Teary Dean O'Hara

Teary O'Hara, age 65 of Stillwater, passed away August 6, 2023 at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater. Teary was born July 9, 1958 in Minneapolis to George and Margaret (Anderson) Olson. He graduated from Woodland Park High School in Woodland Park, Colorado and attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley where he studied liberal arts and music. Teary opened his own design firm in San Francisco, California and developed his talent as an artist and mural painter. For a few years in the mid 90's, Teary lived overseas in Amsterdam, Netherlands and helped a friend operate a chateau in Monteau, France. Teary returned to the United States and resided in Long Beach, California where he met the love of his life Brint Butchart. In 2003 the couple were joined in a domestic partnership in California, and the next year Teary and Brint relocated to Stillwater. Together they opened Buchart and O'Hara in the Grand Garage. Tragedy struck the happy couple when Brint passed away in 2005. A few years later, Terry became the Innkeeper at the James Mulvey Inn where he delighted in getting to know guests and giving tours of the historic building and garden. He was very sociable and visited with residents and AIDS patients at the Hope House, worked at the Tasteful Table and was on the board at the Zephyr Theater Company. Teary had also painted several murals around Stillwater, and his mural of a garden terrace can still be seen at the Raymie Johnson Estates. He enjoyed traveling, and had traveled extensively in Europe studying art, and had visited 23 countries. Teary adored dogs and held a special place in his heart for his beloved dog, Buddy. He truly was a friend to all and often referred to himself as the richest man in Stillwater because of all his friends.

Teary will remain in the hearts of his brother Mike (Colleen) Olson; sister, Linda (Paul) Parenteau; nieces Sarah (Brian) Krueger and Melissa (Chris) Persico; grandnieces and nephews Krystal, Brian Jr., Lilly, Maddy, Lucca, Nicco, and Ravenna; He is preceded in death by his husband Brint Butchart; his parents; sister Tammy Olson; and niece Tammy Olson.

A private memorial service to celebrate Teary's life will be held in September.