Brian Thomas McMahon

In loving memory of

Brian Thomas McMahon

1 Dec 1929 - 13 Mar 2025

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McMAHON, Brian Thomas; Brig.(Dr.), X30772, RNZAMC; CBE, KStJ; of 18 Dunblane Street, Maori Hill, Dunedin.  -

On March 13, 2025, peacefully at Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital; aged 95 years.  Dearly loved husband of the late Margaret, loved and respected father and father-in-law of Jenny, Simon and Kate, Jeremy and Caroline, Sean and Julie, Marcus and Dawn.  Loving grandad to Libby; Flora, Grace, and Eve; Cam, and Ben; Sam and Katie, and Holly.  R.I.P. 

-  Requiem Mass to celebrate Brian's life will be held in Holy Name Catholic Church, 420 Great King Street, Dunedin at 11am on Tuesday, March 18, followed by private cremation.  In lieu of flowers, donations for the NZ Vietnam Health Trust, would be appreciated and may be left at the Church.  Messages can be left on Brian's page below, where there is a link to the Mass.

Live stream

Livestream

Messages

Eddie Stowers

I was in the Territorial Army 28th Intake at Burnham Camp with Sean, in the infamous - can't - march - to - save - themselves 4 Platoon. These were some of best times of my life - hilarious, terrifying, unforgettable. One lunch time in the mess Sean said casually "Oh my Dad will be joining us for lunch". I thought " Oh that's nice" until we were aware of a flurry of saluting from all ranks for a tall gentleman making his way to our table. We had no idea that Sean's Dad was a Brigadier and we basked in his reflected glory, as our suddenly benevolent NCO's beamed at us from across the room like proud uncles. Like his sons Sean and Jeremy with whom I have very much enjoyed time in uniform, Dr. McMahon was a totally class act in that short time. I was very sorry to read of his passing, I know that you are a very close family. But wow, what a legacy, you must be all be very proud. Best regards, Eddie Stowers, PERTH

Marie Sutherland

The health system needs people like the Brigadier and I was fortunate to work with him as we set up Infection Control services or the Otago Hospital Board ,,, his no-nonsense approach and wealth of knowledge was second to none. He was a great advocate for health and the most amazing and respected person to have at the head of the team. You are greatly missed so farewell and am sure we have many great memories of times shared. This comes with sincere condolences to the McMahon family

Nick Lewis-Barned

Farewell to a great soldier, colleague and friend. We spent time together when he was medical director at DPH. Hugely respected, always to be relied on for integrity even in difficult decisions, committed to patients as people - and great fun! A man easy to respect and like. So glad Ross let me know he'd gone home peacefully, and condolences and warm wishes to all his family - especially Jenny. It sounds as though you have been a rock. And thanks for the photos what capture so much of what I remember about Brian.

Raeleen Culpan

Joe and I were sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I worked for some of the family over the years and came to know some of them quite well. Brian was a lovely man and had a wonderful fulfilling life. He will be missed by all his family and friends. Deepest sympathy. Raeleen & Joe Culpan

Anthony Howie

Dear McMahon extended family. I was very sorry to hear from Jenny of the news of Brian’s passing, but I was pleased to hear that he did so peacefully. We are all grateful for the significant contribution that Brian made to his country, communities and family. He was truly a man of immense talent with a strong sense of duty, complemented by a sharp whit, a wonderful turn of phrase, musical talent and the memory of an elephant. He touched the lives of all those he came into to contact with. In the NZ army setting, which was and is blessed with men and women of immense talent, Brian was one amongst equals and better than most. ‘A life well lived’ is an understatement for Brian. I think would have liked a quote by Churchill: “I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter”. Brian’s maker is well prepared to meet him, and show him his Business Class place alongside the many others who have done so much for so many. Rest in peace mon ami.

Chrissy Griffiths

Sincere Condolences to dear Doctor Brian's family. I had the privilege of working with Dr Brian McMahon at Dunedin Hospital when he was the Medical Officer. He was such a respected colleague for his depth of knowledge, his wonderful capacity to use not only scientific knowledge but common sense something that has disappeared from many aspects of life today. His humour, his intolerance for fools, his experience of life, his dedication to medicine will be his legacy. He loved to share his depth of knowledge always with a story. Rest in peace dear Dr Brian McMahon. Your legacy will live in so many people's memories.

Stephanie Pomfret

Dear Jenny, your dear Dad, I’m so sorry to hear he has passed away. Walk slowly with grief, do not hurry as the ancient poem starts. Kind thoughts & cyber hugs to you, all our love Steph & Tony🌹🥀🌺❤️🙏🏼

Ian Levien

To McMahon Family, Thank you for the live-stream service for your man deeply admired by all in the 1RNZIR Band 1967-69, in particular those who provided music for those very special social occasions. RIP Dr Brian. Ian Levien, QSM Major

Tim & Trish Sullivan

To Jenny, Simon, Jeremy, Sean, Marcus and all of your families, we extend our sincerest condolences on the passing of your dear father. It was very special to meet up with him when we were in Dunedin in 2016. Brian certainly lived a very full, wonderful life and achieved so much. We have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all from Tim & Trish Sullivan

Glenys Ewans

Dear Jenny and family, The Taupo gals are sending you and your family our sincere condolences on Brian's passing. We were all privileged to know him, and we recognize the tremendous contribution he made to medicine and to the Red Cross which links us all together. We loved coming down to see you and Brian in September. And as he was actively listening and commenting on our stories, we had to be a little careful with the content. But we loved having our evening tipples and chatting with him. Jenny, you have been an inspiration to us all with the wonderful care and love you have given Brian over these past years. Brian always said to us you have been marvellous and we totally agree. RIP Brian. You deserve to rest now With love The Taupo Gals Philippa, Sue, Margaret, Snuff, Glenys

Paula Stewart

A humble thank you Brian for your kindness and genuine friendship towards my parents in law, Jessie and Doug Stewart. You have touched so many lives. A life certainly well lived.

Shane Luzak

Sir a great Totora has fallen I will always remember your guidance and patience to a young medic graduating from RFCS I Thank you for the knowledge and experience on to us all that had the privilege to work under you Rest In Peace.