Stuart William O'Brien, beloved son of Elizabeth Zanders and William O'Brien, died accidentally Sunday, June 23, 1996, in a tragic fall while camping in Idaho.
Stuart was born April 18, 1956 and was married on St. Patrick's Day, 1984 to Greta Paulsen. Stuart was a beloved friend to hundreds of people all over the world.Stu, former U.S. World Cup Freestyle team member and Pro Mogul Skiing Champion, was best known to the media as a "ski personality." Stu appeared in many ski movies, most notably, Warren Miller's Steep and Deep, where O'Brien jumped from a helicopter at Cedar Breaks, Utah. Sue was three times Legends of Freestyle Champion and compiled one of Freestyle Skiing's best competitive records, finishing in the top three 51 times in his career. O'Brien's photo has appeared in all major ski magazines as well as many other forms of media such as billboards, television and movies. He was a fully certified ski instructor with PSIA and a U.S. Ski Coaches Association Examiner. O'Brien was Director of the Snowbird Freestyle Team, where his renowned mogul coaching touched the lives of thousands of young people.
O'Brien spent the last few years of his life as a river runner extraordinaire, leading trips on the Colorado, Yampa, Green, Rogue, Snake and Salmon. He was often quoted saying "The jungle never sleeps and the river stops for no man." His enthusiasm will be greatly missed by the people of the river who loved and respected him.
Suart was principal broker of O'Brien and Associates Real Estate.
He is survived by his wife, Greta Paulsen-O'Brien, Sandy; mother, Elizabeth Zanders, Chatman, N.J.; brother, David, Wolfeboro,N.H.; brother, Jonothan, Snowbird; as well as many nephews and nieces. We will all miss "The Boogie Man," "Jungle Boy," and "The Fun Director."
Services celebrating the life of Stu O'Brien will be Friday, June 28, at 8:45 a.m. Snowbird, Utah (Bring warm clothes for the top of the mountain.)
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