Robert Christopher O'Brien

Robert Christopher O'Brien (18), a 2015 graduate of La Canada High School, died early on Sunday morning, September 27, 2015. He slipped, hit his head and fell into his home pool resulting in his tragic accidental drowning.

Robert was born on February 18, 1997, in Geneva, Switzerland, where his father was working for the United Nations. He moved to La Canada with his family when he was two years old and has resided there since. Robert graduated from La Canada Elementary School and La Canada High School. At LCHS, Robert played varsity tennis, football and ran track. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 398 in 2014.

Robert deferred attending the University of Utah for two years for a planned mission for the LDS Church. He was a student aviator this fall in Santa Monica; working on earning is private pilot's license.

Robert enjoyed adventure and had gone on several African safaris with his family and friends. In addition to tennis and golf, he enjoyed surfing, skateboarding, driving too fast, playing low stakes poker with his friends and, lately, flying. He loved movies, especially "classics" from the 80's like "Top Gun", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Risky Business." Robert had many good friends in La Canada and Pasadena, especially his Owl Pack buddies. He was blessed with wonderful teachers, coaches and church and scout leaders in this community.

The family is grateful to the paramedics of the Los Angeles County Fire Department who responded and made every attempt to revive Robert. They also appreciate the prompt and thorough investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and medical examiner that were able to rapidly determine the accidental nature of Robert's passing.

Robert is survived by his loving parents, Robert and Lo-Mari O'Brien, and his devoted sisters, Margaret and Lauren, of La Canada. He is also survived by his grandmother, Judy O'Brien, of Sonoma, California, and his grandparents, Chisto and Maretha Thuynsma, of Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.

Funeral services for Robert will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, La Crescenta Stake Center, 4550 Raymond Avenue, La Crescenta, CA.