KENNETH O'BRIEN Obituary

Spending his final days at home, and just short of his 95 year birthday, Dr. O'Brien went into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Saturday, October 11, 2014. Kenneth was born in 1919, in Lone Star, east of Fowler, CA. He graduated from Fresno State College and then went on to Los Angeles to receive his medical degree, where he met Bettie, his wife of 59 years. He returned to Fresno in 1945, to open his practice in the Helm Building. He would always say it was "a practice, because you never really find out how." He was a founder and Board member of Sequoia and Sierra Hospitals. He also served for many years on the Board of Directors of Community Hospital, serving as Vice President, and later elected Emeritus to the Board. After 56 years of medical practice, he retired in 2001. He then volunteered at the downtown location of Community Medical Center until September of this year. In 2003, he was awarded the prestigious Chester Rowell Fellow by The Scholarship Foundation of Fresno Madera Medical Society. Kenneth's life of service included not only a desire to heal and help others, but also to serve God. He served as a deacon in the Church of Christ for over 50 years. He was tremendously blessed with family and countless friends. As a member at Belmont Country Club, he enjoyed playing golf regularly until he was 91. Kenneth is preceded in death by his wife Bettie; brother, Howard O'Brien; and sister, Dorothy Moore. He is survived by three children, Bryan O'Brien and wife Liz, Maureen O'Brien, and Peggy Kocina and husband John. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Jenny O'Brien Righetti and husband Marc, Bryan O'Brien and wife Jenny Marie, Thomas Kocina, and Jeffrey Kocina; great-grandchildren, Conor and Sofie Righetti. After a private Interment, a Memorial Service will be held at Woodward Park Church of Christ on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to Yosemite Bible Camp, C/O Woodward Park Church of Christ, 7886 N. Millbrook Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720; or Community Medical Foundation, 126 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93701. Stephens & Bean Chapel, 202 North Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California (559)268-9292

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Published by Fresno Bee on Oct. 15, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH O'BRIEN

12 Entries

JoAnn Burton Glock

October 9, 2022

Dr. O´Brien was not only my physician, but a dear friend and brother in Christ. He cared for my parents who he lovingly referred to as Aunt and Uncle. He delivered my children and my DIL and her brother. He and Bettie attended the wedding of my son and DIL, which was a great honor. My family first met him when he was 3 years old. His parents were also dear friends. He was a very special man to my family and to all who knew him.

Donna Woods

October 26, 2014

When our family moved to Fresno in the early 1950's, we met Dr. O'Brien and his family at the Palm Avenue Church of Christ. He became our family doctor and we shared numerous times together throughout these years. After our spouses died, he became my mentor, friend and partner in our card circle and get-togethers. He was a great example to all of us and I will never forget him, his kindness, or his family. He was a great friend to all.
With love,
Donna Woods & Family.

Easter brunch with Doc at Belmont CC

Richard Shore

October 19, 2014

I met Doc O'Brien when I joined Belmont Country Club in 1999. I was immediately impressed with him as he was an admired individual by the membership. After I got to know him well I found him to be an exemplary individual- a man of integrity and, most of all, a man of God.

Peter Kapetan

October 18, 2014

Dr. O'Brien delivered me 54 years ago today. My mom always told me what a great, kind man he was. Over the years, I would often see him at the hospital where he volunteered. He would always greet me with a warm handshake and treat me as his own. The doctor was as great and kind as my mom had said. I will miss seeing him and his smile. May his memory be eternal.

Brenda Prieb

October 17, 2014

Dear O'Brien family,your father was such an amazing Dr. And friend to our family. He delivered my younger sister, and cared so lovingly for my father Ross Eakles. Today my husband left to sing at your father/grandfathers internment today. I asked my husband the name of the person he sang for when he came home and here it was Dr.O'Brien. He leaves an amazing legacy and touched many lives in healing and his love for God. The Eakles family sends our deepest condolences.

JoAnn Glock

October 17, 2014

Loved this man more than words can express. He has been so dear to our family, delivering my children and my DIL and her brother. He cared for our parents, was my seat companion at church on many occasions. He was a rock of strength and a forever friend.

Mike Steele

October 17, 2014

Dear O'Brian Family, Your Dad was our Dad's Saturday morning golfing buddy and great friend at Belmont CC for many years and more recently our Mom's Neighbor at Cottonwood. He always had a great smile and sense of humor and we are so sorry for his passing, our deepest condolences to you all, the Steele Family

October 16, 2014

Brian: I don't know if you remember us but we wanted to send you our condolences. It's been a long time since we last saw you but we never forgot you. You and your family are in our prayers. Tony and Betty Vallejo, San Joaquin, California.

David Johnson

October 16, 2014

Dr.O 'Brien was Our Family Doctor since He Delivered Me in 1966,One of My Sisters in 1965,& My Other Sister in 1963 He was Our Doctor until He Retired from practice. He was Always Helpful ,& Had a Fun Sense of Humor! Have Missed Him since his retirement and Sorry to Learn of His Passing, But Know God Has Welcomed Him Home and He Has been Reunited with His Wife & Loved Ones that Passed Before Him....

Stephens & Bean Chapel

October 14, 2014

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Pajielly Vang

October 15, 2014

I first met Dr. O'Brien during junior year of high school through Roosevelt High School's Health Academy ROTC program. Dr. O'Brien told the best stories, always believed in dreams, and treated every moment of life with warmth.

October 15, 2014

Dr. O'Brien was a patient in our dental practice. He always came in with a smile and made us laugh.
He will be greatly missed!
Dr. Scheid, Kim, Gena, and Shelley

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