Timothy R. O’Brien passed away July 26 in Davis, CA at the age of 81. Tim was born October 31, 1939 in West Frankfort, Illinois.
His parents were William and Peg (Dawe) O’Brien, of Valier. He graduated from Valier High School in 1957 and attended Southern Illinois University, graduating in 1961. He then attended the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, graduating with a DVM in 1965.
He met the love of his life, Janet Bradley, a young girl from Christopher, Illinois at the most popular place in town, the Maid Rite. They married in September 1962…moving to Urbana, Illinois to complete his degree in veterinary medicine at the U of I.
Tim not only got his DVM degree June 1965, but the day before graduation, their first child, a son, Shawn, was born. Tim, Janet and newborn son, Shawn, moved to Washington State Veterinary School in Pullman to do a year’s residency. After completion of his residency he entered into a Masters and PhD program at Colorado Veterinary School in Fort Collins. Their second son, Michael, was born while residing in Colorado. With Tim’s residency, advanced degrees, board certification in veterinary radiology, he accepted a teaching position in the Department of Radiology at the University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis in 1969.
Tim started his career in small animal radiology, but within a short period of time, developed an equine radiology program at the veterinary school. He taught, traveled to veterinary schools in the United States and many countries, lecturing in equine medicine. He also was in administrative and research programs at UCD veterinary medicine. He serve as an Associate Dean, and Department Chair of Radiology for many years at the veterinary school. He and his wife Janet held an annual Equine Conference at Lake Tahoe for 41 years for equine practicers. Practitioners received continuing education credit and also got to enjoy skiing and the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe.
Tim taught, did research, and lectured worldwide for 49 years, retiring in 2008. He continued to reside with his wife Janet in Davis after retirement. They never lost their love for their roots. Southern Illinois and their family, friends that still lived in Valier, Christopher area. Yearly trips with their sons were made back home. The Maid-Rite was the one special place they always frequented on trips home…the place they first met in 1958. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, brother and the loss of his son, Shawn. He is survived by his bride Janet…who would be celebrating their 59th anniversary in September, his son Dr. Michael O’Brien and wife Melissa and their two children William and Sophia of Denver, Colorado. His son Mike, followed in Tim’s footsteps into radiology …but interventional radiology …and his patients were human! Also he is survived by Shawn’s two daughters, Christina and Kelly, Huntington Beach, California, nephews Doug Omer (Wendy), Rockford, Illinois, Dirk Omer, Saratoga, Florida.
Tim was a quiet man, a man who was so proud of his sons, grandchildren. The times he loved and enjoyed most were having his beloved O’Brien clan gather…having favorite recipes from Southern Illinois served, watching his favorite sport teams on TV. His devoted love for family made his life complete. Tim’s love for his St. Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini never wavered…his wardrobe has always consisted of multiple, multiple Cardinals and Illini tee shirts, sweatshirts, anything wearable with their logo on it! Janet and Tim’s never lost or forgot where they came from…their beloved devotion for their home…Southern Illinois. They always planned one day to return for their final visit.
Tim’s burial services are handled by Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, Illinois. Funeral services will be on Saturday August 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Visitation is from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
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