Thomas O'Brien

Thomas Joseph OBrien, founder of the Hill Country Peace MovementKerrville Thomas Joseph OBrien died peacefully January 20, 2007, at his home near Kerrville, Texas, at the age of 71. He was born February 17, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois. Tom founded the Hill Country Peace Movement in January 2003. He was preceded in death by his parents Marie and Jim OBrien.Tom attended school in Chicago. Most of his working life was in Dallas, Texas in the insurance business. He retired at age 50 and joined the Peace Corps, spending three and a half years in Honduras, which was one of the experiences of his life. Born into a Catholic family, Tom was interested in Buddhism later in his life. The Buddhist philosophy of ending suffering in the world that is caused by greed and desire resonated with Toms personal beliefs of showing loving kindness to those who suffer. Tom was a deeply spiritual man, who prayed and meditated daily. In 1996, he spent three months at a retreat in France in sitting meditation with Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh.Besides his wife and family, his great love was being in Nature hiking, backpacking and long distance running. He ran numerous races of 100 miles or more. Tom was a man of his convictions and cared deeply about social justice. He also had a great sense of humor. Survivors include wife, Martha of Kerrville from his previous marriage, son Tom and wife Cindy OBrien son David and wife LisaAdelle OBrien daughter Mary Ellen Auldridge daughter Kathleen and husband Kyle Patranella and eight grandchildren, all of Dallas, Texas. Also a sister, Pat Lentz of Chicago.Memorial Services will be conducted at 11 AM on Saturday, January 27, 2007, at First Presbyterian Church, Kerrville, Texas.Memorials may be sent to FINCA Foundation for International Community Assistance 1101 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 Attn: Margie HartGomez. www.villagebanking.com. Tom saw the effectiveness of this organization when he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras. They are involved in community banking in the third world forming banks run by members, primarily women, who are recipients of business loans.Memorials may also be sent to the Raphael Community Free Clinic, 1807 Water St., Kerrville, Texas.Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Kerrville Funeral Home.

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