Keith G O'Brien
May 23, 1937 ~ February 9, 2019
On Saturday, February 9, 2019, Keith G. O’Brien passed away peacefully at his home at age 81.
Keith was born on May 23, 1937 in San Bernardino, California to Edward and Virginia O’Brien. He received his law degree from the University of Southern California in 1962 and then proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Judge Advocate including service in Vietnam. Keith practiced law for 50 years in Washington, DC working for the Interstate Commerce Commission and later as a partner with Wheeler and Wheeler. He worked in the transportation industry specializing in railroads. He was admitted to practice law in the California Supreme Court, the Federal District Court in Southern California, the United States Court of Military Appeals, the United States Supreme Court and the United States Court of Claims.
Keith married Joan Young in 1967 becoming a step-father to three young children, Jim, Beth, and Steve. Keith and Joan became grandparents to 6 loving grandchildren. Joan passed away in 1994. Keith later met the second love of his life and married Maria Eugenia in 1998. Keith’s family was expanded to include three more stepchildren and one grandchild.
Keith had a strong passion for nature and enjoyed living at home in Oakton surrounded by woods where he could enjoy observing many types of wildlife. In retirement, Keith and Maria enjoyed going on cruises to many exotic ports including a very memorable return trip to Vietnam years after he served there. Keith was known for his compassion and infectious smile, especially when he was with his family.
Keith was a member of the First Christian Science Church of McLean, Virginia and spent countless hours doing volunteer work with the church, including serving as First Reader, Chairman of the Board, Superintendent of Sunday School, and many other capacities.
Keith is survived by his wife Maria Eugenia, his sister Kathleen, step children Jim, Beth, Steve, Roger, Cindy and Lorena, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 30th, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2713 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124. Keith will also be honored for his military service at Arlington National Cemetery later in the year.
Donations may be made in Keith's memory to First Church of Christ, Scientist; 1683 Chain Bridge Rd.; McLean, VA.
Keith was born on May 23, 1937 in San Bernardino, California to Edward and Virginia O’Brien. He received his law degree from the University of Southern California in 1962 and then proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Judge Advocate including service in Vietnam. Keith practiced law for 50 years in Washington, DC working for the Interstate Commerce Commission and later as a partner with Wheeler and Wheeler. He worked in the transportation industry specializing in railroads. He was admitted to practice law in the California Supreme Court, the Federal District Court in Southern California, the United States Court of Military Appeals, the United States Supreme Court and the United States Court of Claims.
Keith married Joan Young in 1967 becoming a step-father to three young children, Jim, Beth, and Steve. Keith and Joan became grandparents to 6 loving grandchildren. Joan passed away in 1994. Keith later met the second love of his life and married Maria Eugenia in 1998. Keith’s family was expanded to include three more stepchildren and one grandchild.
Keith had a strong passion for nature and enjoyed living at home in Oakton surrounded by woods where he could enjoy observing many types of wildlife. In retirement, Keith and Maria enjoyed going on cruises to many exotic ports including a very memorable return trip to Vietnam years after he served there. Keith was known for his compassion and infectious smile, especially when he was with his family.
Keith was a member of the First Christian Science Church of McLean, Virginia and spent countless hours doing volunteer work with the church, including serving as First Reader, Chairman of the Board, Superintendent of Sunday School, and many other capacities.
Keith is survived by his wife Maria Eugenia, his sister Kathleen, step children Jim, Beth, Steve, Roger, Cindy and Lorena, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 30th, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2713 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124. Keith will also be honored for his military service at Arlington National Cemetery later in the year.
Donations may be made in Keith's memory to First Church of Christ, Scientist; 1683 Chain Bridge Rd.; McLean, VA.
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A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
I remember Keith as a fine gentleman who only had kind words to everyone he met. I have known Keith for over 15 years. He has been a constant pillar of kindness and love for his family and friends. My fiancé, Ellie, and I have traveled with Keith and Maria to Mexico, enjoyed parties in their home with their friends and family, and enjoyed dinners out for birthdays and special occasions. Keith led an exemplary life and was always available to lend loving support and kind words for his church family and friends. He is surely missed but leaves joyful memories for all who knew him. I feel honored to have called him a friend. Thank you, Keith and Maria, for being our friends and sharing part of your life with Ellie and me. God will keep you in His constant care for eternity.
I am so thankful to have had Keith in my life as a mentor and a friend. Growing up Keith was always such a role model for myself, my brothers and everyone who were lucky enough to know him. The constant love and kindness Keith shared with everyone helped show me what kind of person I wanted to be. I hope to one day have the chance to have a lasting impact on someone’s life like Keith has had on mine. He is loved and will be greatly missed.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.