SR0817 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0817 LRB094 21874 HSS 60307 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Patrick William O'Brien was a gregarious Irish-American who made people laugh by telling stories and finding the humor in everyday life; and

WHEREAS, Mr. O'Brien, a lifelong Evanston resident, passed away on August 11, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Mr. O'Brien grew up the middle of three brothers; he attended St. Athanasius School and Evanston Township High School; in 1947, he received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University; and

WHEREAS, While Mr. O'Brien contemplated a career in academia, a college professor encouraged him to consider law; by 1950, he had a law degree from Northwestern University; and

WHEREAS, In 1954, he was at a party when he noticed a stunning blond named Deborah Bissell; Mr. O'Brien was working up the courage to speak to her when he lit his pipe and the match flew, lighting Bissell's sundress on fire; he apologized and offered to take her to dinner; they married in 1955 and had seven children; and

WHEREAS, After briefly working at a private law firm, Mr. O'Brien joined the Air Force during the Korean War, worked in the judge advocate general's department, and became a captain; and

WHEREAS, In 1953, he joined Mayer, Meyer, Austrian & Platt; as a trial lawyer for more than 50 years with the Chicago law firm, Mr. O'Brien delivered serious performances in the courtroom that demonstrated his vast knowledge of and passion for the law; Pat became a mentor to younger attorneys and was generous in sharing his experiences; and

WHEREAS, Mr. O'Brien shared his struggles with alcoholism; he authored an article about his experiences for the Chicago Bar Association and served as president of the State Lawyers' Assistance Program, which helps lawyers deal with substance abuse issues; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Pat O'Brien will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him; he was the beloved husband of Deborah O'Brien, nee Bissell; the loving father of Kathy (Tom) Caplice, Mariellen (Mike) Hendricks, Patrick O'Brien, Jim (Karen) O'Brien, Patti (T.J.) Sheahan, the late Eileen and Michael O'Brien; the proud grandfather of Michael, Brian, Eddie, Molly, Nell, Patrick, Carlin, Mac, Shaun, Eileen, Erin and Margaret; the dear brother of the late Jim (Fran) O'Brien and Paul (Ann) O'Brien; and the uncle of many; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Patrick William O'Brien, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.