Brian Daniel Edward Dooney

Born on July 4th, 1937 — a patriotic, firecracker baby — in Portland, Oregon, Brian was the eldest of three sons of Dan and Helen Dooney. He grew up alongside his brothers, Jim and Kevin (deceased), and remained deeply connected to family throughout his life.

He attended All Saints Grade School and graduated from Columbia Prep High School, where he maintained lasting friendships with classmates. Brian earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, forming lifelong bonds of brotherhood.

Brian began working in the insurance industry, joining his father-in-law’s eponymous agency, Leonard Adams Company, and became President of LACO in 1974. Under his leadership, the company grew and became a true family enterprise — working alongside his brother-in-law Jim Adams; his brothers Jim and Kevin; his sons Dan, Sean, and Michael; his son-in-law Jon Niedermeyer and daughter-in-law Dena Dooney; and eventually, his grandson and namesake, Brian P. Dooney. After 60 years of dedicated service, Brian retired in 2018.

Beyond the office walls, Brian was also an active member of Riverside Golf and Country Club, where he served as President. One creative legacy was grandfathering grandchildren into the Junior Golf Program, helping to double its youth participation and foster a new generation of golfers.

As any good Irishman knows, you better be able to spin a yarn or two if you care to speak up, and from time to time it seemed Brian was able to put on a masterclass in this regard, although much of it was more than likely just Blarney! A master storyteller and entertainer, Brian had a unique gift for captivating any audience. Clever and mischievous, he delighted in pulling pranks and telling jokes, and he had a great laugh.

A world traveler, he ventured across the globe, with frequent trips with family to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, tours around Europe and Asia, and visiting his ancestral home in Ireland. He had a lifelong passion for skiing, which he passed on to his children and later, many of his grandchildren. Brian and Margaret also shared a love for fly fishing, spending many joyful days on the McKenzie River or at Lake Pennask in Canada, often turning their outings into playful competitions to see who could catch the most fish.

Brian loved going to his beach house on the Oregon Coast and made it the center of his annual 4th of July birthday celebrations — a time filled with games, cook-outs, and family traditions that brought everyone together. Another of his most cherished traditions was creating Christmas magic at the family log cabin in the woods. Each year, friends and relatives gathered for a night of joy and wonder: a forest lit with twinkling lights, talent shows, heavenly choir performances, nativity pageants, and memorable appearances from St. Nick.

A devout Catholic, Brian never missed a Sunday Mass, whether at home or traveling. He prayed nightly with his beloved wife, a sacred ritual that was never skipped. He set a beautiful example for his family that God, faith, and family were the foundations of a meaningful life, and he was always generous with his time and resources, giving quietly to many causes and keenly finding ways to help those in need.

Above all, Brian’s greatest love was Margaret, whom he knew and cherished for 73 years. He, without question, attributed every success he experienced in his life to the good fortune of having Margaret for his life partner. He never missed a chance to tell her how much he loved her, and in his final years, she rarely left his side. It truly was a testament to a marriage filled with love and unwavering devotion; and it was nothing shy of endearing to family, friends, and care-givers alike to witness them together and special to see a lasting, enduring love.

Brian and Margaret were blessed with six children, 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children Mary Ann, Kathleen (Jon Niedermeyer), Tim (Dena), and Michael; and was preceded in death by sons Dan and Sean (Sheri). At times affectionately, Brian was referred to by his children as “The Grand Poo-Bah” or just “Poo-Bah”, and the Poo-Bah will be sorely missed by all!

His services will be held at The Madeleine Church in Portland, on Friday, September 5th, rosary at 10:30 and funeral at 11:00 am.