Richard Lewis "Dick" O'Brien

1940 - 2016

Richard Lewis "Dick" O'Brien

November 13, 1940 - September 25, 2016

Dick O'Brien passed away at home on September 25, a month after being diagnosed with bile duct cancer.

He was born November 13, 1940 in Harper's Ferry, Iowa, to Mary May and Arlo O'Brien, and spent most of his youth in Alliance, Nebraska.

He attended Oregon State University (and was an avid life-long Beaver fan, win or lose) and graduated from Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University). He was also in the U.S. Army medical corps, including service in Vietnam.

Dick was married for 49 years to Betty Mae Ingram. Together, they planted and nurtured Elton Vineyards and participated in the growth and success of the Oregon wine industry.

Dick taught middle school in Salem-Keizer, mostly at Parrish Middle School, for nearly 30 years.

Dick was an adventurous world traveler and a history buff. He volunteered as a carver for Salem's Riverfront Carousel Project, and subsequently created many beautiful carvings. He also served on the SalemArt Association Board of Directors and as its president, as well as chairing the Salem Art Fair and Festival. He created and enjoyed sharing a memorable whimsical garden filled with flowers and art. Little made him happier than "feeding the soul" with art in galleries, museums and at home, especially when he was able to befriend the artists.

He will be remembered for his kindness, the Irish twinkle in his eyes, and joy in singing "Uncle Walter Goes Waltzing With Bears."

Besides his wife, survivors include: Sister-in-law Bonnie Burnham O'Brien Speck (Richard Speck), brother-in-law Allan Ingram ( Shelley); nephews Michael O'Brien (Jodi), James O'Brien (Penny), Will O'Brien (Andrea) and Alex Ingram, niece Bonnie Beth O'Brien Stanley and their children; Sisters Anna Whitehurst (Larry), Elizabeth Thompson (Joe), Kathy Noakes (Mark), Michelle O'Brien Kaiser (Steven); Brothers Edward O'Brien (Susan), Brent O'Brien (Kimberly), Kevin O'Brien, and Robert Smith, and their children. Among those preceding him in death, besides his parents, were stepfather Ray Smith and stepmother Wilma O'Brien, brother James O'Brien and sister Jacquelin.

A private gathering will place his ashes in the family memorial. A public celebration of Dick's life is planned for St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2017, at Willamette Valley Vineyards. Memorial Gifts are suggested to: Willamette Valley Hospice, Salem Art Association and Salem's Riverfront Carousel. Arrangements have been entrusted to Macy and Son Funeral Directors in McMinnville. Online condolences can be left at www.macyandson.com.