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BORN
1938
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Brian Tickler Obituary
July 31, 1938 - July 7, 2022
Brian passed away peacefully on July 7, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Carmel Walsh for 58 years; treasured Dad or Pops or Papa to Brian, Angela, Debbie, and Barry. Proud and adoring GrandPop to Jeremy, Lauren, and Vivian. Dear brother to Tim, Miriam, and Jimmy. Happy Father-In-Law to Isabella Tickler and Toby Goold (R.I.P.). Preceded in death by his parents Pamela and Jim Tickler, his stepmother Simone Tickler, his brother Robert, and many treasured in-laws from the Walsh Family. He was silly, loving Uncle Brian to his many, many nieces and nephews, and their children.
Brian attained a degree in aeronautical engineering from Bristol University and emigrated to the U.S. from England at the age of 21, writing home with wide-eyed wonder at the experiences of cheeseburgers, eight lane highways, and all amazing new things U.S.. Brian was a proud and decorated Airman First Class in the United States Air Force from 1959-1963 and a pioneer in the fledgling computer programming and data processing industry starting in 1960. He was proudly dubbed "The Software Kid" by the Wall Street Journal in 1981. Brian was an Assembly Language Programmer and wrote the Accounts Payable systems for AT&T and Pacific Northwest Bell. Brian served as a Contributing Editor and Editorial Board Member for the Defense & Foreign Affairs Digest and was very proud of his work on the Harrier Jet, and for NASA and other U.S. Defense projects.
He was a parishioner of St. Monica's and Star of the Sea and spent many years faithfully singing in the St. Monica's Choir with his unmistakable bass voice. Brian had a great love of incredibly painful puns, all types of music from traditional Irish airs to ABBA to Vivaldi, airplanes, games, and trying to help others. He truly enjoyed playing Santa and brought joy to so many children over the years. As a big man with an even bigger, child-like heart Santa was the perfect role for him.
Brian and the Tickler family were supported by many caring doctors, nurses, social workers, caregivers, physical and occupational therapists from the Veteran's Administration over the last few years, and our family is so grateful for their aid and care of Brian. Special thanks to Eileen McGrorey. Thank you to Father Illo and the Staff at Star of the Sea, and to McAvoy & O'Hara for their kindness during such difficult times. Friends may visit after 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 18th, with the Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m.. The Funeral Mass starts at 2:00 on Friday, August 19th, 2022. All services are at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 4420 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118.
In lieu of flowers, Masses or donations to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund in Brian's name are appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Tickler
Sponsored by Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.
Sally Gallagher
October 17, 2023
So sorry (Belated) to hear about Brian's passing. We knew the family very well during our days at St. Monica. RIP Brian.
Mary Navolio Podmokly
August 22, 2022
This is such a beautiful tribute to a great man. Wonderful memories will keep his spirit alive. My love alway, Carmel ... a wonderful wife, mother, and cousin.
The Lumley Family
August 17, 2022
These two together again! I hope Heaven is ready! Miss them both.
The Lumley Family
August 17, 2022
These two together again! I hope Heaven is ready! Miss you both!
Barbara Ellena
July 28, 2022
I met Brian about 34 years ago, and I have a beautiful memories of him.
I couldn´t speak english and he couldn´t speak italian, but we understood each other anyway.
I made him listen to the songs of my favorite italian singer and he gave me a beautiful walkman. He was a nice and kind man.
Ciao Big Brian
Famiglia Ellena
July 27, 2022
Brian's passing made us all sad. For us "Big" Brian was integral part of our Family. We will never forget his generosity and his kindness. May he rest in peace.
Mike Adams
July 27, 2022
"Mister Tickler"...my "dad-away-from dad". What an impact you made on me in a very difficult and transitional time in life. Just a few of my many favorite things I learned from The Big Man:
1. Air Force is the way to go (26 years in service will attest to your influence). It was the best advice of my life.
2. Heavy Metal is NOT great guitar music...try Flemenco, young man!
3. Bagpipes make EVERYTHING cooler! (He's right!)
Stature of a Lion, Mind of a Scholar, Heart of a Child...I have met few better in life and I've traveled the world. I look forward to our reunion in a much better life. I will miss you dearly until then. God Bless The Tickler Family.
Isabella Tickler
July 26, 2022
Brian was a kind and welcoming father-in-law. His wit and sense of humor were contagious: I owe him a reluctantly enthusiastic appreciation for obscure puns. Below is an old photo of our families in Las Vegas, Brian organized a memorable road trip and we had such a wonderful time. My family in Italy aptly nicknamed him "Big Brian", a testimony of his big heart and bigger than life personality. He will be missed dearly.
Michael Morrison
July 26, 2022
Sorry to hear of Brian's passing. He was always kind, and fun to be around. I only knew him as the father of one of his sons, but he nonetheless left a lasting impression. He will be missed.
Eleanor Kane
July 23, 2022
I was so sorry to hear about Brian´s passing. I really enjoyed seeing him when I went to San Francisco. He always had a funny joke and a smile on his face. It won´t be the same without him. Carmel and family, my prayers are with you. May God bless you all. Love, Auntie Eleanor you
John and Nicole Ring
July 21, 2022
Our sincere condolences to the Tickler family. Brian and all of you are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
John and Nicole Ring
Teri Collins Hanley
July 18, 2022
Dear Tickler Family, I'm sorry for your loss. I have happy memories of your dad from the St Monica's days. I'll be thinking of all of you
kaaren alvarado
July 18, 2022
dearest angela and family, please know my love and prayers are with all of you. RIP.
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Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara4545 Geary Blvd. at Tenth Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118
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