Brian John Gilbride

Published 3:45 pm Monday, February 10, 2025

Brian John Gilbride of Prineville, escaped this mortal realm at the hands of a gastric ulcer, likely the result of enjoying too much spicy food, while doing only god knows what in his shop.

Brian is remembered by his mother, Lorma Gilbride. He is also survived by his ex-wife and love of his life Karen; his daughter Roxanne (Brandon) Beebe, his son Kevin (Maggie) Gilbride, and step-son Zack Paladino; brother, Scott (Charlotte) Gilbride; grandchildren: Kyra Paladino, Harlan and Dylan Beebe, and Teddy Gilbride;

the many homes he built throughout California and Oregon; and his hand-restored classic cars.

He is preceded in death by his father John Gilbride, Mother- and Father-in-law Shirley and Jim Worthen, sister Chris Gilbride, beloved pets, less than beloved pets, and the majority of his vertebrae.

Brian grew up in upstate New York, graduating from Alden Central High School where he likely still holds the record for most excused absences (he stole a book of absence slips).

At the age of 20, Brian left New York as soon as he was able to afford enough gas to drive his 1966 Ford Econoline to Los Angeles, California. Brian later returned to New York to pick up his younger brother Scott and bring him back to the promised land as well.

In California, Brian began his career in construction and eventually became a general contractor traveling the country building Domino’s and Arby’s restaurants. Famously,Brian met the love of his life, Karen, in Sacramento, California in 1984 while doing a handstand and screaming the lyrics to The Police’s famous love song “Roxanne” at a Domino’s construction site (Karen had come to ask the morons next door to turn down the music). Brian and Karen wed in December of 1986 on Echo Summit in the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe, California.

Never known to stay in one place for long, in 1988 Brian settled his family in Bend, where he stayed until 2007, the year his youngest graduated high school and he and Karen decided to up sticks to Victor, Montana. Brian’s 19 years in Bend were characterized by frenzied home construction, family time, hobbies, and occasional acts of public service (resurrecting the wooden Cascade Lakes mileage sign on Century Drive, can’t miss it).Brian eventually landed in Prineville, after stints in Redmond, Sunriver, and La Pine. 

Brian enjoyed many things (in no particular order): music, his dogs, his family, restoring classic cars, home improvement, building homes, creating unique and often strange art, golfing, snowboarding, bowhunting deer/elk (often shooting, but missing), wakeboarding, Beavis and Butthead, mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, running (before his knees failed him), riling up his son, Mexican food, Marisa Tomei, welding, going to the dumps with Jim, buying and quickly selling boats, Rick and Morty, Sunday football, sleeping in his armchair…

Brian died knowing that he was deeply loved by his family and friends. He will be desperately missed by us all.

Friends can visit with the family and share stories of Brian on Saturday, February 8, from 3pm until 7pm, contact roxannegilbride@gmail.com for location info.

Memorial donations in Brian’s name to the Crook County Chapter of Central Oregon Trail Association would be greatly appreciated.