Brian O'DONNELL

March 19, 1928 - July 5, 2022

Cherished family man, teacher, coach, craftsman, and a true "fun-ghi", Brian Edward O'Donnell passed away on July 5, 2022, with his loving daughters Colleen Rosania and Heidi O'Donnell caring for him till the very end; and his son Kurt O'Donnell and daughters-in-law, Jenny Ray and Debi O'Donnell, providing support and love all along the way. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Reid, Shana, Ryan, and Kyle, and a great-grandson, Rory, all of whom he loved dearly. Brian now joins Betty, the love of his life and wife for over 70 years, and his son Rory O'Donnell who passed away in 1993. He lived a life leading with his heart and gave 94 years of love, kindness, and humor to everyone fortunate enough to spend time with him.

Born in Spokane on March 19, 1928, to Mary Jassmann and Norman O'Donnell, Brian grew up in Millwood, attending West Valley High School where he charmed Betty with his humor and good nature while sporting his #1 football jersey. After graduation, he joined the Army and became a part of the American occupation in Japan as a positive ambassador for the US redevelopment efforts. Brian's charm and genuine caring for the Japanese people created lifelong connections. As soon as he returned home in 1948, he and Betty married. While raising their first three children, Brian completed his degree in education from the University of Washington while working for Boeing at night. He then launched a 25-year teaching career at East Valley High School where he taught business and typing and became EV's first wrestling coach and first special education teacher.

Brian and Betty then turned their natural gifts of giving love and providing guidance and support into an amazing life caring for over 700 struggling teenage boys over 35 years. The boys lived with the O'Donnell family in Newman Lake, WA in their group home, Shamrock Acres Boys Ranch. Brian and Betty loved animals and over the years collected quite a menagerie including llamas, horses, emus, peacocks, geese, ducks, rabbits, wallabies, raccoons, dogs, and his best friend till the end, Taco the cat. Brian was an avid woodworker, and when they retired, he built a beautiful home where they continued to enjoy their animals as well as the flow of friends who came to swim in their pool. They also delighted in traveling around the world where they spent time learning new cultures and enjoying time with friends and family.

Brian's gentle strength provided an overwhelming sense of security that one felt in his presence. He was also deceptively unassuming, appearing to just casually bounce through the lives of the kids he guided at school and home. But before they knew what was happening, Brian out-witted them and led them right to the point where they needed to be to have fruitful and happy lives. Not sure it is possible to count the number of kids who have unknowingly been set on the right path in this way and who have glanced back at him to see that knowing grin and twinkle in his eye. Brian taught us all how to love, with pure and unconditional intention, and because of this the universe always rose to meet him. Brian always felt that, with Betty by his side, they were immeasurably blessed and lived a full and beautiful life.

A celebration of Brian's life will take place on Sunday, August 6, 2023, 12-3 pm, at the Kendall Yards Welcome Center, 1335 W. Summit Parkway, Spokane, WA 99201, and over Zoom for those unable to attend in person. We simply want to spend time together remembering Brian (& Betty) and sharing stories of personal impact, love, and humor. To attend through Zoom or for more info, please contact Colleen Rosania at colleen@maharishi.net.