John "Brian" O'Hanlon

Brian was born in Denver CO to Jean and Phil O’Hanlon, and spent the first twelve years of his life in his beloved Park Hill neighborhood. His family then moved to Ft. Collins where he attended Rocky Mountain High School and made many lifelong friendships. After one year at Western State he transferred to CSU where in 1982 he graduated with a degree in journalism. Later that year he married Candy Burke and they moved to Denver to start their life together. While in Denver Brian worked for The Colorado Wyoming Restaurant Association, and later for The Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry.

In 1988 the family moved to Winter Park CO where Brian ran the Winter Park Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce and they would enjoy all that life in the mountains had to offer. It was during this time that Brian learned to love whitewater rafting, going with small groups on multi day trips and eventually captaining his own boat.

In 1991 Brian accepted a job with the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce and the family relocated. He loved working with the local business and political community, and promoting Longmont. When he wasn’t at his day job he and Candy spent much of their time refurbishing their historic home in old town.

After the Chamber job he made a career change and began working in commercial insurance. In 2010 Brian became one of a small group of investors led by Tom Chapman to form First Main Street Insurance. He really enjoyed the challenges and the client relationships that went along with this work. After FMSI sold in 2017 Brian would go on to work for the new company and was planning to retire this fall from Crest Insurance.

In the late 1990’s Brian was introduced to The Oddfellows Lodge in downtown Longmont. He and a few of the existing members set about introducing a new generation to the rewards of a service organization and to the stewardship of a great historic building. Oddfellows Lodge 29 now has 70 members, a new facade, an updated interior and a covered back deck.

Brian played as hard as he worked. He climbed over 25 of Colorado’s Fourteeners. He rafted, skied, snowshoed, camped and hiked. He visited 25 National Parks, always extending an invitation to friends and family to experience the outdoors that he loved so much. He treated his family to some memorable vacations in Hawaii, Mexico and Costa Rica. He and Candy took some great trips to Ireland, France, Spain, Italy and Japan.

He made the most of his 64 years, and was always planning his next adventure.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Barry.

He is survived by his wife, Candy. A daughter Karlie Tierney (John). A son Conor and his partner Megan, and two wonderful grandchildren Julia Tierney and Sean Tierney.

He is also survived by his loving sisters, Erin Giardino (John), Shannon Allen, Tracey Hough (Lynn), and Kerry O’Hanlon (Mark).

13 nieces and nephews, Adam Giardino (Marla), Emily Wolf (Rick), Elizabeth Ramirez (Alan), Alec Giardino (Maria), Grady Allen (Leslie), Casey Allen, Dylan Allen, Clare Hough, Meaghan O’Hanlon, Tyler O’Hanlon, Sarah Foreman, Katie O’Hanlon and Casey Hobbs.

And 8 grand nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held on Friday April 14, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at The Oddfellows Lodge 434 Main St. Longmont, CO

Contributions in Brian’s name may be made to one of his many favorite non profits.

OUR Center

Community Food Share

Longmont Humane Society

Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley

Mountain States Children’s Home

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the O'Hanlon family.