Birth date: Jun 25, 1947 Death date: Feb 25, 2010
Michael F. O’Brien, age 62, of Grand Haven, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born June 21, 1947, in Grand Rapids. He attended St. John’s Episcopal Church and was a member Read Obituary
I am sorry this is coming to you so late as I just now learned of Michaels passing! Captain Phogg was a real friend to my fanily as if it were not for us passing like to ships I wouldn't have my boat today. It was Michael who so dillegently oversaw the rebuilding of the Seagull II My Mother and Fathers boat 35 years ago and found. Mike kept me encouraged, I'm honord to know him! God Bless!##imported-begin##Paul Melse##imported-end##
I worked with Michael (Phoggy) at Lakeland Boats in Middleville during the summer of 2008. He was a true sailing enthusiast with a constant smile on his face and a passion for boating. I will always remember this Irishman as a friend and good person. Rest in peace captain, may the winds be at your back.##imported-begin##Tony Visser##imported-end##
To Mike's family:
Mike and Pat and their parents built a house next door to us on West Spring Lake Road around 1955. They were kind and thoughtful neighbors and Mike was always the highlight of the neighborhood. I can still hear his laugh! He enjoyed life to the fullest. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you,
Sincerely, Grace Ann (nee Smith)Weiler##imported-begin##Grace Ann Weiler##imported-end##
Godspeed my dearest friend. Love has no boundaries and I know your kind and happy spirit will always be around.##imported-begin##Berit Bizjak##imported-end##
I first met Michael about 10 years ago soon after I moved to Michigan. He was aboard my boat Gaiamar in the BVI on her inaugural sail in December 2003. He used a spare bedroom in my home as an office, often commenting on how peaceful the energy was there. A couple of years ago he suggested an arrangement that would benefit us both. He needed a place to live and I needed someone to house sit while I was off working or sailing for weeks at a time. I planned to spend more time at home in 2010 in part because I realized he would be needing more help, but I'm surprised he went so quickly. I'm very grateful that Lexie was by his side as he took his last breath. His passing leaves a void in my life, but I choose to remember Captain Phogg full of life with a Guinness in his hand!##imported-begin##Gail Bowdish##imported-end##
Hi was Mr. O'Brien's eye doctor at the VA in Grand Rapids. I saw him frequently and he was always so enjoyable to be around. It has been so sad to see him struggle with his cancer but no matter what, everytime I saw him, he was upbeat and determined. I just found out about his passing and am sitting here at my computer with tears in my eyes. I wish I could have been at his service to celebrate his life. My deepest sympathies to his family. I just know he is "Captain O'Brien" aboard a big ocean liner now...fully in peace.
Joy Kerns##imported-begin##Joy Kerns##imported-end##
I met Mike around 1972, it was where we both attended Eastern Michigan.
We stayed in touch as I went from Ann Arbor to Houston and then to New Jersey. Mike offered me a place to stay in his home where we played much guitar, grilled on the back porch, ate steamers and many rides on his boat. Michael is and will always be a dear friend. Family and friends were most important to Mike and he will be in many stories to come.##imported-begin##Harold Seils##imported-end##
I've known Mike for so long and have many fond memories of him. The most recent was when he joined our "Harley Group" for a day of riding. I believe he rode a BMW and he certainly was entertaining and we've talked about Mike and that day, often!
I know he will be greatly missed by his family and he will also be missed by his friends and classmates of GHHS.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.##imported-begin##Diana De Gram Jager##imported-end##
To Mike's family: My deepest sympathies go out to you in your time of sorrow. I was also a GHHS 1966 grad and we'll miss him at our 45th reunion next year - wearing his scottish kilt outfit - but, we'll never forget him!!##imported-begin##marilew helmers##imported-end##
We just heard of Michaels passing this
morning. Unfortunately we will not be
able to attend his funeral. Michael was
for a time Clan MacLeod commissioner for Michigan. He was a great guy, who
loved his Scottish roots. We will miss
him!!! Our thoughts and prayers go out
to the family. Sincerely,
John N.MacLeod VP Clan MacLeod Society
Naperville, Illinois##imported-begin##John N.& Judy MacLeod##imported-end##
