Melvin Roger O’Brien, 66 of Great Falls, passed away on September 21, 2014. He will be missed greatly. His funeral will be held Wednesday, October 1st at 1:00pm at the LDS Stake Center 1015 15th Ave South. Private burial will be held at Sheridan, MT Cemetery.

Mel was born December 26, 1947 to Arthur and Liane O’Brien in Seattle,, WA. He came to Great Falls with his family in 1959 and graduated from Great Falls High in 1967. He was a member of Army from 1967-1968. After his honorable discharge from military service, Mel moved to Fresno, CA where he earned an associate degree in Arts from the Fresno City College. In 1982 he was married to Leah Jan Knadler in Cardston, Alberta.

Upon returning to Great Falls in 1976, Mel worked for JC Penny for a time, ran his own fishing tackle business and worked at the LDS Church as a custodian for 16 years, finally retiring in 1995. He enjoyed being a Boy Scout Leader for over 25 years, both with the American Legion Troop 509 and the LDS 3rd Ward’s troop. He also served an LDS Stake Mission, was active in the LDS church since 1978 and had read the Book of Mormon several times throughout his life.

Mel was an avid dog lover, a great fisherman, fly-tier and instructor. He won a blue ribbon on his trout fly display at the state fair in 1982, and in recent years had saved three dogs from the animal shelter: two border collies and one blue heeler/border collie mix.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Those who survive him are brothers, Arthur K. O’Brien of Fresno, CA and Michael R. O’Brien of Kansas City, MO; paternal aunt, Margery Bruce of Chilliwack, British Columbia; niece, Gale Sieler Ferguson and nephew, James M. Ferguson, both of Cascade; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews and relatives.

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