Brian Hugh McGinley

Brian McGinley, 65, of Taylor, Texas passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2025 surrounded by love.

Born on October 22, 1959 in Camden, New Jersey to Jeanne D'Arcy McGinley and Hugh McGinley, Brian lived a full and deeply intentional life. In 1986, he married Louise McGinley, his partner in love and adventure. Together they raised two daughters, Rebecca and Carolyn, and built a home rooted in creativity, humor, and connection.

Brian held various jobs throughout his life, but his true calling wasn't tied to any profession - it was in living fully and helping others do the same. He embraced a "work to live" philosophy, and devoted much of his children's younger years to being a stay-at-home dad, a role he cherished and carried out with humor, care, and heart.

A passionate film lover, Brian attended the SXSW Film Festival every year since its inception - only missing 2025 due to declining health. For many years he was also a fixture at the Kerrville Folk Festival and ACL Music Festival, always happiest among music, stories, and new friends. For many years Brian and Louise hosted an annual tie-dye weekend for family and friends, a beloved tradition full of color, laughter, and community.

Brian loved to be outside, spending many afternoons of his retirement blowing bubbles from the porch, getting soaked with the garden hose, and attending to the many flowers, tomatoes, and peppers that they grew. Anyone who knew him knows how much of a joker he was, loving to make others laugh, and many times himself laughing so hard at his own jokes he couldn't even get it out. He had an incredible gift for staying connected - with old friends, new friends, and everyone in between. He had a knack for making friends everywhere that he went, creating close bonds with people all over Austin and Taylor. Brian will be deeply missed, joyfully remembered, and lovingly celebrated - just as he lived.

As per his wishes, Brian donated his body to science and will be laid to rest in the head-to-toe tie-dye he was dressed in upon his passing. Brian was a proud and regular blood donor, donating as regularly as he was able to for most of his life and always encouraging others to do the same. In lieu of flowers, his family encourages everyone who is able to make a blood donation in his honor, or a donation to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or American Cancer Society.

A casual and festive celebration of Brian's life will be held on June 1, 2025 from 3pm-6pm at the Black Sparrow Music Parlor at 113 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574. Tie-dye clothing is strongly encouraged, as a nod to the joy and color that Brian brought to the world.