SAN DIEGO, CALIF. — Edward R. Brien, JD, 81, attorney and educator, of San Diego, Calif., formerly of Portland, passed away on Sept. 19, 2012, at home surrounded by family and friends following a long struggle with esophageal cancer.

Ed was born in Portland on May 30, 1931, to Henry J. and Margaret M. Brien. He attended and graduated from St. Patrick’s School, Cheverus High School and St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S. He received his Juris Doctorate from University of San Diego in 1968. He was admitted to the bar in 1970, opened his law practice in Santee in 1971, and over the years donated much of his work pro bono.

He served in the U.S. Army prior to pursuing his master’s and doctorate in special education for the blind and visually impaired. He was a teacher at South Bay Union School District for 17 years, and taught Braille at UCSD and SDSU. He was actively involved with the San Diego Service Center for the Blind, serving on the board of directors from 1974 until 2012.

Ed was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Florence Hamblet Lemieux. Fifteen days after Ed’s passing, his brother, Joseph Brien of Paragould, Ark. died (see obituary).

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Patricia Murphy Brien; a son, Jonathan E.; a daughter, Carolanne Hardeman; four stepchildren; six grandchildren; a sister, Bertha Montgomery of South Portland; his brothers, Ernest Brien of Buxton and Gerald Brien of Harrison; and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Ed were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at Bethel Christian Assembly in Alpine, Calif., where he was a Deacon.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his name to the San Diego Service Center for the Blind, San Diego, Calif.