In the early morning of Thursday October 29, 2026, Obren Brian Gerich, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at his home at the age of 87.
Brian was born on November 22, 1938, in Ventura, California to †Petar and †Olga Gerich. Brian grew up in Baldwin Park and attended Baldwin Park High School and played baseball and basketball. He attended Claremont Men’s College where he played baseball and basketball for the Stags. Upon graduation in 1960, Brian fulfilled his R.O.T.C. duty by serving in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Riley for 2-1/2 years as a Lieutenant. After serving in the Army, Brian attended USC and was awarded an MBA in 1966. He began his career at Arthur Anderson as an auditor for $2.25 an hour. For more than 51 years, Brian worked for Public Storage, Inc.
Brian’s faith was paramount. He was a devout Orthodox Christian and an active member of St. Steven’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Alhambra all his life. Brian was an altar boy and served when the Cathedral was consecrated with †Bishop Nikolaj Velimirovic. In his youth, Brian sang in the choir, taught High School Sunday School, was a member of the Board of Trustees, served as the Cathedral’s treasurer, and was on the Board of Control.
Brian loved St. Vladimir’s Seminary, FOCUS North America, Saint Paisius Orthodox Women’s Monastery, IOCC, and various other Christian organizations. Brian served the wider Church as the chairman of the Serbian Orthodox National Stewardship Committee. He truly gave of his time, his talents, and his treasure. He was known for saying “You can’t outgive God.”
Brian married Marilyn Maile on February 3, 1968. She was a constant, steady presence that enabled him to do the work that he did. They were married for 58 years and had two daughters of whom he was very proud. He loved his sons-in-law, and enjoyed golfing, deep sea fishing, and attending USC games with them. Brian was a huge Dodgers Fan and loved watching them in person and on TV.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, †Petar and †Olga Gerich, and his grandson †Jackson Cochran Bullard. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sister Marie Belotti, daughters Carrie (Brian Bullard) and Julia (Alex Brankovic), grandchildren Alexis, Tessa and Ryan Brankovic and Hayden and Barrett Bullard. Brian was excited to become a great-grandfather in March 2027. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). No verse could describe Brian better. He will be greatly missed.
A Pomen Prayer Service will be on Friday, November 6, 2026 ,at 7:30 pm. Funeral Service will be on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Steven’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral 1621 West Garvey Avenue, Alhambra, California 91803.
May his memory be eternal.
