann

Ed O'Brien was a longtime friend and champion of justice.  His genius, spontaneous and wonderful spirit, keen interest in everyone and everything, and his commitment to an even brighter and more just and inclusive future were all part of the O'Brien Way.  He has planted a spirit that will light our way as we move into the future.  What a privilege to know Ed and to call him my friend.

Ed helped me get my first job in law-related education, when I was a young Harvard Law grad.  The books I've since written on the Constitution and Bill of Rights focused on empowering citizens to claim their vital role in the legal system.  That was Ed's mission, and he was the pioneer who shined the light for others to follow.  I am honored to be part of his legacy.  

Blessings to family and friends as they mourn and celebrate this amazing man who did so much for so many.

I send my deepest sympathy from Hawaii.  I met Ed through the American Bar Association and served with him on ABA committees (involving law related education).
Aloha from Kona.

At Arlington Academy of Hope, we were shocked and so saddened to hear of Ed's passing. He always seemed so full of life!  Ed cared about the people we work with in rural Uganda - one of the poorest countries in the world. He helped support our elementary school and women's microfinance, so the village women could increase their incomes and help their families.  He had a big heart, and will be greatly missed. www.aahuganda.org

Ed was a wonderful colleague and good friend, whose values and commitments in supporting human rights for all set a high standard for activists around the world.  While Ed has left us, his legacy lives on in the human rights education work he championed around the world.

Ed was a pillar in the human rights education community, and I feel very privileged to have worked with him. My deepest sympathies to his family. He leaves a triumphant legacy, and we grieve this loss with you.

I knew Ed as he served on the bargaining team for the part-time faculty union at UDC. I am very shocked and saddened by his passing. He was a tireless activist and full of energy to push for change. He asked the right questions and always turned his questioning and frustration at the injustice adjuncts at UDC were facing into action - including a rally outside UDC metro last April. I only knew Ed for a short time, but I am going to really miss him in our bargaining sessions and as a leader in our union. I hope we can honor his memory by continuing to fight the injustices he railed against.

Ed was a true champion of human rights and civic education. He has left this world a better place by his presence and commitment to human dignity. He touched many  people with his kindness and genuine interest in equality for all. He will be missed.

Eddie and I shared a beautiful work summer in Chaing Mai, Thailand, at Bruce and Wendy's amazing BABSEA CLE center. I marveled at his dedication and teaching skills, and mostly at his joy and celebration of life. We shared as only brothers could the next three years. I will carry Eddie's spirit with me and love of justice in all my future travels. Doug Colbert, Maryland Law School

Ed was a tireless community activist, wonderful friend and self-professed unaccomplished golfer.  It was an honor to have known him. May the wind always be at your back...

Tony and Alison Carroll, Arlington

My deepest sympathy to the O'Brien family. Bob Pitiger, HCHS Class of '63

I'm very saddened to learn of Ed's passing. In addition to his lifetime of accomplishments, Ed was also a leader in the effort to bring a meaningful voice, greater pay and improved working conditions for the adjunct faculty at the University of the District of Columbia. Partly through his leadership the faculty at UDC won their right to collective bargaining. He was a very active member of our bargaining team. I deeply regret that he will not be with us when our first agreement with the University has been achieved.

My deepest sympathy to all of Ed's family.  My heart cries with you in this sudden and great loss.  Ed led a most productive and inspiring life, and I am sure he is now in Heaven being rewarded for all his good works.
My prayers are with you and Ed,
Ruth O'Reilly
Board of Directors
Credo International

In April of this year, Ed accepted our invitation to join the Credo International Board of Directors.  It was such a tribute to us and I felt so honored.  He was a truly humble and most giving man to all he met and knew.  He will be remembered and missed by many many of us.  I have been numb myself since learning of his sudden death.

I still remember the first day I met Ed about 40+ years ago.  We happened to sit next to one another at a meeting on Capital Hill for the Horn of Africa.  I noticed Ed had a syllabus in his lap entitled Human Rights and Democracy in South Africa.  At the break, I admired it, asked if I could see it, and that was the beginning of a long and enduring friendship.  Later, we traveled together to meet numerous people in northern Ireland to lay the groundwork for the Streetlaw Program there.  What wonderful memories and what a truly wonderful person Ed was.  All of life was fun for him and yet he was so committed to all of the nonprofit and charitable work he did in abundance.  I shall always remember him and love him and admire greatly the important and significant work he did to establish Streetlaw and to educate people around the world about their rights and responsibilities.  He was like a brother to me and more.  Sail On, Ed.  And we will be close behind!  May the Lord receive you with open arms and hold you close to Him always.  Rest in Peace, Dear dear friend.  I will miss you so much.

Patricia A. Kiefer, President
Credo International
P.O. Box 1328
Harpers Ferry, WV  25425

OBITUARY

Edward Lee O'Brien

September 21, 1945 – July 2, 2015

Demaine Funeral Home

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