Brian Holland O’Leary, 90, of Vashon Island, WA passed away at home on January 11th, 2023.

Brian was born on December 21st, 1932, to William and Persis O’Leary in Seattle. He attended school in Seattle before studying architecture at WSU and later completed a master’s degree in International Relations at Auburn University.

Following his passion for planes, Brian joined the Air Force. He spent his early career flying around the world with the Military Airlift Command (MAC). In 1960, while based in Chateauroux, France and flying UN troops to Congo, Brian met his wife of 61 years, Anne Lydon, a teacher on the Air Force base. He became a career officer and spent the remainder of his time in the Air Force in headquarters assignments in planning and operations. He served in Vietnam, 1966-67, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal.

In 1979, Brian retired from the Pentagon and returned with this family (now including four kids, a dog and two cats) to Seattle and his beloved PNW. He followed up with a second career in management at King Co. Metro.

Brian loved hiking, camping, running, sailing, and skiing with family; and adored traveling with Anne—especially returning to Europe where they met. He was an avid gardener and was particularly proud of his vegetables. He and Anne moved from Capitol Hill in Seattle to Vashon Island in 1994 after his retirement. There they watched children marry, grandchildren grow, and became very involved in the local community.

Brian was predeceased by his parents and his brother, John (Matt) Matthews O’Leary. He is survived by his wife, Anne; his four children and their spouses, Amy O’Leary Liddicoat (John) of Seattle, Kate O’Leary (Seth Zeichner) of Seattle, Mary O’Leary Bryant (Dennis) of Vashon, and John O’Leary (Debbie) of Kennewick; his eight grandchildren: Merrill and Ella Liddicoat; Jonah and Lila Zeichner; Annie Bryant; and Maggie, Allie, and Lizzie O’Leary; and his beloved black lab, Boru.

A funeral service will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church on Vashon Island, Saturday, January 28th at 11:00 am.