Michael O'Brien's Celebration of Life

Michael Grant O’Brien was also known as; Mike, Mick, Pawpaw, Dr. O, Daddy, Hollywood, Pops, Honey Boo, and many more names, but we will keep this PG13 or as he would jokingly say, “I’ve been called worse.” Mike was “knock, knock, knocking on Heaven’s door” on December 23rd, 2021, at 3:33pm. As he lay in his hospital bed waiting his turn to enter the pearly white gates, dreaming of a Wendy’s chocolate frosty, he was surrounded by God’s light, his loving wife of 39 years, his 3 children, son in law, photos of his friends and family, and an Elvis Presley Christmas ornament.

His life was based on a true story. Mike was born, “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” known as Corpus Christi, Texas. This is where his love of the water came from. His family moved to Houston when he was around 5 years old, and that is when he met the future love of his life, Sharon. She was making snow cones by the pool. Everyone who knows Mike, knows he loved his sweets, so meeting Sharon as she made snow cones was meant to be. His family moved around a lot in Houston, and he attended several schools including Lanier Middle School, Westchester High School, and Lamar High School. Mike excelled at sports, and as a teen he was nicknamed “Hollywood” and “Dr. O”… not sure if the latter is referring to playing doctor in high school since he was quite a ladies’ man. At least he was, until he was reunited with Sharon by Mike’s sister, Natalie, and their friend Clint, on a trip to the beach. After high school, Mike and Sharon got married and had a son in 1982, also named Michael Grant O’Brien, but they spruced it up by adding the 2nd to end of his name- “II.” Then in 1985, Mike and Sharon had a baby girl, Myranda…. Well, Mike didn’t have a baby, that was a solo performance by Sharon.

Mike was a hard worker who hardly worked and was passionate about sales. He was a better salesperson than Al Bundy. He enjoyed working for The Houston Post. One time he tried to sell a newspaper to Billy Gibbons, of ZZ Top, who told him he did not need a paper because he was never home. In 1992, Mike made a career change into the grand world of retail and commercial debt collections where he became everyone’s favorite phone call.

Mike enjoyed golfing, and although he may not have been a pro, it took a lot of balls to golf like he did. He appreciated the finer things, like great movies, making jokes, playing pool, listening to classic rock music and Elvis, watching the Florida Gators, and being with his dogs. On Sundays he would treat Bryce, his grandson, to a sprinkle donut, cherishing every moment together. Every summer he looked forward to being on a boat, fishing and playing out on the water. Mike was great at being inclusive; he never met a stranger. Being kind was something he practiced every day. On occasion he would pay for people’s groceries if they were short on funds, or give food to his displaced friend, Timmy Tim. His heart always had the best of intentions, and he spent most his time with his wife, family, and friends making unforgettable memories. He loved telling stories, and we are pretty sure most of them were true.

Michael Grant O’Brien– “The man, the myth, the legend,” will be remembered by all those he loved and who loved him. In no particular order, honorable mentions include his devoted wife, Sharon. His son, Michael O’Brien II, and grandson, Bryce. His daughter, Myranda Hyland, and son-in-law, Gavin. His daughter, Angela Patterson, and son-in-law, Dustin. His fur baby, Cotton “Sleepy Head” O’Brien. Several “paw”esome grand pups, and 2 more grandchildren- Hunter and Savannah. But wait there’s more, the list continues with his father, David O’Brien, and wife Annie. Mother-in-law, Jeannette Huth, and husband, Harold. His sisters, Natalie Malham, and Stephanie Vlasich, and brothers, Christopher O’Brien, Joshua Siegel, and Joshua O’Brien. Several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and so many friends… and a partridge in a pear tree.

As John Wayne, The Duke, once said, “I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me, and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they pleased.”

Full disclosure: I was left unsupervised while writing this.

We will be celebrating Mike’s life on Saturday, January 8th, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home (13001 Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas 77079). The burial will be immediately after (if the life insurance check gets here in time) and a catered reception will also be held. Visitation will be on Friday, January 7th from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 8th before the service from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.