Brian Burns O'Brien

Birth date: Jun 26, 1938 Death date: Feb 4, 2026

Brian Burns O'Brien, born June 26, 1938, in Butte, Montana, left us on February 4, 2026, surrounded by the love and embrace of his family. He leaves behind a legacy defined by an open heart and mind, his compassion, solidarity, an Read Obituary

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Chapel of the Chimes Oakland Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services

4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland CA 94611

(510) 379-5200

Wallace-Erin Obrien

3w ago

Miss you Daddy, but feel you with me every day. I thank you for filling our lives with the rich extended family and friends you surrounded us with. As a friend put it you were all tough heros - who stood up for not only for your own people but people in need. I would not be the person I am without all of these wonderful people giving me the best childhood - in a racist culture - you loved your family and grew it into an extended family with deep friendships- all of you friends all are always in my heart - to name some, Wayne, Jutta Collins, Marlene Harris, Sid and Doris Ingerman, the very special Steve and Kathy Engleman, Donna Shatula, Tensia and Beatriz, Roz and Leon Wofsy, Bob and Margo, Mindy, Koji, Matt (Glen), Brian Dixon, and Milan Molina who helped me get into college. You made us concious of our footprint on this planet and what we leave behind. You taught us to hunt, fish, play B Ball, Baseball, Swim in the Snake River, hike and look for critters. Ryan O'Brien put it so well at your eulogy - it didn't matter what calamities life brought us- we knew we were loved by you, and your friends and that the love was from someone who could walk in anyone's shoes and understand their struggles. You were loved by so many. I think of you so often and the lessons you taught us to survive, protect ourselves and thrive. So Many adventures from the abundance of Montana, to Jerry Lee Lewis on Broadway and Mitchell Brothers UG comic fest. I am also in eternal gratitude to my Auntie Leilani Fox Smith and Uncle Dan Smith who blessed you with our prayers and comforted you in your last moments on this earth. You were loved and are now missed so much. Your daughter, Erin

Keit Woelbing

10w ago

Brian has been a good friend and role model since I first met him in 1978. Before I took his Biology 6 class I interviewed him about the class and we were both impressed. Me because I liked what he had to say about the class , his expectations, and his teaching methods. Him because I was the first or one of the first to ask about the class before taking it.
I later took Microbiology from him and it was there I learned of his passion for health and social justice. That was a great influence on my politics and activism.
Our teacher- student relationship evolved into a friendship with him and Trudy and their family. They have shown great hospitality over the years to me, my wife, and daughter.
I've enjoyed listening to his viewpoints and stories of his adventures.
To sum it all up, Brian was a great guy who was a big influence on me. You can't ask for more than that.

Anonymous

11w ago

Sent a Beautiful Dreams to the O'Brien family.

A lovely floral display features white lilies, pale roses, and delicate blue blooms.

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Anonymous

11w ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Brian.

A vibrant green tree flourishes in a sunny area, showcasing thick leaves and a sturdy trunk.

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Donna Ahern

11w ago

I can say, with absolute certainty, that I would not have had the career I had, the life I had- have, were it not for Dr. O'Brien.

I was a single mother on welfare who was told, for most of my adult life that I was worthless and dumb. I believed it.

Bill Clinton's changing "welfare as we know it" propelled me into school to learn a skill, get a job. I chose nursing.

I was so timid, so unsure of myself and so scared when I started Dr. O'Briens microbiology nursing program prerequisite.I was quiet, didn't ask or answer questions. I was intimidated. However, he was such a fantastic teacher and made the subject so compelling it sucked me right in. I recall him saying that as future nurses he really wanted us to:
1) not kill our patients by not washing our hands
2) educate our patients on the importance of vaccination and breast feeding.
And he taught us about these issues- the immune system, the ubiquity of microorganisms, contagion, etc- so that we could educate our patients, not just preach.

I'll never forget the first time I answered a question without even thinking about it, and he said " Yes! That's the way I want you to be thinking this." Same for the first question I asked- "I want you to think about this the way that Donna is."

By mid-semester my classmates were coming me to explain things in our study group. ME. I realized I wasn't stupid, I was smart.

Dr. O'Brien wrote me an amazing letter of recommendation and I got into the program. He also gave me the advice to, if possible, seek employment at a public hospital where so much important work is done. And to join a strong union so that, at the end of my career, I could have a pension. I followed his advice. I will always be so
incredibly grateful to Dr. O'Brien, a kind dedicated and wonderful teacher.

My sympathies to you, his family, for your loss.
I am forever in his debt.

Donna Ahern

Anonymous

11w ago

Sent a Country Basket Blooms to the O'Brien family.

A colorful flower basket with gerbera daisies and roses, ideal for gifts.

Send flowers

Anonymous

11w ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Brian.

Plant a tree

Sheila And Family

11w ago

Sent a Peaceful White Lilies Basket to the O'Brien family.

A beautiful arrangement features white lilies and carnations, perfect for celebrations or memorials.

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Sheila And Family

11w ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Brian.

Plant a tree

William Melaugh

11w ago

Brian, I feel blessed to have known you for fifty years. I first met you as my teacher and we soon became close friends. I became part of your family and you part of mine. You were my mentor, the most wonderful tutor who changed my life in so many positive and beautiful ways. I am forever grateful for your generosity and guidance. I miss you Brian. Life just won't be the same without you here.
Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat ar slí na bhfírinne, a chara

CARED FOR BY

Chapel of the Chimes Oakland Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services

4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland CA 94611

(510) 379-5200

Donna Ahern

11w ago

I can say, with absolute certainty, that I would not have had the career I had, the life I had- have, were it not for Dr. O'Brien.

I was a single mother on welfare who was told, for most of my adult life that I was worthless and dumb. I believed it.

Bill Clinton's changing "welfare as we know it" propelled me into school to learn a skill, get a job. I chose nursing.

By mid-semester my classmates were coming me to explain things in our study group. ME. I realized I wasn't stupid, I was smart.

My sympathies to you, his family, for your loss.
I am forever in his debt.

Donna Ahern

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