Timothy O'Brien

Timothy Sean (Tim) O'Brien of Vassar and Millington passed away suddenly
Wednesday morning at his residences, Tim was 52.

A well-known, admired, and loved Vassar businessman, Tim O'Brien has left us all too early. He was the son of the late John and Shirley
(Dahl) O'Brien and was born in Dearborn, Michigan, on April 7, 1961. Tim grew up in the Dearborn and Detroit area. As a young man, Tim worked for
various corporations, but he had a dream of owning his own business.That dream became reality when Tim got into the entertainment business.In 1991, Tim became the owner of the Vassar Theater in downtown Vassar,where he has operated for the past 25 years. There was a period in time Tim owned and operated other theaters including the State Theater in Bay City, and the Green Acres Theater in Saginaw. Though he put his heart and soul into any of his business adventures, his true passion was for the first theater he purchased in downtown Vassar. As time passed, Tim eventually sold the other theaters and turned his attention 110-percent-plus to the Vassar Theater. Tim went completely through the theater,renovating it back to its original decor with some moderate changes to better serve the community. Most recently, Tim changed the theater's sound and projection systems to state-of-the-art digital equipment, again to better serve his community and to stay competitive in the industry. You could always find Tim at the theater either taking tickets, greeting you as you came in or dishing up your popcorn; and as you were leaving after the show, he was there in the lobby with his warm smile to show his appreciation for attending the show and to offer a simple thanks for coming in.

Tim leaves his girlfriend, Jean Esckelson, who was also at Tim's side at the theater helping Tim greet, sell tickets or take orders in the
popcorn booth; an adopted sister Patricia Uebbing; dear friends Rolf and Mari von Walthausen, Arno and Peg von Walthausen, Karl Dombrowski, Jenn
Jennings, Rick and Linda Moreau, Dwayne McCauley, Jennifer Kilbourn,Gary Szymazk, Gretchen, Big Dave and Colleen, as well as countless loyal
and special customers.

If you would like to give a gift of remembrance you may do so to the family, or to the Bullard-Sanford Public Library of Vassar. You're welcome to express person condolences, share a memory, a photo,or light a memory candle by opening the Memory Wall tab. Be aware we will monitor the postings, anything inappropriate will be taken down. For visitation and service information open the Service Info tab.

HANLIN FUNERAL HOME
A Family serving Families
for 86 years.

The service to celebrate Tim's life was held on Monday March 24, 2014. The eulogy was given by a very dear lifelong friend Peg von Walthausen.

If you would like to give a gift of remembrance you may do so to the family, or to the Bullard-Sanford Public Library of Vassar. You're welcome to express person condolences, share a memory, share a photo,or light a memory candle by opening the Memory Wall tab. Be aware we will monitor the postings, anything inappropriate will be taken down. For a complete obituary open the Obituary Tab.

HANLIN FUNERAL HOME
A Family serving Families
for 86 years.