Ronald Walter 'OB' O'Brien, 78

Ronald Walter “OB” O'Brien passed away Saturday, June 1, 2013, due to health complications.

He was born July 1, 1939, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Sylvester and Marion O'Brien. At an early age he moved with his family to California. He was raised and educated in Lynwood, Calif., where he graduated from Lynwood High School.

Ron had a work ethic like no one else. During high school he worked the swing shift at a paper factory, later becoming an iron worker at Rebar Engineering, retiring as a supervisor.

Just as Ron worked hard, he played just as hard if not more so. Ron raced dirt bikes at an early age, boasting about his run at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1960 and winning two new tires for his motorcycle! He raced drag boats, but later found his passion with the K-racing runabouts (power boat circle racing), racing coast to coast. Ron always sought that adrenaline rush “faster is better”; spending a weekend on the lake racing was where he was happiest. Ron also enjoyed old hot rod cars; his pride and joy being his 1949 Chevy truck he completely finished and drove in city parades and entered in car shows, always willing to share his knowledge with all who would listen.

Upon retiring, he and his wife Carol moved to fulfill their dreams, buying a ranch in Bigfork. Here their happiness grew while ranching together with all the livestock at the Wild O Ranch.

Many lasting friendships were formed in Montana. Ron enjoyed many activities with his friends — square dancing, horse riding, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and becoming an active member of  the Elks Lodge in Kalispell. He held many different offices in the organization. He loved serving his fellow man and his community.

Ron had a special place in his heart for the veterans, volunteering at the Veterans Hospital weekly while his health permitted.

He was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. After his wife Carol passed away, he moved to Country Pine Retirement Community in Clinton, Utah, to be closer to his daughter, Roxanne, and his grandchildren. It was there that he met his second “family,” actively participating in the many activities wit

Ron was preceded in death by parents; one sister, Patricia Putney; and one grandson, Eric Wilson.

He is survived by his sister, Teri Farris, of South Gale, Calif.; a brother, Richard, and Melody O'Brien, of Medford, Ore.; a daughter, Roxanne, and Deris Wilson, of West Haven, Utah; grandchildren, Chris and Ginger Wilson of Fruita, Colo.; Jacob Wilson or West Haven; and Rachel and Colton Russell of Ogden, Utah; and one great-granddaughter, Sofia Wilson.

The family wishes to thank his lifelong friend, Tom, and Deanna of Willis, Calif.; and Dave and Caroline of Kalispell.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com