Earl Hollis O’Bryan
Dec . 26, 1923 – Jan . 16, 2010
Earl Hollis O’Bryan was born December 26, 1923 in Bower, South Dakota, and he passed away January 16, 2010, after a long battle with cancer.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Earl moved to Everett with his mother and brothers in 1935. He joined the Navy at age 17 and served during World War II.
After the war he married Gertrude Bentley, his high school sweetheart. In 1953 he hopped a halibut boat and worked his way to Ketchikan, Alaska where he lived for over 30 years, first working for the Tongass Trading Company and then in his own business, the Friendly Family Furniture store.
He moved to California in 1976 and then to Camano Island in 1993.
Earl was an active member of the Jaycees and was proud of the fact that as the southeast Alaska campaign manager he helped Bill Eagan win the governor’s seat in 1970.
Earl was a lifelong avid outdoorsman, but his true passion was baseball. He was a natural teacher and coached hundreds of kids over the years in Babe Ruth baseball in Ketchikan and California. He was proud to have coached two teams to Alaska state titles.
Earl was a devoted fan of the WSU Cougars and Seattle Mariners. He never missed a game and was loyal through all their ups and downs.
He was also a good golfer who shot a 70 at age 70 on the Camaloch Golf Course.
Earl is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gertrude O’Bryan, their four children Richard O’Bryan (Kathy), Peggy Bowen (Pat), Betty O’Bryan (John) and John O’Bryan (Kelly), 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was a very proud husband, father and grandfather.
The family would like to thank the staff at Warm Beach Senior Community for giving such loving, compassionate care to our father and us in his last days and for the care they continue to give to our mother, Gertrude. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be sent to the Warm Beach Senior Community, 20420 Marine Dr., Stanwood, WA 98292.
Friends are invited to stop by to remember Earl at an open house on Saturday, January 23, from 1-3 p.m. at the family home, 250 MacKenzie Drive, Camano Island.
