I've got a lot of great memories with Mr. O' Brien in them. When my family with my 4 brothers moved to WP we moved into the house the O'Briens were in with their 4 sons as they were about to move to their new place. We attended the Catholic Church in Lanett together; he taught my Sunday School class along with Mr. Hurley. He took me to my first college football game - Auburn vs. Ole Miss. Lots of great memories but there is one I often think about and enjoy even now, 44 years later, when things get frustrating and it seems easier to give up than to press on. It was a simple life lesson that he imparted to me as a little leaguer on the mighty Royals little league baseball team that he coached in the spring of 1969. Shortly after I moved to WP, Mike recruited me to play on the team his dad coached and Mr. O'Brien. welcomed me aboard even though the sign up period had passed. I still have some newspaper clippings from that season because I had such a great time playing for him and, to everyone's surprise, I occasionally contributed with a hit or two. I recall a game on the road somewhere, going to bat with runners on base and two outs and batting in the #7 spot (not the greatest hitter as I mentioned). Mr. O' Brien, gave me his usual pat on the back encouragement as I made my way to the plate, hands clapping, and "let's go Grizz" (that's another story) trying to impart some confidence into me that I know I needed. I am sure the tale has grown for me over time, but what I remember is that every pitch looked good, right down the middle of the plate and I swung. And I swung, and swung again, each time fouling the ball off, with several sailing over the netting and into the parking lot to the chagrin of many visitors at the game who parked a little too close to the action. With the count no balls and 20 or so strikes, I looked down the 3rd base line as I always did between pitches to get the signal. I gave him a look like "What the heck now coach? Want me to take a pitch or try a bunt? It's getting late and I am keeping everyone up". Tug on the cap, nose, ear pull, wipe hand on chest, back to the cap, and....swing away! So I did and fouled back several more. I realized getting the signs each time between the many pitches that he just flat was not going to let me give up no matter how tired I was getting, how frustrated I felt, and what a general public spectacle I had become standing there for what seems to me now like half an hour with "all the world" watching my futility. Another windup, another pitch, and another foul ball, and this time when I looked down at third he was still clapping but also laughing. Not at me but in a good way. "You're wearing him down Jeff" he yelled, "he's got to be more tired than you are by now!" "Swing away" he said with an encouraging clap of the hands. And 44 years later I still do, and I thank him for the lesson. I honestly don't remember if I got on base or not. I guess that part doesn't matter to me at all now. It's the thought of him believing in me and wanting me to give it my best and hang in there that stuck. Thank you Mr. O' Brien for all you did for me. All my best to the O Brien family. 
The Tall One.  

I have so many fond memories of Mr. O'Brien and the entire O'Brien family that it is hard to pick just one story to share from these memories.  He and Mrs. O'Brien always made me and my family feel like one of their own.  When Karen and John came to town for a visit, I just couldn't wait to get down to West Point to see everyone!  Of course I wanted to see my sister and brother-in-law, but there was always something so special about being in the O'Brien home with all the O'Brien kids and grand kids around.  He always made us feel so at home and welcomed there.  We were fortunate to have many occasions over the years when our families would come together and spend time at the cabin on West Point Lake.  We would cook and grill and play cards and games. We just had a grand time making wonderful memories together with all of our sisters and brothers and our own children  running around playing.  Mr O'Brien always got a kick out of the children's theatrics when they were young and mentioned it every time we saw him.  He loved reminding them of the things they did when they were too young to remember themselves.  I remember him taking all the little ones on hikes down to the dock to see the lake.  They would come back with all sorts of treasures and stories from their excursion through the woods.  Mr. O'Brien was as much a part of our family as he welcomed us into his. There was always such a warmth and kindness about him.  He left this world a better place through his loving spirit and by all the lives that he touched.  We will miss you.....until we see you again.