Walter (Mid) O’Brien

Walter Middleton O’Brien. Jr died peacefully after a short illness in Oakland, California, on February 24, 2021. Mid was born in Los Angeles on January 13, 1928, to Vera Lewis O’Brien and Walter Middleton O’Brien. Mid grew up in Berkeley and Los Gatos. While in high school, the family moved from Los Gatos to Evanston, Illinois. Los Gatos held a special place in Mid’s heart, as a young boy, he traded stable work for access to horses and riding in the hills of Los Gatos. Mid was happiest with a dog at his side and on a horse! Seeking an adventure, Mid fled Evanston after high school for the summer to work as a wrangler on the Matador Ranch in Texas. Mid returned to California to attend UC Berkeley.

At the onset of the Korean War, Mid enlisted and served as a platoon leader in the Tank Corps and completed his service at the rank of captain. Mid translated his leadership and business acumen to a successful career in the foodservice industry. He began his career as a route salesman for his father in law’s frozen food company, The Langfield Co. After the sale of The Langfield

Co to the newly formed Sysco Corp, Mid quickly rose through the ranks to become President and CEO of Allied Sysco for over 30 years.

In 1956, Mid married Catherine (Bunny) Langfield. They raised two boys, Lang and Mark in Orinda. In 1982, longing to get back to country roots, Mid and Bunny moved to Santa Rosa to enjoy the country lifestyle. Together the created Hayfork Ranch, where they enjoyed their horses, daily walks, dogs, cows, and tending their vineyard. Mid was predeceased by his beloved wives, Bunny and Elizabeth Gates O’Brien. He is survived by his loving partner Sue Vukasin, his sons Lang and Mark and daughter in law, Alma and grandsons, Barry, Turner, Paddy, Lee, and Walt.