Obituary of Arthur W O'Brien

Arthur W. O’Brien, our loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was born into eternal rest on April 9, 2019, at Spectrum Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. Art was 84 years old. A memorial mass will be held at his life-long church, St. Michael Catholic Church, in Remus, on Saturday, April 13^th, at 1 PM. Family will greet friends and relatives at the church two hours prior to the service. Father Tom Boufford will officiate with a luncheon to follow at the Church’s Parish Center. 

Art was born December 16, 1934 in Lake Leelanau, MI, the son of Earl and Hilda (Priest) O’Brien. He worked as a supervisor for General Motors for 34 years before retiring in 1987. After moving to Canadian Lakes, Art began working at their golf courses, and later worked for St. Ives and Tullymore golf courses. An avid golfer, he thoroughly enjoyed his 26 years working in the business. He was an amazing woodworker, and created many beautiful pieces which he gifted or donated to others. Art was an active member of St. Michael’s Church, volunteering his time at funerals and his woodworking talents. 

Art also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and especially umpiring baseball games. But because family was everything to him, Art’s favorite was time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish the memories  of Art are his wife, Judith; children, Debra (Jay) Stout, Jon (Renee) VanGilst, Rebecca (Rob) Farr, Rose (Joe) Eager, Holly VanGilst, Peggy (Bill) Barrette and Scott O’Brien; 17 Grandchildren; 21 Great-Grandchildren; siblings, Ann, Joan and Dennis.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Eva; daughters, Toni Wilbur and Marcie Keur, 7 brothers, Bernard, Louis, Marvin, James, Glen, Harold, and Patrick, and one sister, Doris.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church, Remus, MI.