Robert “Bruce” O’Brien

Robert “Bruce” O’Brien, 73, died at his home in Ritzville on Jan. 5. Bruce was born in Longview on March 30, 1942. He was a 1960 graduate from Shadle Park High School in Spokane.

After graduation he worked at the Garland Bakery until he moved to Ritzville to work at his parent’s business, O’B’s Café, which he would later own and operate. He opened a second O’B’s in Odessa in 1975.

In 1977 he moved to the Colville area to operate Old King Cole’s Restaurant. He remained in the Colville area until he returned to Ritzville in 2008.

Bruce was a kind man who enjoyed being around his family and friends and never asked them to change on his account.

Bruce loved camping in his “big red bus” and bowling at Copper Bowl in Colville. He also enjoyed taking long trips to Arizona with his Brother Ron and life companion Barb.

Among other things, Bruce will be remembered for making large family dinners and his ability to cook any dish, his love of dogs and fun conversation.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Vincent and Opal Mae O’Brien, life companions Betty Crawford and Barbara Humphreys, Brother Ronald Blair O’Brien and sons Rodney Bruce (infant) and Christopher Blair O’Brien.

He leaves behind his family of Denise (Scott) Brown of Spokane, Todd (Deborah) O’Brien of Ritzville, 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, ex-wife Cheryl Ragsdale Eng of Ritzville and three nieces, Ronna (Kyle) Carlson, Kelli (Scott) Collins and Micki O’Brien all of Spokane. He also leaves numerous great-nieces and nephews.

A viewing at Danekas Funeral Home, 207 E. Main Ave, Ritzville, will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, with a family graveside service to follow at 1 p.m. at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held later this spring.