Stephen Sylvester O'Brien
Stephen Sylvester O’Brien, age 85, passed
peacefully to eternal life August 12, 2009, surrounded in his home
by the love and devotion of his wife and children. He is now
with the Lord and reunited with his daughter Sheri, whom he adored.
Stephen was the eldest son of Raymond and Amy O’Brien, born on March
5, 1924 on the family farm in Poplar, MT. He was delivered at
home by a doctor who traveled through a snowstorm to the family farm
via horse and buggy. Stephen left the farm to serve his
country in the Navy during World War II from 1944 - 1946. He
often shared memories of circling the globe on the USS General
McRae, visiting far away places from Australia to Iran, traveling
through both the Panama and Suez Canals, and surviving a storm that
almost overturned the ship.
Upon returning to Poplar, Stephen met and married the love of his
life, Patricia Hayes, on November 15, 1952. She was his best
friend and he loved her company. He always wanted to be with
her, whether checking water tanks or traveling to town. In
1955, they moved to a newly purchased O’Brien Ranch in the Bull
Mountains near Musselshell, Montana. Stephen and Patricia were
blessed with seven healthy children, each and every one of whom
could do no wrong in the eyes of their folks. Stephen took
immense pride in his land, cattle, horses and crops. He
especially enjoyed sharing his love of hunting with relatives and
lifelong friends who visited us each hunting season in search of
elk, deer and turkey.
Stephen was a story teller who loved to laugh, joke and visit.
Favorite stories included humorous tales about his children and
grandchildren, as well as their various talents and achievements.
He also enjoyed sharing stories of growing up in Poplar, branding
mishaps, breaking and riding horses, hunting in the mountains of
Montana, and many, many more. One of Stephen’s favorite things
to do was dance, and he was great at it. When he could no
longer dance, he loved to watch others do so on Big Joe’s Polka
Party.
Dad taught us all so many important lessons, not the least of which
was how to face life limiting illnesses without complaint, taking
each day as it comes with hope and a smile. He survived many
hospital and transitional care visits due to the endless devotion of
his wife Patricia. He passed on simply and with grace, just as
he lived each day of his life.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Amy
O’Brien; his sisters Irene, Lorraine, and Maryann; and his cherished
daughter Sheryl Marie. He is survived by his wife, Patricia
O’Brien; and children: Stephen Jr. O’Brien (Glenda, Jeff, Shawna),
Rick O’Brien (Liz, Alicia, Cami), Therese Evangeline (Mark, Jason,
Ryan, Chelsea), Celine Gray (Dan, Jenna, Brianna), Tim O’Brien
(Jacob, Brady), and Becky Ketterling (Shane, Kade, Kole.)
Our family would like to express a sincere thanks to Rocky Mountain
Hospice, whose caregivers went above and beyond to help Dad, and all
of us, make his death a peaceful and beautiful process. Merle,
Chris, Lori and Kayla – words cannot express our appreciation.
Memorials may be sent to Friends of Musselshell School, P.O. Box 14,
Musselshell, MT 59059 or to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland
Ave. Suite, 111, Billings, MT 59102,or the charity of your choice.
Vigil services will be held at 7:00 P.M., Sunday, August 16. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 17, both at St. Bernard’s Parish. The casket will be open at church prior to both services. A reception will follow Mass. Rite of Committal will then take place at the Musselshell Cemetery (approximately 2 p.m.) followed by refreshments at the Musselshell School.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
O'Brien's. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this time.
Peace to you. Susan Quanbeck
The O'Brien Family-Pat, you and Stephen will always be in your "twenty's" in my mind as that is when you moved into the Musselshell country and I was a kid down the road and you had the two oldest boys. I am so sorry to hear of Stephen's passing, he always had a smile for everyone. You were great neighbors to my family and I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My sincere sympathy to you all, Susan Walker Harmon
My thought's and prayer's are with your whole family.
Christie Mackie