Joseph Francis O'Brien, 73

Joseph Francis O’Brien, 73, “got a tractor ride to heaven” on Thursday, Sept.14, 2017. He was born in San Diego on Sept. 18, 1943, and was the first child of Joseph I. O’Brien and Franchone Johnson O’Brien. As a child he grew up in Denver. The family moved to Phoenix in 1958. Joseph graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1961. Two weeks after graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was an electronics electrician on the USS Forrestal CVA-59 aircraft carrier. He was a petty officer 2nd class (E-5), serving three years and three months. His tour of duty included the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. He was honorably discharged just before his 21st birthday in 1964. Joseph received training in electronics and communication equipment in the Navy. He continued to use this knowledge in all of his further careers by working as an electrician. He began working for Sperry Manufacturing in Phoenix, and then the Arizona Highway Patrol in Flagstaff, Arizona.

While in Flagstaff, Joe met Janice Provost and the two married on Feb. 17, 1968, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prescott, Arizona. They then moved to Denver and Joe worked for the Colorado State Patrol. Later they moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, and he worked for AT&T. Joe then began working for the Mountain Bell

System in Greeley and Cortez, Colorado.

In 1978 the family moved to the Flathead Valley where Joe worked for Northwest Telephone Systems. He then began employment with Plum Creek Timber Company in the MDF Plant and lived in Columbia Falls. Joe began a career with Bonneville Power Admin-istration in 1986, relocating with the family to Klamath Falls, Oregon, and then Spokane. Joe and Jan returned to Columbia Falls and he retired from Bonneville Power Administration in 2006.

Joe and Jan were married for 49 and a half years and he is survived by his wife, Janice O’Brien, of Columbia Falls; and all six of their daughters and their spouses, Kathleen and Dan Kirby of North Bend, Washington, Carol and Robert Pleninger of Havre, Sharon and Shawn McShane of Schererville, Indiana, Tamara and Brian Salois of West Richland, Washington, Kelly and Ed Stengel of Colorado Springs, and Jennifer and Jaime Cleveland of Houston. Joe and Jan have 18 grandchildren. He is also survived by his four brothers, Michael O’Brien, Dennis O’Brien, Steven O’Brien and John O’Brien, and his sister, Patricia Olson.

Joe liked construction projects. Throughout his life he and his girls built 12 houses. He was president of the Flathead Tractor and Engine Association. He enjoyed collecting, tinkering, talking about and operating tractors, antique trucks and hit-and-miss engines. He kept busy by spending time in his shop, working in his one-acre garden, fishing with friends, and taking the scenic route wherever he drove. Joe was a teacher in everything he did.

He was a faithful member of St. Richard’s Church in Columbia Falls and liked to learn and share about the Catholic faith. Joe was a protector and helped numerous people

throughout his life.

Joe fought a short battle with neuroendocrine cancer. He will be greatly missed.

All are invited to attend services to remember Joseph O’Brien. A rosary service will be offered at 6:30 p.m. today, Sept. 20, at Columbia Mortuary, Columbia Falls, and a funeral Mass at St. will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, Columbia Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) or a charity of your choice.