Thomas "Tim" Michael O'Brien

Thomas “Tim” O’Brien passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Bay Bluffs Nursing Home in Harbor Springs, Michigan on October 24, 2019

Tim grew up in Winnetka, IL graduating from Lake Forest Academy in 1958.  He attended college at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and went on to obtain his MBA from Arizona State University in Tempe.

After spending time managing JC Penny stores in the southwestern US, he moved to Michigan to work in the family owned Gately’s Furniture chain of retail stores.  He was a civic-minded business owner who served for numerous community organizations in each of the towns where a store was located.  One day a friend encouraged him to go on a blind date with Lynda Branscombe.  The date went well - they have been married for nearly 50 years.  They lived their entire married life in the State of Michigan raising three children: Melissa, Sean and Timothy.

Tim was known by all as a caring and charismatic husband, small business owner and devoted father.  He had a smile that would light up any room and he never once said a cross word about anyone.

Tim was an avid tennis player, golfer, sailor and later in life a skier. His interests were clearly driven by activities he could participate with his friends, children and grandchildren.

He loved spending time at his family cabin in the Wausaukee Club where he was most comfortable with a scotch in his hand gazing out over Elbow Lake.

Tim O’Brien is survived by his wife Lynda O’Brien, his three children, their spouses and his grandchildren:  Dave & Melissa (O’Brien) Fields, Charlie and Meredith, Sean & Sarah O’Brien, Katherine and Ansley, Timothy & Erica O’Brien, Hayes and Calen.

The family is planning a memorial for Tim this summer in Petoskey, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Little Traverse Conservancy, 3264 Powell Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, www.landtrust.org.

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