Brian Bernard Harrington
November 18, 1947 – October 7, 2017
With a twinkle in his eyes and love in his heart, a fine Butte Irishman was called to a Ce'ili (great Irish party) on Saturday, October 7, 2017.
Brian Bernard Harrington, a lifelong Butte Irish Catholic Democrat, was born to Bernie and Betty Ann (Anderson) Harrington on November 18, 1947. Brian was educated in Butte Catholic schools, graduating from Boys Central High School. He then went on to receive a degree from the school of hard knocks! He worked in mining and construction for most of his career, starting in the pit with The Anaconda Company and Montana Resources, and finished up doing environmental remediation work with Envirocon and then Wasley Excavation. His work took him coast to coast but his fondest memories were in New York City. He met and made many new friends between the local police, fireman and in the Irish Pubs. It was a time that definitely went into his life history book. He was well respected by all who worked with him and for him.
Brian married the love of his life, Margaret Shannon on June 23, 1990 and they had a loving, fun life together for 27 years. The apple of his eye was his only child Heather. He was so proud of the woman she has become and was always a special light in his life.
Brian was a very proud member of the Anaconda Butte Pipe and Drum Corps and was honored to lead them in the St. Patrick's Day parade this year. A member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, he was past state president and was past president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Brian was a fine Irish son and proud of his heritage!
Brian was blessed with faith, family and friends and we were very blessed to have him. He lived life to the fullest and always enjoyed a good time. He and his siblings inherited a love of Notre Dame Football from their parents; he had great seats for last Saturday's game. He knew how to drive a cool car, how much fun it was to actually own a Harley and he loved a good stiff shot of Tullamore Dew. His favorite time of day was morning coffee with the boys at the Hanging 5. He made friends for a lifetime that were with him to the very end. Thanks JD, Ricky and Eddie.
He will be missed for many things, his love of family, his fierce loyalty, his great humor and his ever present "How she goin?"
Brian was welcomed to the Ce'ili by his mother and father Betty Ann and Bernie, his sister JoAnn Nobili and his sisters and brother from another mother, Kathy, Sherrie and Bill (Bubba) Maloney, aunt and uncle Babe and Mary D. Maloney, his father-in-law Kevin Shannon and brother-in-law Danny Shannon.
Family was so important to Brian. Surviving Brian along with Margaret and Heather are brother-in-law Bud Nobili and family Mike (Rendy) Nick and Natalie, Mark (Leila) and babies "A" and "B" due in November, Brock (Shannon) Luke, Gabe and Khloe, all of the Sacramento area. Brothers Gary (Meg) and their family TJ (Kelli) Braden and Austin, Chad (Heather) Regan and Prestynn, of Butte and Dana Harrington of Chandler, Arizona. Bernie (Lynn) and their family Kali, Jase (Sierra) Jahdyn, Trayce and Talyn, and Shaun (Kim) Harrington all of Billings. Cousins who have always been like sisters and brother Lori Maloney, Mary Kay Maloney and Steve (Celine) and their family Sam and Jackson of Butte. Mother-in-law Joan Shannon, sisters-in-law Jackie DeWolf and family Molly DeWolf-Bull (Mykel) Autumn, Kaitlyn and Paisley of Oklahoma City. Ellen (Gordon) Crain and family Julia (Risik Rask) Thea, Sarah (Tyler Shaffer) Ellie, and Patrick all of Butte, and Kevin Shannon of Missoula.
Our Family will be eternally grateful to the caring (and fun) staff at the Copper Ridge Health & Rehabilitation Center. You enriched Brian's life, and made a most difficult situation bearable for him and his family. He was gratified by the many well wishes and visitors who came to visit him and demonstrated their support during his courageous battle with cancer. Your love and friendship will live on in our hearts.
"Tap 'er light Bri…we'll see yous later."
In celebration of the gift of Brian, visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at St Ann's Catholic Church followed by a parish vigil at 7:00PM on Thursday, October 12th. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Friday, October 13th at St Ann's.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Brian's name may be made to the Anaconda Butte Pipe and Drum Corps, 1120 West 4th, Anaconcda, MT., 59711; Kevin & Joan Shannon Scholarship Fund, Montana Tech, 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT., 59701; Butte Central Catholic Schools, 9 South Idaho, Butte, MT., 59701; or to a charity of the donor's choice.