Brian O'Regan (1924-1999)
Brian O'Regan passed away peacefully February 25, 1999 after a short illness at Montfort Hospital, Ottawa in the company of his family. Son of Otto Gregory O'Regan and Kathleen Fay, Brian was born at the Grace Hospital September 29, 1924. A long career in Army, Government and Private Sector public relations was capped by original research into standard and on-line genealogical methods. Brian landed with the Canadian Army Film and Photo Unit at Normandy, June 6 1944 and was instrumental in delivering to the world its first views of the Invasion. A photo featuring Brian and two Russian soldiers at the Elbe River Link Up ran in dailies around the world. He retired a corporate officer and vice-president of Nortel, having created its public affairs sector. He belonged to several associations including the Canadian Public Relations Society (past president, Ottawa Branch), British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (co-founder and past president), Ottawa Genealogical Society, National Press Club and the Canadian War Correspondents Association. He was predeceased by his brother Greg and sisters Faye, Grace, Nora, Adelaide and Colleen. He leaves his wife Jean, sons Philip and James, grandsons Craig and Graham and their mother Linda, granddaughters Brigit and Madalen and their mother Judy, brothers Barry, Larry and Terry, sisters-in-law Maureen and Annie, his Aunt Helen and a host of friends and colleagues both here in Ottawa and around the world. Many thanks to the Ottawa General Cancer Clinic especially Dr. Wong, the help of the VON, the staff at the Montfort Hospital for all their care and compassion over the last several weeks. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Diabetes Association. May he be this day in paradise.
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