Richard O'Brien

Richard Sax OBrien, Buck, passed away January 6, 2015 after a long illness at the age of 82. He and his loving wife of 18 years, Nancy McLeod OBrien, resided in Great Falls. Buck was born on the family homestead near Conrad, October 11, 1932 to Margaret Alicia and Joseph OBrien. He attended school in Brady and Conrad. After graduating from Conrad High, he received an agricultural engineering degree from Montana State College. ROTC allowed him to enter the Air Force as a second lieutenant, in the pilot training program where he proudly flew many fighter aircraft, serving as squadron commander. His flying career culminated as an F89 pilot in the Montana Air National Guard.He married his sweetheart, Anna Mae Dallum on Sept. 13, 1953. After returning to the family farm, in addition to long hours of hard work and parenting 3 children, Buck volunteered in many local and state organizations. He was awarded Outstanding Young Farmer, was a member of Grain Growers, and Farmers Union. Active in the state and local Chamber of Commerce, his business and political acumen led to positions as chairman of the MT Aeronautics Board, a Pondera Bank of Montana director, and PMC board member. He was a Shriner, was master at the Conrad Mason Lodge #80, and was active in politics and his church. After 41 years of marriage, Anna Mae lost a battle with cancer in February 1995.October 1996, Buck married Nancy McLeod Stephenson moving to Great Falls. He retired from the family farm, and became a real estate agent until he was 80. Buck served on the Great Falls Symphony board for many years, several as chairman. He served on the Benefis advisory council, other state boards, and was a member of the Quiet Birdmen, and the Order of Daedalians.He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons Michael (Linda) and Raymond (Jana) OBrien; daughter Erin (Randy) Brenteson; step-children Michael (Cathy) and Jack Stephenson, and Elizabeth Stephenson (David) Tanner; his 13 grandchildren, Jill (Ryan) Bell, Jennifer (Gareth) Oliver, Joseph, Katherine, Paul, and Daniel OBrien, Kristen (Orry) Browning, Brad, Robert and Moranda Brenteson, Samuel and Sarah Stephenson, and Jackson Tanner; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Alicia OBrien; wife Anna Mae; and brother Charles OBrien. He will be greatly missed.A memorial service is planned for January 12, 2015 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ at 2900 9th Ave. S. in Great Falls at 10:00 a.m., followed by a light luncheon. A graveside service will be held in Conrad at 3:00 p.m. at the Hillside Cemetery, followed by a light supper at the Pondera Valley Lutheran Fellowship Hall.Suggested memorials are the Great Falls Symphony, 11 3rd Str. N., Great Falls, MT 59401 or the Conrad Scholars.