Thomas Tucker O'Bryan

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of local restaurateur, Tommy O’Bryan on December 26th, 2019, at the age of 89. Tommy will be dearly missed by his children Michael and Kelly (John), his cherished granddaughters Jamie, Cailin and Hallie. As well, his stepdaughters Margot, Stephanie, Suzanne, Ali, their children and other family members along with his many loyal friends. Tommy was predeceased by his son, Jamie (1972) and his sister Patricia (2009).

Tommy was known and loved by many as the owner/operator of two iconic Vancouver establishments, O’Douls Restaurant (1970 - 1980) and Tommy O’s Off Broadway (1977 - 1998). Tommy was born in Vancouver and attended University Hill High School, where he developed considerable skill in basketball, a passion that would last a lifetime. Post-secondary education involved Washington State University and then UBC, where his love of sport deepened, mainly basketball and baseball. Although his early adult years were spent in the family business, O’Bryan Insurance, Tommy was best known for his years spent as a restauranteur. Those ventures could accurately be described as his passions, and he loved nothing better than to apply his creative energies to conceptualizing and constantly improving upon them. Research was happily conducted in such exciting locales as Seattle, San Francisco and New York - and the consumption of many Irish Coffees helped fuel the creative process! As a restauranteur, Tommy could be described as ambitious, visionary and meticulous; as an employer, he was kind and fair, and as a man, humble and generous with a unique sense of humour. He quietly helped many others achieve their personal goals and avoided the spotlight. In 2008, he felt honoured to receive the Pioneer Award from the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. For the last 10 years of his life, Tommy struggled with Parkinson’s Disease. Special thanks go to the caring staff at Inglewood Care Centre in West Vancouver, who helped him to live as comfortably as possible and always ensured that he had an unlimited supply of cookies!

A memorial service and a celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 2490 West 37th in Vancouver, on Saturday, February 1st at 1pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Tommy’s memory to the Parkinson Society https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/donate/ or a charity of your choice.