Robert O'Brien

1957 - 2024

Robert (Rob) May 3, 1957 - O'Brien

Rob O'Brien died peacefully May 3, 2024, at home surrounded by family, after a 12-year battle with Parkinson's disease and arthritic pain.
Born in Everett February 3rd, 1957, to Marcella and Phane O'Brien. He and his 5 siblings grew up on Delaware in the home Grandfather Hans Solie built. Spending summers at Mission beach, eating fish and shrimp from the Tulalip tribe, getting scrap fish from the tribes' beach seining to set out crab pots for boiling on the beach. Another cherished memory was going to Maxwelton on Whidbey Island where his O'Brien Grandparents resided.

Robby was always an active boy amusing himself with outdoor adventures. After graduating from Everett High School, Rob worked various jobs. Ingersol Rand, Sather foundry, a shake mill, Western Gear, Van Rossen Construction with Leon where he learned the carpentry trade and finally becoming a proud Union Carpenter for over 30 years.

Rob was an avid outdoorsman. In 1978, aged 21, he climbed Mt. Rainer with best friend Steve Van Rossen and Bill Dahl. Not prepared with essentials such as crampons and ice picks, the ranger told them they couldn't go. After purchasing proper gear at a sporting goods store in Tacoma, they went back, showed the ranger their gear and were permitted to go up. In later years he climbed Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak and Mt. Adams with his cousins Perry and Brien Squires. Other favorites were Mt. Stickney, Mt. Pilchuck, Vesper Peak, Three Fingers etc.

In 1978 he met the love of his life, the 2nd pea in his pod, Cheri Coble, also an Everett High graduate.They purchased a home in 1981, married in 1983 and had two daughters. Rob was the master camping organizer so his little family of 4 peas, enjoyed trips to Priest Lake, Idaho, the San Juans, Pt. Townsend etc.

When Rob was 30, he purchased his 1st open water rowing shell. Never having sculled before, his teacher said he was natural. Thus started his major love of rowing. On the Snohomish River, he was known as Red Rob due to his red outfit and red Mass Aero. He fashioned his own dock out of a fallen log, carried his boat on his back down the hill to launch. He dubbed it the Lowell Rowing club membership of one. He discovered the group of Sound Rowers where he rowed in all their races from Shaw Island to Olympia, making friends wherever he went.

Rob was known for his long wild hair, donning of tie dye, and love for loud music. He was a man of action, constant movement, picker of flowers, full of joy and lust for life. Rob always wanted to be with his wife Cheri, whether it was art openings or traveling. They traveled to Europe and Mexico. In 2012 they purchased a condo in Santa Fe, NM where they resided part-time.

Rob is survived by his mother, Marcella O'Brien, wife Cheri O'Brien, daughters Taylor (Derek) Johnston, and Leigh (Mike) MacKenzie. Additionally survived by siblings Dan (Marsha) O'Brien, Janeen (Dick) Smith, Shannon(Steve) O'Brien, Bill O'Brien, Erin O'Brien and 27 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by father, Phane O'Brien.

A celebration of Life for Rob will be held at Floral Hall in Everett, June 9, 12-3pm. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to HospiceNW.org or Endoflifewa.org.