Brian John O’Connor of Phoenix, Arizona passed away in his sleep at home in the early morning of July 27, 2018. Brian was born on October 17, 1955 in Aurora, Illinois the first son of Dr. Charles A. O’Connor M.D. and Charlene M. O’Connor. He graduated from the West Aurora High School in 1973 and
subsequently earned a Bachelor Degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in 1977. Brian then moved to Glendale, Arizona and obtained a Masters Degree from the American Graduate School of International Management. Upon completion of his education, Brian began his career in business and specialized in public finance. Brian worked for Walter E. Heller and Company, Boetcher and Company and Hutchinson Shockey Erley and Company as an Investment Banker advising municipalities, public utilities and school districts
regarding their financial needs and facilitating the explosive growth of infrastructure and public improvements throughout Arizona and the Western United States. Brian was an outspoken optimist and proponent of the promise and future of Arizona and the West. While Arizona remained his home he
enjoyed spending time with his friends in McCall, Idaho, Newport Beach and Monterey, California. Brian was also involved in charitable endeavors through the Phoenix Thunderbirds organization which sponsors and promotes the Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Tournament on the PGA tour, raising millions of dollars for Arizona charities each year. Brian worked in a variety of roles during the tournament over his 26 year association with the Thunderbirds. Brian was a creative and inspirational business man with investment interests in a variety of endeavors over his long career. However, his favorite business venture was the acquisition and ownership of the Class A Minor League Baseball team then known as the Salt Lake City Trappers. During Brian’s ownership of the team with several partners and friends, the Trappers recorded a 29 game winning streak which remains a professional baseball record. The Trappers and their record season are enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Brian is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his sister Cathleen Kovanic (Robert) of Sugar Grove, Illinois and his brothers Patrick O’Connor (Kathleen) of Santa Barbara, California and Michael
O’Connor (Mary) of Valparaiso, Indiana as well as his nieces Laura and Carolyn Kovanic, Elizabeth, Jane and Catherine O’Connor and Nephews Thomas Kovanic and Dr. Michael O’Connor M.D. A Catholic Mass will held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church at 2312 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations to Thunderbirds Charities may be made in
Brian’s memory. www.thunderbirdscharities.org. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Pete Ladigo
I will always remember your famous quote during the Phoenix Open at the Life Bird Grill when the lines were super long……”Line up alphabetically by height and things will move faster”. I’ll use it in your memory this next Open!
Tim Garber
O.C. Your wit and humor will live on through the many friends you acquired in your lifetime. That big beautiful smile of yours i will never forget. Your generosity, that has helped so many, will not be forgotten. My deep sympathy for your family and all that knew you. Tim Garber Mccall Idaho.
Rodney Platt
I was sadden to hear of Brian’s recent passing. When I moved to Phoenix in 1980, I only knew 2 people. Brian was one of the first people to befriend me and I always enjoyed his company. He helped me through a difficult time, no questions asked. My condolences go out to Cathleen, Patrick and Michael, their families, and to the many friends of his throughout the years.
May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now,
And bless you evermore.
Rodney Platt
Sue Gray
I was deeply sadden to hear about Brian’s passing. I have know Brian for a very long time. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Sue