Douglas Francis O'Brien

Douglas Francis O’Brien
May 19,1932  -  July 1, 2023

Douglas Francis O’Brien passed away embraced in love. He leaves a legacy of strong faith, an enduring love of family and personal sense of humor.

He was born to Frank and Susan O’Brien in Seattle, WA. He attended John Hay kindergarten where he met and ultimately married the love of his life, Barbara. He was raised on Queen Anne Hill, attended Saint Anne Grade School, Seattle Prep, and graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1950, where he lettered in baseball. After a date in high school with Barbara, they happened to cross paths again in 1952 on the UW campus. Love bloomed and an engagement followed. Doug was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

Never to forget her beautiful smile and personality, they continued their separate journeys across the Pacific – Barbara to her home in Manila, Philippine Islands, and Doug to Inchon, Korea. He served two years of active Military Service during his time in the US Army. They exchanged their vows of marriage on January 2, 1955 in Manila, then returned to Seattle to begin their lives together.

Doug joined his family business in 1956 at the age of 24 following his military duty. He became President and Owner-Manager of McPherson Furnace and Equipment Company in Seattle. Serving as a wholesale distribution firm, providing heating and air conditioning products to mechanical contractors in Northwest Washington. In the years following, the firm expanded its distribution facilities and services to the cities of Spokane, Yakima and Anchorage, Alaska.

During his years in the HVAC business, Doug was also an active member of NHRAW, a national trade association of wholesalers and served as President in 1974. In 1989 his firm, McPherson Furnace was acquired by Gensco, Inc., a Tacoma based HVAC firm and he served as a senior sales representative for this great company for another 16 years, capping 48 years of service in the industry.

He so loved family, and enjoyed squash, golf, bicycling and boating. His dedication to his faith included the Shades of Praise Gospel Choir at St. Therese Parish in Seattle for over 25 years. He was a life member of the Washington Athletic Club, Queen City Yacht Club and Commodore in 1990.

Doug and Barbara raised their three children while residing in Wedgwood. They moved briefly to Magnolia and settled in Madison Park for another 28 years. Many early years of family activities were enjoyed in the forms of camping, skiing and later, 30 years cruising the waters of Puget Sound, Desolation and Barkley Sound, B.C.

Doug is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 68 years, and beloved family of three children, Terry O’Brien (Mary), Shannon Kimbrough (Kevin), Maureen Cox (Rod), 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and his dear brother, Rev. Roger O’Brien.

A Celebration of Life for Doug will be held Thursday, July 27th, 12:10 pm at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Tacoma, WA. with a light reception following.

A remembrance may be made to Franciscan Hospice House General Fund: connect.virginiamasonfoundation.org/vmfh-donation or any charity of your choice.