A Tribute to the Life of William Christopher O’Brian
Born: July 4, 1922 – July 30, 2020
There have been several members of the Montgomery Ruritan that were consider ICON’s in the Organization and in the community but none larger than Chris O’Brian. Chris not only was a charter member of the Montgomery Ruritan Club when it was founded in 1960 but was recently awarded a 60 year certification by the National Ruritan President who visited Montgomery on July 2 of this year. Chris was not able to be present for the award but Albert Kavanaugh accepted it on his behalf and it was later given to his son Terry who is also a member of the local Ruritan Club. Chris served as President and every office in the organization. He also served as Turkey Trot Chairman and served on the Park Board on various occasions.
In the early years of the organization Chris was a vital part of the leadership that helped to bring the Montgomery Ruritan Park into a reality. He worked behind the scenes with various State and Federal organizations to see the project completed to what it is today. He was a valued leader, member and an outstanding worker for the Club. In 1983 Chris was presented with the Service Award that is presented to Ruritan Members of the Club who had given greatly to the service of the Club. He could have received that award many times for the outstanding volunteer work that he done for the club.
Not only was he active in the Community with the Ruritan Club and Park but was on the Town Board and worked with the Montgomery Town Board on various projects in the community. He was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Montgomery and was the Postmaster for the Town of Montgomery for many years. He did it all of this and did not ask for recognition but did what he had to do to make his community a better place to live.
I can remember at different times when I needed information for the history of the Club Chris would have it and when he could no longer live at home there were many items and documents that he had saved over the years that his family gave to the club that is now on the Ruritan website as part of the history of the Montgomery Ruritan club.
There are many attributes and praises that could be given to a man like Chris O’Brian for the service to his family, his church and his community but a simple “Thank You” is all we can give here. This community will long remember what Chris O’Brian did to lead the way for what community service is all about. Chris we Thank You for all you did for the Community and May God Grand You Your Eternal Reward!
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