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David Gary O'BRIEN

1951 - 2022

David Gary O'BRIEN obituary, 1951-2022, Spokane, WA

BORN

1951

DIED

2022

David O'BRIEN Obituary

David Gary O'Brien entered into eternal rest with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Spokane, WA. He was 70 years old. He was known for his candid spirit, loving and outgoing nature, and love for laughter and sharing stories. He was a ham in front of the camera and his energy could light up any room and always found a way to make those around him laugh. David's favorite saying was "what a trip". David was born in 1951, in Spokane, WA. He spent his childhood riding his bike, fishing, and playing hockey on the frozen pond at Manito Park with the neighborhood kids. He was part of the Spokane Youth Hockey League (called the Spokane American Pee Wees No. 1) and in the 63-64 playoffs helped take the team to a first-time championship victory in Los Angeles. Soon after, David discovered his lifelong love for golf when he began caddying at the Manito Golf and Country Club. David graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1970. In his sophomore year, he met his girlfriend Janice. The two were married in 1971. This love continued for 51 years. David started out as a box boy for Safeway and worked there for over 10 years. After that, he went on to become an electrician, eventually working for Kaiser Mead until the plant closed its operations. As a displaced worker he made the decision to go back to school and went on to receive his license in Cosmetology. He and his wife purchased Scruples Hair Design in the mid 80's and they worked together as stylists until his retirement in 2018. He loved haircutting and learning new techniques and always strove to bring the best of his abilities to each and every client that sat in his chair. With his wife by his side, they raised their three children and spent much of his free time remodeling their home, golfing every chance he got regardless of the weather. David loved the Oregon Coast, where he and Janice enjoyed the beauty and sounds of the waves, walking the beach, hiking the trails, and attempting to learn to boogie board. David was a 20-year survivor of a double lung transplant due to Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. He also developed Parkinson's disease in the last few years of his life. David gave his life to Christ on December 19, 2004. He lived his faith by showing everyone around him that he cared about them, by remembering them and acknowledging their importance in his life. David was preceded in death by his father, Dannie O'Brien and his mother Joan O'Brien. David is survived by the love of his life, Janice O'Brien, his sons Joe O'Brien and his wife Mindy, Ben O'Brien and wife Lindsey, and his daughter Maggie O'Brien. He enjoyed every minute with his grandchildren, Sierra, Lillian, Cameron, Khloe and Charlotte to the fullest and had an incredible bond with them. David is also survived by his four siblings Patricia Loveall, Kim Keating, John O'Brien, Daniel Mendel, their spouses and so many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and clients of over 34 years. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Christ the Redeemer Church, 2:00 in the afternoon. 1523 W. Mallon Avenue, Spokane, WA. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Oct. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Daniel (Foote, O'Brien) Mendell

November 3, 2022

Love & miss, my brother. We had a great time together as kids: fishing at Manito Pond, riding bikes,playing hockey. You'll be forever in my heart.

Ralph Anderson

October 14, 2022

Dave would randomly hop out of his "Woody" in the middle of the street and start dancing to the song Locomotion. It was hilarious. RIP fellow Cub Scout and family friend.

Michael Ross

October 13, 2022

Love you Uncle Dave! So many great memories growing up. I always felt loved by you. I will see you again on that peaceful shore one day. I am glad you know Christ as your Savior!

Jo Ann Ross

October 10, 2022

Always looked forward to going in and getting my hair done from David. It was very relaxing and we laughed a lot. He was such a hard worker and he continued to work many many years after his lung transplant in 2002. He was a great hairstylist. Many prayers for Janice and their family. I know they must miss him tremendously. Goodbye until we meet again. I know you´re walking on those streets of gold.

John Etter

October 10, 2022

A wonderful friend at Hutton elementary school, a shared fanatic for the Beatles, junior hockey teammate and Manito park and pond running buddy. My sincere condolences to Janice and the entire O´Brien family. RIP.

John Etter
Portland, Oregon

Carol Inkpen

October 10, 2022

I´m so sorry to hear of David´s passing. It was a pleasure to be a part of his medical care for many years. May peace be with you and your families
Carol, CMA (retired)

cary

October 9, 2022

A real close friend of mine and a super brother-in-law

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Memorial Events
for David O'BRIEN

Oct

15

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Christ the Redeemer Church

1523 W. Mallon Avenue, Spokane, WA

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