Dr. Charles O'Brien

Dr. Charles Edward O'Brien died peacefully on March 20, 2007 in Grand Haven, Michigan. He was born April 2, 1919 in Detroit, Michigan to Charles O'Brien and Olga Bloomquist O'Brien. He was raised in Dearborn, Michigan and went on to attend the University of Michigan, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He played baseball and football in his early college years, and worked as a guide at the Henry Ford Museum. In l942, he earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School, and married Marjorie Strand at the Martha Mary Chapel in Greenfield Village. He was proud to serve his country in the U. S. Army Medical Corps during World War II. Following the war, he returned to complete his surgical residency at the U. of M. Dr. O'Brien began his medical practice in Dayton, Ohio in l952. With his partner, Robert Taylor M.D., he founded the Dayton Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Associates, and they were pioneers in the field of open heart surgery. He was a member of the medical staff of Good Samaritan, Miami Valley and Kettering Hospitals in Dayton, and a past president of the Montgomery County Medical Society. For the last eight years of his surgical practice, he was joined by his son, Charles Michael O'Brien M.D., a time he described as the highlight of his career. Dr. O'Brien was Clinical Professor Emeritus of Surgery at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, a board member of the American Heart Association, and a loyal U. of M. alumnus. He enjoyed many summers with his wife and family at the Strand cottage in Grand Haven, Michigan's Highland Park. He retired in l986, and moved to Grand Haven in l994. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie in l994, his parents, and his brother Jack. He is survived by his sister Shirley (Tom) Steers of Miller, S.D., as well as one son, Charles Michael M.D. (Mary), and seven daughters Molly (Don) May, Marjorie Winters (Joel Saper), Bonnie (Mike) Seskevics, Nancy (Bob) Schulze, Carrie (David) Rodgers, Sharon (Richard) Zak, Janet (John) Tse; 13 grandchildren: Julia (Kurt) Krahnke, Ben and Andy Rodgers, Don Ross and Anne Marie May, Abby and Charlie Seskevics, Hanna and Sam Schulze, Audrey and Rebecca Zak, Nathaniel O'Brien, Maddie Tse; and his great-granddaughter, Chloe Krahnke. For the last five years, he shared a home in Grand Haven with his daughter Nancy and her family. Dr. O'Brien led an active professional life, but his greatest joy was the time he spent with his family. He had a gift for making strangers feel welcome, and newcomers feel like family. After relocating to Grand Haven, he remained an active, involved father, grandfather, and community member. He made many new friends at the NOCH cardiac rehabilitation program, the TriCities YMCA, and Norton Pines aquatic program. He was his grandchildren's #1 fan at sporting events, and in life. He was an avid reader, an engaging storyteller, and accomplished pianist and bass fiddler; a soft-spoken, considerate, and compassionate man. As his health began to decline, he valued the friendship and kind assistance of Laurel Jacobs. He was happiest when surrounded by his family, and was always looking forward to the next gathering. A family memorial gathering will take place this summer. Donations in Dr. O'Brien's memory can be made to organizations he supported and valued, including the American Heart Association, the Harbor Humane Society, and Hospice of North Ottawa Community.