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Brian Michael Delaney 1936 - 2021

DELANEY, DAVEY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/19/2021 at 09:18:56

Sioux City Journal
4 April 2021

Sioux City

Brian Michael Delaney, 84, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 22, 2021, after a brief illness.

A memorial service will be held at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel on Saturday, April 10, at 1 p.m. Visitation will begin at noon, one hour prior to the service. Please wear masks. Brian's final wish was to be cremated. The interment will be held at a later date. A link to view the live stream of Brian's service is available under his obituary at www.meyerbroschapels.com .

Brian was born on Nov. 10, 1936, to Raymond C. and Mary F. "Mollie" (Davey) Delaney in Sioux City, in a house on Myrtle Street. He went to Saint Boniface Grade School and graduated from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School with the class of 1955. During his high school years, he was active in the drama department and starred in many of the school plays.

Brian's career path took him on an interesting journey. He taught professional ballroom dancing for the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in San Francisco, New York and Hollywood. He returned to Sioux City in the 1960's and bartended at several popular places, including the Tail 'n Ale, where he had one of the largest followings in town. He made many lasting friendships there which continue to this day.

After his bartending days, Brian went to work for MCI and Northwest Airlines. He ended his working years, when he was in his seventies, as a Reservations Agent for Delta Airlines, a job he loved. Wherever he worked, Brian left a trail of friends and laughter in his wake.

Brian was passionate about the Opera, duplicate bridge and betting on the ponies. He traveled to Minneapolis every year when the Metropolitan Opera was on tour. He and his sister, Sally went to see the Opera Omaha productions for many years. The bridge world was an important part of Brian's life. He was a skilled, intuitive player and he attained the enviable rank of Life Master. He and his good friend, Jake Jacobson made a formidable team and they had great success playing Tournament Bridge. Brian loved the competition as well as the friendships he forged, the rehashing of hands over drinks and dinner, and the camaraderie he found.

As far as betting on the ponies… he was a great handicapper and won more than he lost. But, with great disgust, he would declare that he had never won a photo finish in his life. Brian was a great fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs. He said it was a miracle he lived to see the Cubs win the World Series in 2016. He was a proud, liberal Democrat and worked on Bobby Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign.

Clever, witty, kind and generous, Brian was dearly loved by his family and he loved them in return. No one could tell a story like Brian and it is one of the things we will miss the most at family gatherings. He took wonderful care of his mother as she grew older and in the final years of her life.

Brian is survived by his sister, Sally (Delaney) Earley and her husband, Bob of Sioux City and a myriad of nieces and nephews who affectionately refer to him as their Uncle Mickey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marilyn; two brothers, Barry and Davey; a sister, Morna Joan who died in infancy; and his good friend and bridge partner, Jim "Jake" Jacobson.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland who provided peace and comfort to Brian in his last days.

Non, je ne regrette rien. No, I have no regrets.


 

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