Brian Moore Barnard
May 24, 1945 - September 1, 2012
Brian Moore Barnard, beloved brother, uncle, boss and friend turned in his “lawyer shoes” for good on September 1, 2012 and decided to start practicing law in a different place (if there is any such place). Brian Barnard was born May 24, 1945 in California to John Moore Barnard and Mary Roberta Perry. He graduated from Loyola Law School in 1969 then moved to Utah in the early 1970s. Soon thereafter, Brian Barnard opened his own practice, Utah Legal Clinic. Brian was known to many as Utah’s "gadfly" attorney. He dedicated his life and his practice to protecting the personal civil rights and liberties of individuals who lacked the choice or the power to do so on their own and leaves a timeless professional legacy as a civil rights attorney. Brian profoundly touched those he worked with and those who knew him. Though the community will remember Brian as a bulldog for civil rights in the courtroom, we will remember Brian also for the big-hearted man he was outside of the court. A compassionate individual, Brian loved to give of himself to those in need, whether they be charitable organizations, family, employees, or unsuspecting members of the community. On warmer days, he could be seen walking to his downtown law office from his home near the University, picking up discarded trash and cans in the streets and trimming back overgrown bushes and trees obstructing the walkway as he walked. Brian also had an unbridled passion and was a huge supporter of the local arts. He was a season ticket holder for many Utah acting and dance companies, and shared that love with those close to him. We will miss seeing the Halloween windsock marking the space he staked out at the Red Butte Garden Concert series every summer, the “office outings” to Wyoming Downs, summer barbecues and Christmas parties at Brian’s home and the annual outing to Salt Lake Acting Company’s Saturday’s Voyeur. He was a strong believer in the power of education, and freely shared the knowledge he possessed, as well as supported higher education for those he loved. Many individuals enjoyed the fruits of his labor, both literally and figuratively. Brian loved to garden, and loved to share his abundant crop in both fresh and dried form with co-workers, friends, neighbors, and even opposing counsel. Those who knew him are better for having known him and the law and the legal community will be forever grateful for his work and his contributions both to his craft and the cause of justice.
Brian M. Barnard was survived by his brother, John Perry Barnard, nieces, Heather Rando (Chris) and Marissa Noriega (Marcos), and great nieces and nephews, Eva, Daniel, Nina and Lucas, as well as his “office family,” past and present.
Friends, colleagues, clients and members of the community are invited to attend a memorial open house in Brian’s honor at Starks Funeral Parlor located at 3651 South 900 East from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 to celebrate his life and achievements, as well as share our favorite memories. He will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Utah Civil Rights & Liberties Foundation, 214 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, to help continue his lifelong fight for civil rights.
In Loving Memory
Brian was a wonderful man and lawyer. I admired him enormously. My father, John O'Brien was a client and friend of Brian's and introduced me to him when I needed to some legal guidance. Brian was an incredible man and the world is a better place because of him and his work. Thank you for everything you did for me dear Brian. Rest well.
Carolyn O'Brien
Sandy, UT
The Gadfly I feel a void, a vacuum, an emptiness, a sadness. Once I shook his hand and thanked him, but it was one of many. I wanted it to be special. I wanted him to know how heartfelt MY thanks was. So did the many others. I hope he realized how admired and appreciated he was, and that it wasn't just superficial. And now that he has gone who will stand up for the poor and marginalized against the excessive reach of the privileged and sanctified? Who will fill the void? Joe Watts One of Many
Joe Watts
Murray, Ut
My condolences to Brian's family, friends and coworkers. It was an honor and a pleasure to have worked with Brian on the Utah Cross case and to have known him for many years through his working with American Atheists. Very few people are as caring and dedicated to improving the lives of others and upholding our Constitutional rights as Brian was. Brian was always a kind and genial man; just a wonderful person to be acquainted with. He was a great American and I'm so saddened by his death.
Ellen Johnson
Stanhope, NJ
Mr. Barnard contacted me in the '80's as I was trying to have a march on the Uof U campus to make people aware of pound seizure and vivisection that was occuring there. The Uof U denied me a march even though I was a senior there. Mr. Barnard wrote a letter on my behalf and the march was a success. Thank Mr. Barnard for always standing up for what is right. I will never forget what you did for me and for the animals that day. Dawn Sullivan Bluffdale, Ut
Dawn Sullivan
Bluffdale, Ut
Our condolences to Brian's family and those who cared about him. We did not know him well, but appreciated his fairness as a landlord. I never got to thank him for the pear tree trimming he arranged this spring, as I'm sure it had something to do with how delicious the pears have been. So, thanks Brian! Malia and Heather
Malia McIlvenna
SLC, UT
I did not personally know Brian, but I always followed his cases in the paper and raised my fist in triumph, every time he won for the downtrodden, the oppressed and the forgotten. A giant of a man, and a hero for me. Janet O'Neill
Janet Taylor O'Neill
Holladay, Ut
Years ago, Brian was a memorable visitor to the Salt Lake City Library from his office across the street. As a reference librarian at the information desk, I remember him as intelligent and affable. I greatly admired his contrarian views and strong sense of social justice. He had great integrity, and gave a strong voice to good causes. I am saddened that he is no longer with us, but Utah is a better place because of his work.
Merry White
Salt Lake City, Ut
From all of us, past and present, we send our deepest sympathies for Brian's untimely passing. He was a great man and an inspiration to all of those who knew him. Unfortunately our office will not be able to attend his memorial but as previously discussed we will sit down and devise an appropriate memorial to be displayed in front of our offices. Sincerely, Lou, Dom, and all of us at Dewey's
Dewey's Bail Bonds
Salt lake City, UT
Fell out of bed feeilng down. This has brightened my day!
Rahul
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What an awesome way to exlpian this-now I know everything!
Adinda
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