- On June 9, 2026, peacefully at his home; in his 86th year. Much loved husband and best friend of Cathy O'Donnell, adored and respected Dad and father-in-law of Craig and Lynne, Sandra and Don Millis, Sharon and Paul Viant; and Jeremy Nicol. Loved grandad of Nathan and Georgia, Megan, and Ellen; Katie, and Laura; Oliver, Isabel, and Monty, and great grandad of Lily. - A service to celebrate Brian's life will be held in Knox Church, George Street, Dunedin at 1pm on Wednesday, June 17, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations for the Otago Community Hospice would be appreciated and may be left at the Church. Messages to The Foley Family C/- PO Box 5013, Dunedin 9054 or on Brian's page below, where there is a link to the service.
Service details
The service was held on 17 Jun 2026.
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Craig and family. Deepest sympathy. My memories go back to the stories that were told between my Dad and Brian at King Edward Tech and Mornington school. Something about witnessing a teacher being hung out of a top story window! Not really sure of the true story and why but I'm sure it was exaggerated. Dad was the electrician and Brian the plumber and after school days they supported each other in their fields. He didnt only support Dad but on his death he was always checking in on us. Supermarket shops when I run into him was always a great chat and catch up which I will always treasure. He was such a kind man. So sad reading this as I am no longer in Dunedin but I reckon Dad would have been up there with open arms and a pint! Much love and gratitude, Suzanne
To Cathy and family. Brian’s service was truly beautiful. A man who loved much and was deeply loved and respected by so many. I thoroughly appreciated all of Brian’s support for those needing home Haemodialysis. Nothing was ever a problem. Cathy your support as well with the assessments and funding applications, just amazing. Such a privilege to have had the support of you both. The tributes were so true. Brian had deep compassion for people and he served so many in such a myriad of ways. A life very well lived and a wonderful legacy.
A great loss of a real gentleman in business. Always a hand shake completed the deal. Our condolences to his family, friends and work family. Always enjoyed our chats and cars a mutual topic along with business. Barry and Liz Carmichael
To Cathy & family,Just want to say you certainly gave Brian the most beautiful send off .Your very brave and amazing speech certainly touched every person in Brian life today it was beautifully done and some thing to be very proud of Cathy ..Russ & Myself came into the hall but due to the overwhelming amount of people we never got to see you But we pop up to your home at some point ok to visit you . ..Russ & l thought a lot of your dear Brian he was a true & dear friend to us a real gentleman ..We have loads of beautiful memories of him & we also have stories to tell but we will hold some close to our hearts. I was thinking with the amount of people there today & from all walks of life l bet they all had some amazing & prob very Funny stories to tell about Dear Brian ...You take care Cathy.And we will see you in a few weeks .💕🌹🌹Brian will leave a big gap at the classic Motoring Car Club lm sure that.smile & wink at meetings l miss . Russ and l feel very Hounerd to have known him..xx🌹.🌹💕💞 . .
To Cath Our deepest condolences to you. You and Brian were so close, and did so much together. There are no words to describe your loss. Our sincere apologies we could not come to the funeral today. I am at home nursing a bad cold, and Hamish is out of Dunedin. Our warmest hug to you. Our thoughts are with you in the coming months. Teresa Chan and Hamish Campbell
I only met you a couple of times Brian but I am so glad I did as you and Cathy brought so much happiness to each other. R.I P. Brian . My love to you Cathy and Brian's family Kia Aroha nui, Rona S.
Brian was a established client of the solicitor's firm I joined in my 20's. He had a good rapport with staff and solicitors alike and came across as being polite and genuine. In later years when we bumped into each other in town, at events or choir, there was always a kindly word. RIP Brian.
Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Great memories of various outings.
My thoughts are with Brian's lovely family. I remember Brian so fondly - not just as a friend of my mum and dad but also as an early mentor and adviser. He was an endlessly kind man and will be very much missed.
Our sincere condolences to Brian's family and friends. He was a wonderful neighbour to David & Linda McAnally and friend, to myself Leah , husband Steven and two girls Courtney and Jasmine Greer. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the many happy memories you shared with him. Rest peacefully, Brian.
To Cathy and the Foley family—particularly Sandra and Sharon. I was deeply saddened to hear of Brian's passing. I have fond memories of teaching both Sandra and Sharon, and I know how incredibly proud Brian was of his family. He was also such a loyal, committed member of the Royal Dunedin Male Choir for many years, sharing his time and talent so generously with our community. Sending you all my heartfelt condolences, strength, and love during this difficult time. Richard Madden.
Craig and family Our sincere condolences to you and your family on Brians passing. We have many pleasant memories of times spent in our respective businesses in the Mornington Community and time spent in Dunedin South Rotary. We know that he will be missed by you all. John and Rowan Greaves