Obituaries

Paul Brian 1951 – 2024

Jun 12, 2024 | nickgale

(CHICAGO) — Former longtime host of ‘Drive Chicago,’ Paul Brian, has died. According to a social media post by his daughter, Paul passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Tuesday night.

“It is with a very heavy heart that that I share my father, Paul Brian, passed away peacefully this evening at home with myself, Quinn, and his wonderful girlfriend Pam at his side. We hope God gives him a garage with endless cars,” the post on Facebook reads. “Everywhere Dad went he made friends and left an impact. Never met a stranger. I could write you an endless dissertation about his career, accomplishments, amazing and incredibly unique adventures, and dedication to veterans philanthropy. But plenty of journalism outlets and people from his professional network will share those stories so much better than myself. Please seek them out, it’s an impressive life story.

The most meaningful thing I can share is what I will miss most. And that is our shared sense of humor, part of our DNA. Always snarky, peppered with Mel Brooks movie jokes, cooking ridiculous recipes, and being stopped all the time by random people asking if he was Donald Sutherland.

Cars, journalism, world travel, an insatiable foodie, so many loves and passions. But none more than me and my daughter, his granddaughter Quinn. He doted on her. He never stopped talking about his pride in her. Endless friends of his that I’ve never met knew everything about us girls. I’m glad we made him so happy and proud. ”For 20 years Paul hosted ‘Drive Chicago’ on WLS-AM 890 and he served for nearly 20 years as Director of Communications and spokesman for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association. He was president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and recipient of two Midwest Emmy awards and he was inducted in to the Legends of Motorsport Guild’s Hall of Fame.

   Rallyists in Chicago knew Paul from his days with Concours Plaines Rallye Team. He was avid car sport enthusiast. He also had a long time association with the annual New Years Day rally, the Happy Holiday Hangover Hero's Hassell (or as it has become to be known HHHHH). Still running every year.  His deep booming voice was instantly recognizable. He was a great friend to all kinds of motorsports.

A US Army veteran, Paul served as the Director of Communications for the Armed Forces Radio and Television network while stationed in the Panama Canal Zone during Viet Nam in the early 1970s. He spent decades serving veterans through philanthropic work and served as a founding member of the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Board of Directors.

In lieu of flowers, Paul wished for donations be given to the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation in his name.   

Most of above copyright 2024 WLS News, used by permission