A joyful lover of life, “mayor” of the Alberta Arts neighborhood, prolific volunteer to the Portland community, and dedicated family man, David O’Brien passed on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. David was diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (brain cancer) in March 2018 and fought it valiantly for just over two years. 

David was a proud first-generation Irish American, the third of four children to Patrick O'Brien MD and his wife Frances O’Brien (née O’Sullivan). He was raised in Fresno, California and attended St. Anthony of Padua School and San Joaquin Memorial High School. He then attended the University of California at Santa Barbara for his undergraduate degree followed by Willamette School of Law for his Juris Doctor.

David had a very happy upbringing in Fresno, filled with family, friends, school and sports. He made many close friendships which he maintained throughout his life. He spent many incredible summers in Ireland visiting family. Holidays were always spent with the McGinn family.

At UCSB, David met and fell in love with Julie Bachman, and they were married in 1991. They moved to Oregon where they settled and raised their family. In 1998 their son Dylan was born, followed by their daughter Emma Claire in 2001. David absolutely adored his children - he coached their teams and supported them in any and all of their endeavors. He loved his kids’ friends as his own and their home was always open. 

David and Julie were fortunate to move to NE 30th Avenue in the Alberta Arts District of Portland in 1998. The community and neighborhood became family and provided an unending source of friendship, joy and support for the past 22 years. 

David commuted by bike to his job at Hart Wagner, where he enjoyed thirteen years as Director of Operations and spiritual leader of the firm.  David was known for his kind demeanor, easy-going nature, wonderful sense of humor, unfailing optimism about the firm, and impeccable Halloween costumes.  His constant encouragement and insightful advice led to many lasting friendships.  He loved his colleagues, and they loved him back.

David was incredibly energetic and was involved in many organizations and endeavors including the Hood to Coast Relay, Cascade Lakes Relay, Spokane HoopFest, Old School Basketball Team, basketball coach at Nativity School and CYO, soccer coach for Emma’s team and much more. He also made frequent trips to California and Hawaii to see family. David was a renaissance man who loved literature, music, the arts, history, dancing and of course, sports. He was a loud and passionate fan of the Jefferson High School Democrats, OJVA Volleyball, the Oregon State University Beavers and the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Predeceased by his father Patrick O’Brien MD, David is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years, Julie Bachman, his children Dylan and Emma, his mother Frances O’Brien and his siblings Mary Frances, William and Elizabeth and their families, his Irish family and his many loving Bachman family members, and of course, Ernie The Dog and his tough cat Milo. 

Due to Covid-19 we are unable to gather at this time to remember and celebrate David’s incredible life. We plan to do so in the summer. We hope to install a basketball court at Wilshire Park (David and Ernie’s favorite), but due to Park Department closures, we are unable to begin the process at this time. We will update you on donation opportunities once details become available. In the meantime please, continue to live as he did with love and light - Good Vibes Only.