Raymond O'BRIEN

Raymond peacefully passed away with his family at his side in the early morning hours. He was born on April 1, 1935 the fourth born child of Richard H. and Nettie O'Brien in Xenia, IL.Mr. O'Brien completed his education in Rockford, IL. It was in Rockford that he met and married his wife of 53 years Catherine (Toth) O'Brien. They have three daughters Julie(Robert) Lewis, Deborah (Robert) Ohlms and Janice (Michael) Delaney.He entered into sales where he sold life insurance with Metropolitan Life. Mr. O'Brien then moved his family to Southern California where he completed his college degree, and started to work for State Farm Insurance, building his agency in San Bernardino, CA. Ray was very active in many clubs and organizations throughout his life, and enjoyed it so much. He became a life member of the Girl Scouts since he only had daughters. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Elks #836, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4299. He was also past president of his San Bernardino Masonic Blue Lodge, #178, member of Lake Havasu Shrine El Zaribah Temple, also pp of the San Bernardino Shrine club Almalaikah temple., pp of High Twelve International, and a member of the Scottish Rite bodies in San Bernardino CA and a member of the Eastern Star Gate City 212. After Mr. O'Brien retired he and his wife moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ where Ray became involved with Real Estate working for Coldwell Banker Realty and making many friends along the way, as he enjoyed people so much. At the time of his death Ray was commodore to the Lake Havasu Yacht Club.Ray leaves his wife Catherine and daughters Julie, Deborah and Janice; his brothers Richard, and Joseph (Kathy) of California, Edward (Kathy), Bill (Val) and Roy (Dottie) and his sisters Lorene, Maxine and Chelsea (Bill), all of Illinois; his grandchildren Loni, Lisa, Mollie, Becky; grandsons Christopher “Kif”, Nicholas and Jesse. Ray had so many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Nettie and a grandson Michael D. Delaney.Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. at Lietz-Fraze Chapel with military and Masonic honors, with words of comfort and inspiration by Myrna Young.In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Hospice of Havasu, PO Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.

Raymond O'BRIEN

March 30, 2010