Brian Burns O'Brien's Obituary
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, and a lifetime commitment for civil and labor rights.
Brian shared sixty-seven remarkable years of marriage with his beautiful wife, Trudy, in loving, deep affection, with humor, and unwavering solidarity. Two Love Birds, together they raised four daughters - Alana, Katy, Moira, and Erin-each of whom carries forward his love of knowledge, liberty, integrity, and strength of character.
Growing up under the shadow of the Anaconda copper smelter in Montana, Brian weathered childhood asthma with books, newspapers, comics and magazines as his refuge. He became a voracious reader and habitué of Bay Area bookstores and coffeehouses. Family weekends were spent foraging at City Lights, Moe's, Cody's, Shakespeare's, Green Apple Books, and Gary Arlington's 23rd Street Comic Book Store ending at the Café Mediterranean, Café Trieste, the Terrace, Mario's, Little Joe's, US Cafe.
A proud UC Berkeley (Cal) alumnus, Brian was selected by his mentor Dean Sanford S. Elberg and earned a PhD in Immunology. Brian was part of the Free Speech Movement generation that organized the first recognized labor union at Cal-AFT 1570 representing Graduate Student Teachers. A revolutionary heartbeat Berkeley campus activism changed the rules of engagement from Stop the Draft, Peoples Park, Third World Strike, and Civil Rights direct actions.
At the same time, Brian found community in the 60's bohemian counterculture, from the Beats to the Be-In, Family Dog, and NORML. All along the way, Brian formed lifelong friendships. Brian dedicated 38 years to teaching, mentoring, and championing the power of education. Early in his career he joined a UC San Diego program that recruited high school students from East LA, Watts, Central Valley, and Imperial Valley to a program committed to advancing academic and professional success.
As a respected teacher and union leader, he advocated fiercely for his colleagues and students. He believed deeply in the dignity of his profession and the promise of public education to change lives. Beyond the classroom, Brian was a gifted challenger of ideas and the life of every gathering. O'Brien family celebrations were lively, full of laughter, dancing, spirited debate, and good trouble - nothing too good for the working class.
He loved to travel and delighted in exploring new places, cultures and ideas. He found joy in the opera, where music storytelling intertwined in a thoughtful and reflective nature. The O'Briens love of basketball and football began in the family sections of Memorial Stadium and Hass Pavillion rooting for the Cal Bears.
Those who knew Brian well remember his sharp mind, generous spirit, and the profound impact he had on countless lives. His legacy lives on in the students he inspired, friends he gathered and causes celebrated, colleagues he supported, and the family he cherished more than anything else. Brian is deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Please take a moment to share your own memories with us. Brian Burns O'Brien is survived by Trudy O'Brien (nee Gaheton); daughters Alana O'Brien, Katherine O'Brien, Moira O'Brien, and Erin O'Brien; grandson Gavin Wallace (Danielle); great grandchildren Erin Wallace and Eoin Wallace; nephews Shannon O'Brien, Ryan O'Brien (Marci Martin), Jake O'Brien; and great niece Kara O'Brien. Brian is preceded in death by William E. O'Brien (brother) and Dennis O'Brien Wallace (grandson).
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