Richard "OB" O'Brien

(Services have been held)

Friends, yesterday was a very disturbing day for many of us.  We were notified by Mike Gianakis, a good long time friend of Rich O'Brien........alias, "OB".

Our dear friend Rich O'Brien passed away Monday morning, the 12th of February. 

Debbie and her three sons:  Chris, Shane, and Justin will be going through a rather tough time and they will rely on support from family and friends through this difficult change in path of life.

It appears Rich's long battle turned into a rough couple of weeks just recently.  Rich leveled out at 72 years old.  I would say he did rather well for the battle he had going (I am guessing over 10 years?).  I think Rich's determination was winning the battle that he was dealt.  That is the kind of guy he was.

For you many of you that might not know Rich, he was #171 & #71, Red 1966 Shelby GT-350 Vintage Race car with gold stripes in the HMSA and CSRG racing circuit.  His car was presented in a concourse fashion, rather than a clapped out race car.  Rich wanted it this way.  Besides being a wonderful husband, father and friend, first thing comes to mind;  Watching Rich in the starting gate of a vintage race.  There were none better and he just wouldn't let off the gas.  Many a time, he had me lifting in order to have 1 car fit in the first or second corner.  He was known as a Jet Jockey, have flown big commercial birds and his background would come from flying jets in the service.

This is the guy that was an ambassador to the Shelby Club and Ferrari Club, 'ala Virginia City Hillcllimb!.  He not only drove the pants off his car up that 1350 foot climb, he ran it early in the morning on foot!  If you have the privilege of running that event, you can thank Rich, without him, we most likely would not have continued. One of the toughest days for me will be my first vintage race of the season, watching for the red car that will not be there fighting for grid position!  Damn, I hate this!

Signing off for now.
Sincerely, Tom Georgalos

Debbie O'Brien
1056 Crosswind Ct
San Jose CA 95120