Thomas O'Brien

Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas W. O'Brien will be at 4 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2008 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming with Father Cliff Jacobson of St. Matthew's Catholic Church and Pastor Sonja Brucklacher of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church officiating. Following the Mass a celebration of life will be at Jake?s Tavern. Visitation will be from 4 - 7 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2008 at Walker Funeral Home. Thomas W. O'Brien, age 61, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at his home in Gillette after a short illness. Tom was born on November 3, 1946 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Larry and Lois (Doyle) O'Brien. He attended schools in So. Weymouth and Rockland, MA, graduating from high school at Cardinal Spellman in Brockton, MA in 1964. He graduated from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB, Canada, with a Bachelor of Science in psychology in 1969 and obtained two Master's degrees, one in elementary education from Western Connecticut State College and one in counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. Tom moved to Gillette, Wyoming in 1977 to work for Campbell County School District. He served as a school counselor and school psychologist up until his death. He married Deb (Lind) on June 23, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada. During their 24 years of marriage, they enjoyed many trips back to Las Vegas. His greatest source of joy was his son Shawn and daughter Molly, and his favorite activity was watching his children play sports. Tom loved his job working with children and enjoyed his friendships with many colleagues throughout the school district. He also loved participating in his fantasy football leagues, boating at Keyhole Reservoir, playing poker with friends, and working in his yard.Tom is survived by his wife Deb, son Shawn and daughter Molly of Gillette; sister Pat Arp and husband Randy of Cheyenne, Wyoming; two brothers, Dan O'Brien of Brookfield, CT, and Tim O'Brien and wife Noreen of East Sandwich, MA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Becky and Bob Jannenga of Prescott Valley, AZ; nephew, Tim O'Brien Jr. of East Sandwich, MA and niece, Jenny Greenway of Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Lois O'Brien. In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund has been established for Campbell County graduates. Memorial and condolences may be sent in Tom's name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or via the internet at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com