Jeffrey O'Brien Memorial
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 107:1
What happened?
(Updated 2/22/2018)
Raised in Boise, Jeffrey attended The Ambrose School from K-12 and had many close friends and fellow Lacrosse players there. He served in the Calvary Chapel Boise Children’s Ministry, was active in Youth Group, and was looking forward to serving the Lord in whatever capacity He led. Jeffrey loved life and sought to fill it to the max - motorcycles, diving and spearfishing, butterfly knives, and hunting of all kinds. He loved those around him with sincerity and passion and shared his contagious smile with everyone he met.
Jeffrey was attending his second semester at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murietta, California. He was thrilled being so close to the ocean where he could go spear fishing and free diving while he attended school. It was a perfect place for a young man who loved the sunshine, to be around like minded believers, and to pursue God’s calling in his life.
On Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 at about 11:40 pm, Jeffrey was returning from playing volleyball off-campus with his friends. As he was returning to his dorm, he hit a curb sending him into a large concrete elementary school sign. There were two friends following behind, who immediately called 911 and prayed for their friend. While they waited for the emergency services, a Christian woman was nearby and heard the accident. She found Jeffrey unconscious and knelt down as Lord directed her laying her hand on his heart to pray. She saw the cross he wore around his neck and his Calvary Chapel Bible College sweatshirt, and knew that Jeffrey was a believer. As she began to pray she visibly saw Jeffrey relax and receive the Lord’s peace.
An ambulance arrived and took him to Inland Valley Medical Center. The woman who had prayed for him, joined his friends at the hospital to continue in prayer. He was in critical condition in the emergency room. About 20 minutes later, Dan and Julie were notified that Jeffrey’s heart had stopped and they were not able to revive him. Later it was discovered that his heart was irreparably damaged in the crash. The doctors marked his passing at 12:36 am, on Thursday, February 15th, when he crossed into eternity and the outstretched arms of Jesus. We are all comforted to know that the Lord was with Jeffrey from the first moment through the very end.
Jeffrey loved Jesus! That love shined brightly through his beautiful smile, his passion for life, and his care for others. We will miss him dearly but know that someday soon we'll be together with him again, worshipping together at the feet of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Please keep the O'Briens in your thoughts and prayers. Any funds received will be used for funeral, memorial, and transportation expenses. The meal schedule is currently full (TakeThemAMeal.com , recipient="O'Brien" password="0624").
Thank you for your prayers and heartfelt support.
Family
Jeffrey is survived by his immediate family including his parents Daniel and Julie O'Brien, his brother Danny O'Brien, and brother and sister-in-law Jacob and Tara O'Brien; his paternal Grandparents Charles (Chick) and Connie O'Brien and family; and his maternal Grandparents Tom and Jewell Dean and family.
Dan O'Brien's family
Parents - Charles (Chic) and Connie O'Brien
Mike O'Brien
Colton and Sarah O'Brien, daughter Anara
Mark and Roxanne O'Brien, daughter Maddy
Aaron O'Brien
Troy and Sara (O'Brien) Smith, children Ellie, Judah, Caleb, Annalise
Ben and Kendra O'Brien
Julie (Dean) O'Brien's family
Parents - Tom and Jewell Dean
Jason and La Nea Dean, children Callie, Cody, Corban
Scripture (NKJV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
(Text message to Julie from Jeffrey earlier the day of the accident.)
