Week 37

Last week, instead of working on the house, we flew back to Massachusetts to help celebrate the life of a true giant of a man, Jack O'Brien.

Senior portrait, 1957

There were more than 200 people at his wake (same thing as what's called a "viewing" in other places). He is much loved, and will be missed by many. He was a wonderful partner to my mother, and a wonderful father to me, for the 25 years we had the great fortune to know him.

Here's his obituary, from the Lowell Sun, for those who weren't able to meet him:

John F. "Jack" O'Brien
Obituary

John F. 'Jack' O'Brien
Retired Lowell High School Master
1940 - 2014

CHELMSFORD -- John F. "Jack" O'Brien, 74, a Chelmsford resident and former Lowell resident, died Friday November 21, 2014, following a period of declining health. He was the loving husband of Linda M (Pereira)(Desrosiers) O'Brien of Chelmsford to whom he was married for 17 years.

Born in Lowell on February 12, 1940, he was a son of the late William P. and Beatrice (Ready) O'Brien. Jack was a 1957 graduate of Lowell High School. He attended Salem State College earning a bachelor's degree in Education in 1961. Continuing his education at Salem State, he earned a master's degree in Education in 1967.

He began his career as a teacher at Fitchburg High School from 1961 until 1963. In 1964, he became a teacher at Lowell High School where he would remain and excel for the duration of his career. Jack became a Housemaster at LHS in 1967. In 1992, he was promoted to Master and remained so until his retirement in 1994. Post retirement, he became a staff representative for the United Teachers of Lowell where he currently held a position. Jack was a distinguished educator and his legacy will continue for many years to come.

In his spare time, Jack enjoyed biking, golf, hockey games, and walking his beloved dog, Obie.

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his stepdaughter, Christine Desrosiers and her partner, Adrienne Johnstone of San Francisco, CA; as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary and Michael Hubin of Boynton Beach, FL, Roberta and Ronald Martin of Chelmsford, Robert and Marie Pereira of Lowell, Lionel Bolduc of Lakeland, FL; several nieces and nephews, Mary Lou Bolduc and Ron, Linda Krkuc and Michael, Darlene Ballou and David, Robert Bolduc and Joanne, Kurt Knowlton and Cynthia, Dr. Jeffrey Martin and Cindy, Jaclyn Martin, Julie Gray and Jason, Ryan Pereira, Tony Pereira, Brandi Zeitz and Dan. He also will be missed by his beloved canine companion, Obie. He was the brother of the late William F. O'Brien and Maureen C. Bolduc.