Detroit— Fr. Kevin P. O’Brien is remembered as a good pastor who cared for his parishioners.

“He was a very fine priest, an outstanding priest. One of his best qualities was the way he cared for, and was always putting himself out for, his people — he was a very pastoral-minded priest,” said Fr. Daniel Complo, a senior priest who was one of Fr. O’Brien’s seminary classmates.

Fr. O’Brien died Dec. 4. He was 83.

Fr. Complo also praised Fr. O’Brien for his “great  care for the poor” and for his commitment to promoting strong family life among his parishioners.

That emphasis on family life was reflected in the name chosen for the parish he served as founding pastor: Holy Family Parish in Novi.

Fr. O’Brien was also a pastor who “got parishioners involved in the life of the parish,” and was there for his parishioners when they needed him, Fr. Complo continued.

“No matter which parish he was at, people always felt he was open and available to them,” his classmate continued.

Fr. Complo recalled Fr. O’Brien being “a very fine athlete” during their seminary years, and said he maintained an avid interest in golf during his years of parish work.

In addition, Fr. O’Brien was “very well-liked and respected by all of his classmates and by any other priest who came to know him,” Fr. Complo said.

Kevin Patrick O’Brien was born March 16, 1928 in Detroit to Michael and Stella (McDonall) O’Brien.

He attended St. Theresa and St. Cecilia grade schools before going on to Sacred Heart Seminary for high school and college. He completed his priestly formation at St. John’sProvincial Seminary, PlymouthTownship, and was ordained June 5, 1954.

He served as associate pastor at St. Sebastian Parish, Dearborn Heights; St. David of Wales Parish, Detroit; St. Rose of Lima Parish, Detroit; and Guardian Angels Parish, Clawson; then as chaplain to St. Francis Home for Boys in Detroit.

In 1974, Fr. O’Brien was appointed founding pastor of Holy Family Parish,Novi.

Other assignments were as pastor of St. Priscilla Parish,Livonia; and as administrator at Christ the King; St. Cecilia; and St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven parishes, all in Detroit.

Fr. O’Brien was granted senior priest status July 1, 1998.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Eldon and Darrin.

He is survived by a brother, Michael Gary O’Brien, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was celebrated last Friday, Dec. 9, at St. Priscilla Church, Livonia. Interment was in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Condolences may be sent to Mary Ramsden,50079 Heron Court,Canton48187.

Memorials to the Capuchin Friars,1820 Mt. Elliott Ave., Detroit 48207 (www.capuchins.org)