Bill O'Brien, a 30-year veteran teacher in the Howell Public Schools died suddenly this past Friday. 

O'Brien had taught on one of the seventh grade teams at Middle School North since 1996. Principal Paul Farley called his death "a tremendous loss to Howell Middle School North and the entire school district."

In addition to his work in the school O'Brien was also the president of the Howell Township Education Association which serves as the local teacher's union. On the union's website Vice President Jacqui Tennant said since word of O'Brien's passing there has been an impressive outpouring of support. 

Superintendent Enid Golden said in a letter she will miss O'Brien who was not only a colleague but also a friend. "Bill has worked in Howell for his entire career and has dedicated himself to not only serving our students, but serving our staff as President of the HTEA," she said. 

Golden said she had worked with O'Brien on Thursday night at an Academic Council Meeting, a further example of what she said was his dedication to his work and his students. "I have had the utmost respect for him and how he handled the problems that came our way," she said. "I will miss him very much."

Visitation for O'Brien will be held today at Hassler Funeral Home, 980 Bennetts Mills Rd. in Jackson from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the American Heart Association.