Brian Arthur O'Neill

Brian O’Neill, of Bainbridge Island, died unexpectedly at home on April 16, 2021. He was born July 30, 1941 in Honolulu, HI where his father, a Navy pilot, was stationed during WWII. Brian graduated from Shoreline High School, Seattle in 1959 and from the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA in 1967. Following graduation, he joined the US Marine Corps and served until 1987. While in the Marine Corps, he flew medevac helicopters in Vietnam and then transitioned to flying jets for the remainder of his career. His career took him to many countries including Japan where he met his wife, Mary Alice, then a school teacher.

Upon his retirement in 1987, Brian and Mary Alice quenched their thirst for the sea with many sailing adventures, including a circumnavigation. They combined their passions of military history, education, and sailing by visiting many of the WWII sites where his father served and helping out island schools along the way. Anyone who had the honor of meeting Brian knew that he lived life to the fullest and was always available to others who needed assistance.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, his sons Brian O’Neill (Michelle), Rory O’Neill (Kathy) and daughter Kelly Bass (Rock), seven grandchildren, six sisters, one brother and many nieces and nephews. Brian will be interred at Kane Cemetery, Bainbridge Island at a date TBD. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Brian’s memory to the following charities...
Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation, as well as, Bainbridge Community Foundation.
Please visit the links below under Memorial Contributions.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.