Our beloved Father and Papa, Patrick James O’Brien accepted retirement from farming and ranching on May 29, 2017 at the Poplar Hospital. Patrick was born at the O’Brien Homestead on April 2, 1935 to Raymond Sr. and Amy Edith (Martin) O’Brien as the youngest of six children. Born into a family of farmers and ranchers, Pat’s older brothers, Stephen and Raymond, alongside their father Raymond Sr., taught him how to cultivate the land, and his favorite, take care of cattle. During his formative years, he split time between the homestead site north of Poplar and their home in Poplar. He attended Poplar Schools where he quickly discovered his niche for athletics. The athleticism and work ethic he attained on the farm, coupled with his fighting Irish spirit helped propel him to be a ferocious competitor. Pat told numerous stories over the years of his days as a Poplar Indians basketball player. He was most proud of being part of the 1951 State C Championship Basketball Team.
After graduation, Pat enlisted in the Army National Guard. He was away from home only for a short time until his father’s passing when he returned back to Poplar to help his mother and return to the land and what he loved best, farming and ranching. As a dedicated farmer/rancher and family member, his mother would often worry he would remain a lifetime bachelor as he never did nor did he aspire to go “steady” with anyone. It wasn’t until a young beautiful Filipina literally waltzed into his life at a welcoming dance for new teachers at the American Legion Club that changed his mind forever. Adriana “Ann” and Pat had a short courtship and married June 4, 1960 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Up until the day he passed, Patrick never loved (nor argued) a woman as much as Ann.
Prior to entering the world of parenthood, Patrick practiced parenting with one of his favorite roles of “Uncle Pat” to his numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored. He understood, even at a young age, the greatest gift he had to offer was his love and affection. The years of practice molded him to be a great father to his four girls: Shannon Marie, Maureen Ann, Colleen Raye and Patricia Jo. He instilled in his daughters a strong work ethic, responsibility to family, foundation in faith, a fighting Irish spirit and passion for sports. He, along with his wife, pushed his daughters to excel in whatever they put their mind to. He encouraged them to achieve a college education, which he was most proud they all did. Anyone who had a conversation with Patrick knew his girls were the light of his life as he was never shy to brag about their accomplishments.
Pat and Ann’s greatest role in this life was their role of Papa and Grandma. Together they welcomed
seven grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and took in adopted grandchildren throughout the years. They always enjoyed having a house full of kids, taking them on trips, spoiling them with love and affection and traveling many miles to partake in their sporting activities. In their later years, their great grandchildren gave them much joy and happiness.
Pat was a simple man who enjoyed simple things. He spent a lifetime farming alongside his brother Raymond, long-time friend Herman Good Bird, various family members and for the last seven years his best friend and dog Reno. He loved the Mineral Bench farming community and the friends he attained throughout the years who helped him when he was in need. His dedication to the family farm included many sacrifices of missed family trips, sleeping in and often time’s long nights, but he loved what he did, the farm his father built from scratch and the land where he was born and raised.
Pat loved his Catholic faith and the church fellowship every Sunday, watching sports both in person and on TV and his favorite of all, visiting. Conversation was never difficult for Pat and he enjoyed the art of storytelling. He had a generous spirit, forgiving heart and loved unconditionally. He was proud of his Irish heritage and encompassed the many qualities including the large bright smile, blue eyes, personality and temperament.
Patrick is survived by his children Shannon Murphy of St. Ignatius, Maureen O’Brien of Bothell, WA, Colleen O’Brien of Missoula and Patti Jo (Dusty) Black of Wolf Point; Brother Raymond (Saralou) of Manhattan, MT; Brother-In-Law Gerald (Jane) Jimeno of Libby, MT; Sisters-in-Law Patricia O’Brien of Billings, MT, Gladys “Toots” Jimeno of Spokane, WA, Carol Jimeno of Bellingham, WA and Cheri Jimeno (Tom Yarhaes) of Nine Miles Falls, WA; Grandchildren Michael O’Brien, Jerome O’Brien, Mandy (Scott) Berens, Ryan (Ashley) O’Brien, Adriann (Griffin) Ricker, Kaileen (James) Stovern and Mattie McChesney; Adopted Grandchildren Bosh Gourneau, Emily Gourneau and Hilary Gourneau; Great Grandchildren Dylan, Alliana, Jerome Jr., Jose, Kaniel, Kai, Valentina, Grady, Craig, Cailey, Nevina, Emma and Baby Boy Berens; numerous nephews, nieces, friends and Godchildren. We apologize for those we may have failed to mention.
He is preceded in death by his wife Adriana “Ann” O’Brien; Parents Raymond Sr. and Amy E. O’Brien; Siblings Stephen O’Brien; Lorraine and Bill Gatlin; Irene and Don Linthicum and Mary Ann Dreimeyer; Son-In-Law Francis “Jim” Murphy; In Laws Max and Gladys Jimeno; Nieces Amy Lou Linthicum and Sherry O’Brien; Nephew Terry Smith; Great Nieces Annette Linthicum and Chelsea Marchwick; and Great Nephews Landon Park and Jory Marchwick.
Rosary and Vigil service will be held Sunday, June 4, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. A full funeral Mass will be held Monday, June 5, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial to follow at the Poplar Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The loss of our favorite Irish Cowboy and patriarch is devastating, but we are happy Dad/Papa and Mom/Grandma can finally enjoy their “retirement” together and celebrate their 57 th wedding anniversary in heaven. We are thankful for his dedication to his family, his lessons of life and his undying work ethic. His legacy will undoubtedly carry forward with the large family he left behind. Rest in Peace Dad. We Love You.