Fr. Roger O'Brien died peacefully on January 12, 2026, at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Born on August 3, 1935, to Francis T. O'Brien and Susan E. Jurich, Fr. "Rog" was baptized on September 15, 1935, a date he would always cherish and proclaim as the most significant in his life of faith. It was this date, not his ordination, that he would refer to with pride and joy in the service of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.

He had wonderfully supportive parents, whose father Frank was owner of McPherson Furnace and Equipment company in Seattle, a distributor in the HVAC industry. His mother Sue was a devout Catholic and accomplished artist. Although she suffered later in life with Multiple Sclerosis, her example and dignity were sources of strength for him and countless others. He and his only sibling, Doug, were raised in a special time and place in the history of the Archdiocese of Seattle. Atop Queen Anne Hill and rooted in the vibrant St. Anne Parish, the Catholic culture was the air he breathed during these years of his childhood. He would be one of several young men in the neighborhood to respond to a call to priesthood for the archdiocese. He made his high school and college studies at St. Edward's and St. Thomas Seminaries in Kenmore. Ordained on May 20, 1961, for the Archdiocese of Seattle. He celebrated his first solemn Mass the next day, May 21, at his home parish of St. Anne. Archbishop Thomas A. Connolly released him for service with the Society of St. Sulpice, which he undertook from 1961 - 1964.

In the next decade he maxed out his calendar with continuing education, eventually holding three degrees (BS, M.Div., and Master is in library sciences) from the University of Washington. In addition, he received a licentiate in sacred theology from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, and a doctorate in theology from the University of Louvain in Belgium.

He taught at Sulpician seminaries in San Francisco (St. Joseph's College and St. Patrick's Seminary) and served as professor of systematic theology, pastoral studies, and homiletics at St. Thomas Seminary School of Theology, where he also served as Vice Rector, and Director of Initial Experience Program.

From 1971 to 1975 he was in the service (simultaneous with his ministry at the seminary) of St. John Vianney Church in Kenmore (associate pastor and then auxiliary priest). And then served at Our Lady of Sorrows in Snoqualmie.

He embodied the charism of the Sulpicians in his ministry to seminarians benefiting them by being both encouraging and sensitive to personal needs, while at the same time inspiring them to deep theological reflection, intellectual rigor, and commitment to serve their local church and bishop. He was both cheerful and exact in his approach to forming seminarians, modeling the Good Shepherd.

As a pastor he was noted for liturgical celebrations in the spirit of Vatican II which he tirelessly and meticulously planned. After completing his term in 1982 as Ecumenical Officer for the archdiocese and director of the Office of Worship, he was appointed pastor of St. Luke Parish in Shoreline, where he enjoyed some of his best years serving people. It was remarkable that a man so formed and steeped in the intellectual world of the church, could pivot to the pastoral and at times mundane life of parish priesthood with ease, joy, and his trademark detail-oriented nature. He requested senior priest status in 2001 and made the most of his senior years traveling abroad with priest and lay friends alike and checking off several "bucket list" sites and items. He was a great friend, a consummate gentleman and scholar.

He took seriously the Vatican II decree on Ecumenism Unitatis Redintegratio, and served as theological counsel to the curriculum committee of the Pastoral Institute of Washington, and co-chaired the Ecumenical Commission for the Archdiocese of Seattle as well as publishing scholarly dissertations for The Progress, Inland Register, Blessed Sacrament Parish Magazine, and The Priest.

Fr. Roger so appreciated all who cared for him these last years: Beth Eagen and Associates, Dr. Lucioni and care staff at Virginia Mason, and Anna and Ben and their staff at Bella Adult Family Home in Bellevue.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful depart, rest in peace.

Predeceased by his Parents, Francis and Susan. Brother, Doug. Nephew-in-law, Kevin Kimbrough. Survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara O'Brien. Nephew, Terry O'Brien. Nieces, Shannon Kimbrough and Maureen Cox. Many grand and great grand nephews and nieces.

Condolences can be sent to:

Barbara O'Brien (Sister-in-law) and Family

4621 127th Ave East

Edgewood, WA 98372

* Funeral Mass:

* January 26, 2026, 12:10pm

* St. James Cathedral, Seattle

* Archbishop Paul D. Etienne to preside.

* Father Michael G. Ryan to preach.

* Reception to follow in parish hall.

* Committal:

* Calvary Cemetery

* January 26, 2026, 3pm

* Father Michael G. Ryan to preside.