Was a strong voice on Council

Kent City Councilman Bob O’Brien, in his third year on the Council, died Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 76.

“Bob was a man who remained true to his heart and beliefs, maintaining his perspective on the role of government and its relationship to the

citizens,” said Council President Debbie Raplee in a city media release. “Through it all, Bob was faithful in upholding the best interest of the citizens first and foremost. Bob was a very intelligent man, had a great sense of humor, a good friend to many, and to say he will be missed is an understatement.”

Voters elected O’Brien, who lived on Scenic Hill, in 2005 to begin a four-year term that expired at the end of 2009. O’Brien, a Kent resident for more than 30 years, also served on the the city’s Public Safety Committee as well as the Planning and Economic Development committees.

O’Brien previously served as chair of the Kent Kiwanis Club and the Kent Youth Soccer Association. He retired after 30 years in the logistics business. He earned a masters of business administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Bob provided a unique perspective on issues,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke in a press release. “He was frank about his opinions, voted independently, and offered a valuable voice that needed to be heard on behalf of many Kent residents. It was an honor to serve with him.”

O’Brien attended the April 1 Council meeting, but missed the April 15 meeting.

Survivors include his wife, Dagmar, and three children.

Details on a memorial service were pending as of Thursday.

Contact Steve Hunter at 253-872-6600, ext. 5052 or shunter@reporternewspapers.com.

Contact Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter Steve Hunter at shunter@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5052.

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