Brian Munro McGillicuddy was born on Jan. 29, 1962, and grew up in Rye. Prophetically (though not intentionally), Brian’s middle and last names are linked to mountain ranges, with Munro being his paternal Scottish grandmother’s name.
Living up to his name, Brian’s passion for mountain climbing was lifelong. His parents needed to put a net over his crib to keep him from climbing out. He developed actual climbing skills at age nine as a camper at Adirondack Camp for Boys on Lake George, a place he remained close to.
Over the next 50-plus years, Brian became a masterful and experienced rock climber, with a special focus on ice climbing. It was in pursuit of this passion that Brian is now presumed to have lost his life. He failed to return from his ascent of the Orion summit at Ben Nevis in Scotland, where unpredictable weather and avalanches likely took him from us.
Much of Brian’s local climbing was in the New Paltz, N.Y., area, The Shawangunk Mountains, or “the Gunks” as they’re commonly referred to. He had a cabin there, and in local legend he was known as WJB (White Jeans Brian), after his unique choice of climbing attire.
Several first ascents in the Hudson Valley region were his to name. The most recent, Tres Retirees, was blazed with two other recently retired climbing friends in early February.
On Jan. 30, 2026, Brian retired from his position at Gibbs Metal, in Armonk, N.Y. He also devoted his time to the para-climbing community, inspired by the injury of a good friend’s son. This became another network of friends and an incredible way to share his skills as he carried or assisted others with their climbs.
One friend captured Brian so well, writing “White Jeans Brian was so much more than a legendary climber. Brian was an inspirational force, a tremendous wind of support, and a kind, loving, and enthusiastic soul. His effect on his friendships and the climbing community as a whole will last forever.”
Brian was the treasured middle son of Constance B. and the late John F. McGillicuddy. He attended Resurrection Grammar School and Brunswick School, before graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
The beloved husband of 30 years to Kym Birchess McGillicuddy, Brian was also the loving father to their son, Conor. They resided in Harrison, N.Y., in the very house Brian’s father grew up in. A sentimental soul, all things family were profoundly meaningful to him, and he always made time to be together.
In return, he will be greatly missed by his four siblings: Sean and his wife, Maureen; Faith Benoit and her husband, Steve; Erin Mills and her husband, Jon; John and his wife, Kirsten.
Brian was the awesome “Uncle Bri” to his adoring niece and nephews, always full of stories and adventure. They only wish there could be more: Jonathan Mills and his wife, Emi; Whitney Mills Buckley and her husband, Max, and baby James; Andrew Mills and his fiancé, Weronika Jachimowicz, John Benoit, and Stephen Benoit.
Growing up, Brian and his cousins, along with aunts and uncles, were also tightknit. The O’Connell, Deegan, Doyle, Houghton, and Burtis families will feel his loss deeply.
There are not enough superlatives to describe Brian, and if you were lucky enough to meet him, you know it’s true! You would also know he had an affinity for Guinness and the Grateful Dead and could talk to anyone and was as happy to hear your stories as tell you his.
The outpouring of love from everywhere, and especially from the climbing community, has been a tremendous comfort in these difficult days. While Brian will be missed by so many of us, he was in his bliss on Ben Nevis and is now in the loving hands of God.
Mass in Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye.
The family is so grateful for the ongoing efforts of the search and rescue teams in Scotland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any one of these wonderful groups through Just Giving:
Lochaber Mountain Rescue
Scottish Mountain Rescue
SARAA Scotland (drones & helicopters)
SARDA (search & rescue with dogs)
Oban Mountain Rescue Team
Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team
Galloway Mountain Rescue Team
Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team
Ochils Mountain Rescue Team
DJI Enterprises (drones)
