GERALD R. O'BRIEN

1925 - 2011

Gerald R. O'Brien passed away Friday, June 3, 2011, at Skagit Valley Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Burlington, Washington on November 24, 1925, to Edson and Estella (Bradford) O'Brien.

Gerald had fought a courageous three-year battle against cancer.

Gerald was quiet, reserved and extremely honest. He was always careful not to hurt or embarrass anyone. He loved his family deeply and with great loyalty always putting their needs and wishes ahead of his. Daughter Geri could wrap him around her little finger and melt his heart! He was a faithful churchgoer until illness intervened.

He was a creative and talented man who could build and repair anything. If parts were not readily available, he could manufacture what was needed. He loved carpentry and was happiest when building, whether it was the three homes he built for his family or building very unique birdhouses. He also enjoyed motorcycling and golfing with special friends. He hit three holes-in-one while a member of the Skagit Golf and Country Club.

When he was young, he was an avid skier and courted his wife, Edith, on the ski slopes at Mount Baker. The courtship was successful and they were married April l6, 1949. One daughter, Geri Lynn, completed the family.

From 1948 to 1954 Gerald and his brother, Frank, owned O'Brien's Market Grocery Store. He was employed at Darigold for several years prior to becoming Chief Refrigeration Engineer at Termicold (now Americold). He retired May 1, l985.

Gerald is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Edith (Williamson); daughter and son-in-law, Geri Lynn and Chuck Motson; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Maxine O'Brien; nephew and wife, Mike and Marilynn O'Brien and their son Jeff. Other survivors include brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bert and Susan Williamson; sister-in-law, Martha Williamson; special nieces and nephews, Sara (Scott) Lemke, Tim (Hilary) Williamson, Jean (Kevin) Markert and Peggy Williamson. Others dear to his heart were Stuart and Rudy Williamson, Emily and Ian Markert to whom he was also "Uncle Gerald". Several cousins also survive him.

His parents, parents-in-law, several aunts and uncles, and his brother-in-law Jay Williamson preceded him in death.

Gerald's family wishes to express gratitude to the ICU Staff at Skagit Valley Hospital for their compassionate and loving care of

Gerald and the family with a special thank you to Nurse Jill. Thanks are also expressed to the staff at Mira Vista Care Center, to Dr. Mathey and the staff of North Puget Oncology and Dr. Eric Stark. We will be forever grateful to Pastor Edd Denton of the Avon Methodist Church for his spiritual and wise counseling guiding the family through this sad time with grace and caring support.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held Monday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m. at the Burlington Cemetery. A memorial service follows at 11:00 a.m. at the Avon Methodist Church with a social time in the church reception room. For those who would like to pay their respects, an informal viewing will be held Friday, May 10th from 9 am to 5 pm at Hulbush Funeral Home in Burlington.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Avon Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.