Brian Moore Barnard

1945 - 2012
Brian Moore Barnard, beloved brother, uncle, boss and friend turned in his "lawyer shoes" for good on September 1, 2012 and decided to start practicing law in a different place (if there is any such place). Brian Barnard was born May 24, 1945 in California to John Moore Barnard and Mary Roberta Perry. He graduated from Loyola Law School in 1969 then moved to Utah in the early 1970s. Soon thereafter, Brian Barnard opened his own practice, Utah Legal Clinic. Brian was known to many as Utah's "gadfly" attorney. He dedicated his life and his practice to protecting the personal civil rights and liberties of individuals who lacked the choice or the power to do so on their own and leaves a timeless professional legacy as a civil rights attorney. Brian profoundly touched those he worked with and those who knew him. Though the community will remember Brian as a bulldog for civil rights in the courtroom, we will remember Brian also for the big-hearted man he was outside of the court. A compassionate individual, Brian loved to give of himself to those in need, whether they be charitable organizations, family, employees, or unsuspecting members of the community. On warmer days, he could be seen walking to his downtown law office from his home near the University, picking up discarded trash and cans in the streets and trimming back overgrown bushes and trees obstructing the walkway as he walked. Brian also had an unbridled passion and was a huge supporter of the local arts. He was a season ticket holder for many Utah acting and dance companies, and shared that love with those close to him. We will miss seeing the Halloween windsock marking the space he staked out at the Red Butte Garden Concert series every summer, the "office outings" to Wyoming Downs, summer barbecues and Christmas parties at Brian's home and the annual outing to Salt Lake Acting Company's Saturday's Voyeur. He was a strong believer in the power of education, and freely shared the knowledge he possessed, as well as supported higher education for those he loved. Many individuals enjoyed the fruits of his labor, both literally and figuratively. Brian loved to garden, and loved to share his abundant crop in both fresh and dried form with co-workers, friends, neighbors, and even opposing counsel. Those who knew him are better for having known him and the law and the legal community will be forever grateful for his work and his contributions both to his craft and the cause of justice.
Brian M. Barnard was survived by his brother, John Perry Barnard, nieces, Heather Rando (Chris) and Marissa Noriega (Marcos), and great nieces and nephews, Eva, Daniel, Nina and Lucas, as well as his "office family," past and present.
Friends, colleagues, clients and members of the community are invited to attend a memorial open house in Brian's honor at Starks Funeral Parlor located at 3651 South 900 East from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 to celebrate his life and achievements, as well as share our favorite memories. He will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Utah Civil Rights & Liberties Foundation, 214 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, to help continue his lifelong fight for civil rights.
Arrangements entrusted to Stark Funeral Parlor. Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.starksfuneral.com.