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Dennis O'Brien Obituary
Bellevue, WA - Dennis Charles O'Brien ("O'B"), airline pilot, sports fan, friend, father, brother and grandfather, passed away on May 18, 2018. He was 76 years old.
Born in Renton, Washington to Leo and Kay O'Brien, he attended St. Anthony School, St. Edward Seminary, O'Dea High School and the University of Washington, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
After college in 1966, he joined Northwest Airlines as a pilot. He was initially based in Minneapolis and later moved with his young family to Bellevue, where he lived for the balance of his life. His 36 year career with the airline included time as second officer, copilot, and captain, flying domestic and international routes from bases in Seattle, New York, Minneapolis, Detroit and Honolulu. During the later years of his career, he split time as a 747 captain based in Hawaii flying to Asia and the West Coast, and as a flight instructor for the airline, training new captains.
Mr. O'Brien was a deeply devoted friend, brother, father and grandfather. He enjoyed skiing, fishing, golf, and spending time in Washington, Colorado and Arizona with family and friends.
He is survived by his two sons, Mike and Jeff, his six grandchildren, Elliott, Wyatt, Lexi, Colin, John and Tory, and his three sisters, Diane, Doreen and Donna.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be directed to Northwest Harvest (northwestharvest.org).
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 4th at 1:00p.m. at Ray's Boathouse - 6049 Seaview Ave. NW Seattle, WA 98107.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis O'Brien
Paul Wright
October 30, 2022
Nephew to Linnea, I have only now heard of Denny´s passing from one of his retired flying colleagues. My belated condolences to his entire family. Denny really helped spark my interest in becoming an airline pilot and showed me `the path´. I will never forget how important that was in the moment to an early teen. Thank you! May you Rest In Peace.
May 16, 2019
How very sorry we are for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing your Heavenly Father cares for your family during this difficult time. Cherish your memories and look forward to the day He promises to reunite us with our dear loved ones. 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Warm Regards
The Williams
June 20, 2018
Good bye big brother. I'll miss you!!
Diane O'Brien
Diane Utschinski Daniels
June 10, 2018
OB was my brother, Pauls friend and he will be greatly missed.
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David Frickey
June 7, 2018
Sorry to hear about Dennis. I did not know him very well, but it is too bad that he is gone.
June 6, 2018
So many memories of "Denny" and the rest of the O'Briens when we were neighbors as kids on Shattuck Street in Renton. Hugs and thoughts to everyone in his family.
Linda Toschi Finn
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