Patrick Harry O'Brien, 79
Patrick H. O'Brien, a man of strength and boundless creativity, passed away Sept. 26, 2024, in his hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho.
Born on March 19, 1945, in the same idyllic town that would become his final resting place, Patrick's life was a testament to hard work and dedication.
Patrick's journey began in Hope, Idaho, before venturing to Northern California with his Mom and Dad. He graduated from Fortuna High School in California in 1963 and went on to attend the College of the Redwoods before joining the U.S. Air Force. His commitment to service extended beyond the military as he joined the U.S. Forest Service and fearlessly fought fires as part of a Helitek crew and as a smoke jumper. One notable blaze among many was the Sundance Fire of 1967.
Transferring with the Forest Service back to North Idaho where his roots began, Patrick married Carolyn J. Ryals and raised three children while working for LP Lumber. The allure of adventure called him once again as he relocated with his family to Alaska during its booming years. There he discovered a passion and talent for operating heavy equipment which eventually led him home where he continued his talent at JD Lumber, the Independent Highway District, and finally the Bonner County Road and Bridge Department.
In June 1991, Patrick found love anew when he married Judy Wolters Smith — a partnership that brought immeasurable joy through their shared love for travel and exploration from Baja MX to Washington's northernmost coast. Their journey ultimately led them back home to Sandpoint in 2022 until Patrick's last breath.
Preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Evelyn (Dreisbach) O'Brien; Patrick is survived by Judy, his devoted wife and children: Scott, Toby (Brittany) Dee (Vance) Spalding, Debra (Mike) Beery, and PJ (Jack) Hammack along with 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A master craftsman with an unparalleled eye for detail; Patrick poured himself into woodworking projects from crafting furniture pieces to meticulously replicating model boats after capturing them through photographs during coastal travels.
His hands also graced classic cars, which came alive under his care, each one lovingly restored or rebuilt alongside Judy before being proudly displayed at car shows throughout their adventures together.
Whether it was woodwork or automobiles; everything touched by Patrick bore witness not only to skill but also imagination — an alchemy that turned ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art.
As we bid farewell today at a private memorial service, may you rest peacefully now with your loving parents once again by your side.