Gary Edward O'Brien's Obituary
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, leader, mentor, and adventurer, Gary Edward O’Brien passed away peacefully at home on December 8, 2021, on the birthday of his eternal companion, Juanita, who preceded him in death. Gary was born to Bernice Ellen (Haag) and Edward Thompson O’Brien on July 8, 1935 in Provo, Utah. As a young boy, Gary’s family lived in California and Washington, following his father who served in the U.S. Army. In 1947, they built a home in the East Millcreek neighborhood of Salt Lake City where Gary grew up. Active in many pursuits, Gary played football and baseball at Granite High School, where he also sang in the chorus. He became an Eagle Scout and participated in the ROTC Boys Drill team and Civil Air Patrolwhere he achieved his dream of learning to fly. He then faced the difficult choice of accepting a Governor’s appointment to the Air Force Academy or serving a mission for the LDS Church. He chose the mission and served in Swiss-Austrianmission, 1954-1957. Upon his return, he completed a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah, where he also met the love of his life, Juanita Ann Hansen.
Gary and Juanita were married June 1959 in the Salt Lake temple and began a life together centered on family, church, service, and travel. Together, they served six missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including as President of the Swiss International Mission from 1974-1977. In the time since, they continued to serve as mentors and even matchmakers to the many missionaries who served with them. On his return, Gary founded the O’Brien School of Real Estate and quickly established himself as a lively, popular teacher, who helped many to successfully start new careers. In retirement, Gary and Juanita traveled extensively, continued to serve actively in the Church, including a mission in Salt Lake City’s Inner City Mission where Gary was also called as Bishop. He was also an ardent genealogist, an enthusiastic supporter of the Utah Opera Guild, and served as Secretary for the Utah Sons of the Pioneers.
In this richly-led life, Gary’s most cherished role was as husband, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren know him as a constant storyteller with an infectious laugh, a twinkling spirit, and a habit of whistling. Grandpa O’Brien had many adventures to share. A favorite was his history as a river-rafting guide. In his late teens, using repurposed army rafts, Gary and his friends launched one of the first river running expeditions on the Colorado River, an activity that he continued throughout his young adulthood and about which he had many nail-biting tales to share. Gary’s spirit of exploration was reflected in his life philosophy: we are that we might have joy. To this, he also brought tremendousgenerosity and kindness. His family knows him as a maverick spirit with a deep faith, a huge heart, and a wonderful capacity for embracing all that life offered, in its many twists and turns. Most precious to Gary is his testimony that God lives, that His plan, restored in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, is true and brings us joy and salvation.
Gary is preceded in death by his beloved wife Juanita Ann Hansen, his parents Edward Thompson O’Brien and Berniece Ellen Haag, his brother Robert Kent O’Brien, two grandsons Adam Brockbank and Samuel Sabin Brockbank, and a grandson (in-law) Daniel P. North. He is survived by his seven children, Jodi O’Brien (Sabina), Terry Peterson (Lance), Becky Anderson (Richard), Stephanie Brockbank (Dean), Kelly O’Brien (Kristine), Laurie O’Brien (Rod Shirley), HeidiShumway (Steven), 32 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren,his sister, Kathleen Howell (Robert), and brother Michael O’Brien.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 11:00 am at the East Millcreek 9th Ward building on 3750 Hillside Lane (2600 East), Salt Lake City, Utah 84109, where friends and family can visit Friday evening, December 17, from 5:00 until 7:00 pm and Saturday morning 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to the service. Interment will be in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
Here is the zoom link information: https://zoom.us/j/93237681402?pwd=WGRrb1hqRmlkbUp2SU1nNXp1aldrQT09
Meeting ID: 932 3768 1402
Passcode: 508119
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