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Herbert O'Brien Obituary
Herbert Joseph O'Brien passed away on October 22, 2012. Born in Seattle to Edward and Dorothy O'Brien in 1944, Herb attended Lake Washington High School and the University of Washington. He left the UW and founded O'Brien Water Skis in the basement of his family home on Lake Sammamish before moving the company to Redmond.
A legend in the industry, Herb built O'Brien Water Skis into one of the largest water ski companies in the world. In 1981 Herb founded HO Sports. Over the next 20 years Herb built that company into the dominate manufacturer in the industry. He was instrumental in creating the Wakeboard industry by building the first compression molded wakeboard in 1991, changing the sport forever. For Herb, it didn't stop there; in 2006 he helped start Radar Skis and Ronix Wakeboards, once again creating the leading brands in the industry. In the world of watersports Herb is best known for his mechanical genius and innovative product development.
Herb's lifelong passion for the Water Ski industry and all the people he came in contact with as a result of his dedication were what he lived for. Anyone with the privilege of knowing Herb remembers him for his generosity and giving nature. There are endless stories of his compassion told by the hundreds of people who worked for him over the years.
One of Herb's visions was the construction of the ultimate water ski experience by building Radar Lake in 1972. A truly phenomenal lake surrounded by evergreens with views that go forever. Countless memories have been had by so many with Herb at Radar Lake.
Herb is survived by his wife Pam Fleming O'Brien, son Paul O'Brien, daughter Melissa Tomandl, son-in-law John Tomandl, grandson Spencer Tomandl, sisters Rita O'Brien and Phyllis Sappenfield, brother-in-law Jack Sappenfield, and brother Ed (Dint) O'Brien.
A celebration of Herb's life will be held at Radar Lake on Nov 3, 2012 at 12:00pm. 14202 232nd Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98077.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northwest Kidney Center Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herbert O'Brien
November 22, 2012
Hadn't been in touch with Herb for many years so was shocked and saddened to hear of his death. Will always remember our skiing trips to Lake Chelan in the late 60's and 70's. My sympathies go out to family and friends. Jim Olney
Carol Emery
November 7, 2012
I was so sad to hear of Herb's passing. He touched so many lives - I will always remember him and the many good times we all had during those early waterski days. R.I.P. Herb.
gerard kolthof
November 4, 2012
Herb thank you for beiing so good for the sport ,athletes and building great product ,you was already legend in live , never forget you RIP
Gerard Kolthof G-Manwatersports
David Compton
November 3, 2012
I will never forget Herb and all he has done for the waterski world. Our family was there from the start. Today we celebrate your life. R.I.P.
Dodie (Fawcett) Knight
November 3, 2012
My heart aches for Pam and the family and all of us who were so lucky to have known Herb! I have very fond memories of the fun we had at the lake Sammamish Water Ski club in the 70's! I know Herb is making skiing better for us in Heaven! You are in our hearts forever!
Joan Miller
November 2, 2012
I was so sad to hear that Herb had passed..I worked at H.O. FOR 12 YEARS..A brilliant..and giving man..May he Rest in Peace..
Joseph Hulsman
November 1, 2012
Thank You Herb for sharing your passion, vision, and your home. (P/B @ Radar!)
julie johnson
November 1, 2012
as I was saying what a kind man Herb was. He was fun, creative, brilliant, and had the greatest goofy laugh. He will be missed by many
November 1, 2012
what a kind and thoughtful person Herb always was to me. I always loved his infectious laugh.
Jim Hammer
October 31, 2012
Thanks Herb for all you did to help my stores grow over the years. Even a year after I had to close the stores in 2007, you still called me to say hi. That meant a lot to me Herb, we'll see you again someday. :)
Nick Hooton
October 31, 2012
Thank you for all that you have done in the water sports community. You will never be forgotten. I still have my diesel 141
Bill Baker
October 31, 2012
As time passes in any industry it is more difficult to be an innovator, Herb constantly strived to find a better way to hold the water or decelerate a ski or invent a product. I count myself a lucky one to have always had my shop within a couple miles of his shop. Bake's Marine
Jeff Crouch
October 31, 2012
Thank you, Herb for all you did for our sport! We will never forget you!
heather lynette bonney
October 31, 2012
so saddened by the news of herb passing was a great guy now swerving n making skis in heaven with my dad frank bonney !!! RIP herb will never ever forget you and your very kind ways in helping us in our ski shop early days in perth western australia...we sold alot of world team comps !!!
Travis Moye
October 31, 2012
Herb, you will be dearly missed. Thank you for all you have done for me! It was always an honor to be your friend. It is men like you that made me want to be a part of this industry.
Steve Compton
October 30, 2012
I will always be grateful to Herb for getting me involved with competition water skiing. Through his infectious love for the sport, I was fortunate to be involved with O'Brien Competition skiis at the beginning. I'll never forget the day LeRoy Burnett won the Masters in the early 60's on one of Herbs skiis. I thought something went terribly wrong in the shop because Herb came out screaming "He Won! He Won!". That win validated Herb as an innovator and industry leader.
Bill Bonney
October 30, 2012
Herb was an innovator, continuous developer of products and generous to waterskiers and wakeboarders. His legacy will continue long after his death with the three waterski companies that he created. Herb made a living developing new technologies in waterskiing but he made a life of giving back to the sport of waterskiing .
October 25, 2012
A wonderful man and a tremendous giver to our watersports industry. A true icon in our sport, that will be greatly missed.
Rick Tinker
Skier's Choice
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Sunset Hills Funeral Home - Bellevue1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
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