Obituary of Henry Derrie McBrien

Henry D. "Harry" McBrien Harry McBrien passed away July 20, 2011 at his home in Santa Cruz, with his loving family by his side. He was 89. He was born July 18, 1922 in Rutherglen, Scotland the son of John and Elizabeth (Moran) McBrien. He grew up in Scotland and served in the Royal Air Force during WWII and was stationed in west Africa. During the war he married his childhood sweetheart, Bridget McCafferty. Following the war Harry returned to Scotland where he worked as a salesman. He came to the United States in 1952 settling in San Francisco. He later moved to Sunnyvale and then to Santa Cruz in 1985. He worked most of his life as a hardware salesman and founded his own finished hardware business at the age of 55, Custom Hardware and Lock. Harry was the founder and first president of the Sunnyvale Historical Society and after his move to Santa Cruz became actively involved as a classroom volunteer at Natural Bridges Elementary where he and Bridget established a writing program. He was also a former member of the Sunnyvale Elks Club. He had a charismatic personality and always left an indelible impression on everyone he met. He enjoyed music, especially the symphony and was also a fan of Frank Sinatra. He loved his garden and having grown beautiful roses and tomatoes. He also was a cinema buff, enjoyed barbeques and was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn McBrien; his children, Kelly McBrien, Maureen MacTammany, Theresa McBrien, Patricia McBrien, Kathleen Lang, Brendan McBrien and Bernadette Bertagne; he is also survived by five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bridget McBrien and his children, John, Mary, Michael, and Kevin. Friends are invited to a memorial service at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 515 Frederick St., Santa Cruz, CA on Monday July 25, 2011 at 11:00 am. A private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle or express your condolences to Harry's family. In lieu of flowers contributions are preferred to Hanna Boys Center or to your favorite charity.