A loving father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend, Ken lived a life filled with family, hard work, faith, and friendship.
Ken’s years at Taylor University were among some of his favorite memories. An accomplished athlete, he was inducted into the Taylor University Hall of Fame for his outstanding baseball career. As a catcher, he was named All-Conference in 1967 and 1968 and was an NAIA All-American in 1968. He helped lead his team to both conference and district championships, including a remarkable 25-game winning streak, and batted .440 during his senior season. He also had the opportunity to play baseball in the Orient. Another treasured memory was biking across the country with the Wandering Wheels, an adventure filled with miles, music, and singing along the way.
Ken cherished the friendships he made during his college years, many of which lasted throughout his adult life. He especially enjoyed gathering with his college roommates and teammates at Detroit Tigers baseball games.
Inspired by his own high school math teacher, Ken began his teaching career after college at Chippewa Valley, where he taught high school mathematics. He later joined his father in the family construction business, O’Brien Builders, where he built hundreds of homes throughout his career. Ken loved helping his children and was especially proud to have the opportunity to build homes for both of his sons - a lasting legacy of craftsmanship, dedication, and family.
His love of competition continued throughout his adult life through bowling, where he was both an incredibly talented player and a dedicated coach. He bowled multiple 300 games and 800 series, achievements that reflected his exceptional skill and passion for the sport. Some of Ken’s favorite memories came from bowling alongside his father and son in the same league. He deeply valued the friendships and fellowship that came from sharing the lanes with others, and over more than 50 years of bowling, he formed countless lifelong bonds.
Above all, Ken will be remembered for the love he gave to his family and friends, the lives he touched as a teacher and coach, and the example he set through a life devoted to hard work, perseverance, family, and enjoying every opportunity to make a memory.
Kenneth is survived by his children, Rob (Melissa) O'Brien, Kari (Tyler) Richie; a daughter-in-law, Kelly O'Brien; his grandchildren, Kate, Will, Jane, Foster, Kennedy; his siblings, Terry (Ruthanne) O'Brien, Barb (Ron) Pokely; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kenny O'Brien; and his loving partner, Sandy Gabor.
Visitation will be held on September 23, 2026, from 10:00 am until the Funeral Service at 11:00 am at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 17017 East 12 Mile Rd, Roseville, MI 48066. Burial will be at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery, Troy, Michigan.
