Brian Arthur O’Barr, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away July 22, 2021 in Mesa, AZ surrounded by his family.
Brian was born in Mesa, AZ on March 23, 1961 to Joseph Arthur and Flora Maud “Mickey” O’Barr. He spent a happy, active childhood surrounded by many siblings, foster siblings, and cousins who were welcomed into his parents’ home. As Brian grew he participated in gymnastics, developed a lifelong appreciation for beautiful music, and eventually apprenticed as an electrician for his dad’s company.
Brian married his sweetheart and eternal companion, Jana Maria Goulding, on April 21, 1979 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He graduated from Mesa High School one month later. Together they raised 9 children. He regularly told his wife, children, and grandchildren how much joy they brought him. He strongly believed in reading and education and encouraged his children to study and develop skills – always telling them along the way that they “could do anything they put their mind to” in life. Brian worked as a residential electrician until he injured his back on the job in 1990 and, with 7 children by that time, decided to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Computer Design. After he received his degree he worked as both an electrician and electrical designer in the infrastructure, commercial, cellular, and solar industries.
Brian was constantly inventing and innovating. He was a talented artist and designer and obtained his first patent in 2017. He was always happy to do electrical work on the side for friends and family.
Brian was known to tease those he loved. He had a ready laugh and mischievous grin that is remembered fondly by his family and friends. Brian loved music and continually found beautiful songs to play for his family. He loved his country and instilled that love in all of his children. He also loved and was proud of his Irish and Scottish heritage. He was a historian of world war history and an avid collector of antique wartime memorabilia.
Brian loved his Savior Jesus Christ. Through the years he faithfully served two stake missions along with many other callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was especially passionate about family history work, seeking out connections with distant relatives, and helping others discover their own family ties. He was unfailingly kind to friends and strangers alike and quick to serve others. He was especially mindful of older people, widows, and those who were lonely. His generosity and ability to freely forgive were an inspiration. He was truly a friend to all.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mickey, his oldest brother, Mike, and his daughter, Amanda.
He is survived by his wife, Jana, and his children: Rachel Falevai (Poasi), Fawn Mortensen (Devon), Joseph O’Barr (Heather), Jessica Waller, Tamara Hessing (Scott), Heather Sims (Shad), Dillon O’Barr (Kelsey), Kavan O’Barr, and Calista O’Barr. He is also survived by his 27 grandchildren and by his siblings Becky Salib (Eddie), Kevin O’Barr (Sabrina), Cathy Coulter (Jimmy), Martha Morgan, Mark O’Barr (Laura) and sister-in-law, Debbie O’Barr. Also by those he loved as sisters: Virgie Jones (Herbert), Elisa Baloo (Al), Charlotte Wallis (Stan), and Sally Baker (Jason).
A viewing will be held Friday, July 30, 2021 from 6-8 pm at Bunker Family Funeral Home University Chapel at 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the Alta Mesa Stake Center, located at 5350 E McLellan Rd. The funeral will be preceded by a viewing from 9:30-10:15 am also at the church. His body will be laid to rest at the Mesa Cemetery.
For those unable to attend in person who would like to attend virtually, the funeral will be streamed on ZOOM at the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/94744406990?pwd=UXphSjdZWkx3Q3kwczJFUER2ci9kUT09
Passcode: 675134
We would love if you would share a memory of Brian in the comments below.
Brian was more like a little brother than a nephew. I will miss him more than words can say.
I was first contacted by Brian several years ago through social media. We were able to determine that we had a common ancestry where both our family lineages led back to Leeds, Alabama. Over the years since we kept in constant touch regarding our shared interest in military history, and we often exchange gifts for our collections. We had been planning for a while to get together in person but unfortunately we had yet to make that happen. Though I never met Brian personally, I felt like I knew him. From our conversations I could tell he was a genuine family man, and a true American patriot. His passing has left a very large hole in more than just my social media friends list. He is greatly missed.
Our love and sympathy to you all.We are pleased we got to spend time with Jana and Brian on our trips to AZ. He was a unique person and I am glad we knew him RIP Brian
Brian was without a doubt one of Gods “good ones”on earth along with his angel wife Jana. He was a great man and a wonderful cousin. He will be missed by all who knew him. I am sure there is a joyous reunion going on, on the other side.
I will always remember Brian as a happy go lucky kind of guy. He was completely smitten by his beautiful bride, Jana, and totally commmitted to his family. I’ve never seen him angry or mean. He was firm in his beliefs and unchangeable in his choices to do good. He was always quick to smile and lend a helping hand. Brian was truly a great man of God, and I’m honored to have been called his friend.
Deepest sympathy to you all . You are in my thoughts and prayers .
Brian was my High School buddy. We were the Class Clowns in our Drama Class. He will be missed.
I have to give credit to him, for planting that LDS Seed into my mind. His missionary duties were exceptional. God has another calling for this man. Rest In Peace my Brother.
I first met Bro O’Barr back in 2005 when we moved to AZ from IL. Our sons became friends and then our daughters became friends and then we felt like family, because thatbis what Jana & Brian did: made you feel like family! Brian was always quick to make you feel loved and cared about. He was willing to help in a moments notice despite having such a big family himself. I will never forget the love that the O’Barr family gave so freely. He will truly be missed. RIP Bro O’Barr. ❤❤
Brian was an exceptional person who did so much for the community. His entire family was like that. Always wanting to help and give service.. May Brian rest in peace. Prayers for his family through their difficult time.
With much love ,Marilyn Mingione
Brian will truly missed, he was always willing to talk and provide counsel or insight when needed and was never afraid to stand for what he believed in. He loved his family especially high school sweetheart and all of his children and grandchildren. I believe that his love does not end he is now in God’s presents pleading for those he loved in life and is finding joy with his family who have gone before. I will miss my Cousin and friend.
Brother O’Barr is the first and only person who sparked my interest in family history. Family history lessons usually caused my mind to wander or put me to sleep; Bro. O’Barr taught with such love and passion for the subject that I couldn’t help but get drawn in. I will also remember him for the adoring eyes he had for his wife; he loved her completely.
Brian and I were joined at the hip from around 1968 until 1979 when I went off to college and he married Jana. And that’s why you’ll get no stories from me. It’s better I don’t talk at all. Condolences to a family I never met. That’s what’s tragic. RIP Dudis. I’ll see you in Heaven, regardless.
Although Brian is my cousin, he’s in the same generation as my parents like most of my O’Barr cousins, making him feel more like an uncle. I have great memories of his family coming to visit Grandma. He always loved his Grandma and showed it. While the adults talked the kids played in the backyard. I remember Brian and my dad helping each other with small electrical projects here and there & how they would laugh at each other’s jokes that as kids we couldn’t find the humor in. In later years, as my brother became homebound, Brian would come visit often and talk with him and my parents about family history and this great country. They wholeheartedly enjoyed those visits. I’m so thankful for his thoughtfulness, but that’s just how Brian was. I’m thankful he was a part of our lives and always will be. ❤️
We are so sad to hear of Brian’s passing and sorry that we were out of town being unable to atten the funeral. We will also miss him. We have apprecited his and the whole family friendship over the past many years. He served well and lived an honorable life. His whole family is a tribute to him. May God continue to bless and strengthen all of you! Love and hugs to all of you!