The Leo Brien Foundation

About the Life of Leo Brien

Leo dedicated his life to his family, to his work, and to his community. He approached all three with the kind of charisma that encourages others to be their best. Leo led a meaningful life and touched everyone he knew. He was married to Toni for 28 years and raised three children: Doug, Dennis, and Laura. To Leo, family was always his number one priority. He was actively involved in the lives of all three of his children and on more than one occasion turned down promotions in his family's best interest.

Leo dedicated 20 years of his working life to the shipping industry. Leo's career started at Sea-Land Service, Inc. where he served in various managerial capacities for sixteen years. He then served a five-year industry leadership term as President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. In 1993, he sought to expand his public service career by assuming the post of Director of Maritime Operations, at the Port of Oakland.

In addition, to a successful professional career and a fulfilling family life, he enjoyed a strong sense of community responsibility. He coached youth soccer teams for nearly a decade and served on the Parents Board at both Carondelet and De La Salle high schools.

As a member of the Danville town council, Leo helped build new sports parks and youth facilities. He also helped his son, Doug (kicker for the New Orleans Saints), start "Kicks For Kids' Sake," a program which raises money for Big Brothers/Big Sisters with every field goal Doug kicks. Over the past five years the program raised nearly $200,000. He was also an active member in the Oakland community as a YMCA Board member and a leading fundraiser for the annual Boy Scouts of America luncheon. Perhaps Leo's most selfless act was risking his own life as a bone marrow donor for a young mother of three, whom he had never met.

About the Annual Golf Tournament

Each year since the inception of The Foundation we have had a "Leo Brien Memorial Golf Tournament." The 1998 and 1999 tournaments raised in excess of $110,000 for charity. We directed these funds to three charities: Camp Okizu, a camp for children (and their families) who have been affected by cancer; The George Mark Children's Fund, an in-house hospice facility for children (the first of its kind in the U.S.); and a grant to Dr. Fred Waldmen M.D., Ph.D. to study Clear Cell Carcinoma.

If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to The Leo Brien Foundation, please e-mail us. The Leo Brien Foundation is a National Heritage Foundation.