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Brian O'Connor Obituary
Late Monday, August 15th, 2022, Brian O'Connor, incredible human and renaissance man, passed away. He was 64. Brian was born to John and Mikey O'Connor on March 2, 1958. He attended the Academy, Del Norte High, and graduated from The University of New Mexico. He was an established artist and carpenter, scholar, stand out athlete, benevolent activist, and Prince of Dogs. He was foremost a devoted husband to Iva, a wonderful father to Lillian and Garrett, a true friend to everyone, beloved by all. Brian was always teaching us and always will. He's left behind the most priceless achievement of any person; more grace, beauty and understanding in this world.
Brian was preceded in death by his father, John. He is survived by his mother Mikey, his wife Iva, his two children Garrett and Lillian, his brother Sean, and nephews Dylan, Jason, and Jesse.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 20th, 2022 at his home in Las Nutrias, NM. Donations may be sent to the Scholarship Fund in Brian's name for the Harwood Arts Center, to continue the pursuit of dreaming for every young artist.
www.harwoodartcenter.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian O'Connor
Maye Torres
August 14, 2024
Sending prayers to Iva, Lilly, Garrett, and all of Brian´s family and friends. Such a remarkable human being, he will always be loved and in our hearts.
Paul Marfiz
May 2, 2024
To Brian´s family, sorry to see of Brian´s passing, I wrestled with him at UNM, for the 2 years he was there. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Gail Rosenblum
August 28, 2022
Dearest family: The news of Brian's passing sent shock waves far and wide. Your husband and father was one-of-a-kind. He was the reason that I first learned the phrase "Renaissance Man," at Del Norte High School because that was how we all knew him. Brian was soft-spoken and kind. He was also the smartest kid in our class, the most gifted athlete AND musician...We felt a bit of collective awe when he passed by us in the halls (and, yes, ALL the girls had mad crushes on him.) I kept in touch with Brian over the years at high school reunions and followed his remarkable artistic career -- there really was no one like him and I imagine the loss of him is just crushing. I hope that memories of him comfort you in the difficult days ahead. He lived bravely and certainly fully. We will all keep him in our thoughts and hearts.
Gail and Paul Murray
August 21, 2022
Iva and family, words cannot express our sadness in hearing of the loss of Brian. What a great person, artist and friend he was to many. Our hearts are breaking for you.
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Janet Maher
August 21, 2022
Iva, we are grateful to have been able to spend time with both of you in June and be with Brian one more time. We have to believe that his huge soul and enormous talent and heart accomplished what he was meant to do in this lifetime. We are with you in spirit as you all honor him. Much love, J & P
Máye Torres
August 21, 2022
With an incredible painter and human being, dedicated with passion to everything he did in his life. His paintings will stand as visual monuments To our time and age. His paintings always push the viewer to think deeper and seek more intensely about our existence and our place in it. Rest in peace Brian O´Connor, he will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything, your talent, intelligence, amazing sense of humor and wit and for always having a smile. See you in the next life Bro.
John Suttman
August 20, 2022
What a remarkably talented person. His paintings will forever live in my mind.
Patrick O´Hea
August 20, 2022
Rest In Peace my fellow wrestler and Irishman.
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