Michael O'Brien Obituary

Mike O'Brien passed away suddenly with his wife Sally at his side, on Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.

Mike was born in York, PA in 1961 and moved with family to Englewood, CO in 1964, and on to Durango, CO in 1972, where he grew up swimming, skiing, tubing the Animas River, backpacking, and competing in local running races and triathlons. In addition to his love for sports and outdoor adventure, Mike's passion for advocacy, fairness, and justice became clear at a young age when he protested school "spats" (corporal punishment) in a campaign speech for Miller Jr. High School President. He won the race but was disqualified by the principal. He later graduated from Durango High School in 1979 as Senior Class President.

He received his bachelor's degree in political science from Colorado State University and his JD from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Mike spent three months in India as the youngest of five recipients of the Rotary Peace Fellowship. He opened his law firm in Fort Collins, Colorado, and later became a partner at Kraemer, Golden & O'Brien. He resided there for over 22 years with his wife, Sally Parker O'Brien. Together, they adored their canine furkids and enjoyed golfing, skiing, traveling, and working in Fort Collins.

Mike will be remembered for his loyalty and love of wife Sally and his extended family, his wicked dry sense of humor, devotion to progressive ideals, and the legal advocacy he provided to hundreds of families in Fort Collins who benefited from his family law expertise as partner at Golden & O'Brien. He was held in high regard and revered by his peers.

Mike was a competitive athlete, a creative free-spirit, and renegade, excelling in competitive swimming, freestyle mogul skiing, and mountain climbing. As a member of the Durango Swim Team, Mike qualified and competed in the AAU Swimming Colorado State Championships several years in a row and continued to swim as a US Masters Swimmer. He loved hiking and summited 25 fourteeners in Colorado and California including a Mt. Whitney trek with his mom and siblings to celebrate her 70th birthday.

Mike was predeceased by his father, Dennis O'Brien. He is survived by his wife, Sally O'Brien; mother, Marnie Roti; stepmother, Trudy O'Brien; siblings, Kelly, Patti, Dan (Salma); and mother-in-law, Marge Parker; brother-in-law, Tom Parker (Kelli); and many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Mike.

Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers, to either:

*The ACLU of Colorado Or Larimer Humane Society