Vale Brian Sheehy

The Australian liquor industry is in mourning following the recent passing of Brian Sheehy, WA State Manager for Samuel Smith & Son.

There has been an outpouring of remembrance to Brian across social media in the past week, with people from all over the industry and beyond remembering him as a genuine, respected and much-loved leader in the industry.

The Liquor Stores Association of WA and Samuel Smith & Son WA team provided the below tribute.

“Brian moved from his native Tralee which is in the County of Kerry Ireland to Townsville some 30 years ago with his wife Suzanne to be with her family. His career in the wine industry began as an Area Manager for The Hardy Wine Company and following a career opportunity, he moved the family to Perth to take up the Sales Manager role with Houghton Wines.

“Brian worked in the WA market having spent the best part of the last 20 years in various State Manager roles for Houghton Wines, National Sales Manager at Sandalford, and previously Fogarty Wines prior to his commencement at Samuel Smith & Son and Negociants.

“Brian and his teams won numerous industry awards including seven times consecutive Liquor Stores Association of WA Supplier of the Year and multiple AHA Best Supplier awards during his tenure at Houghton Wines. Most recently, the WA Samuel Smith & Son team added to that achievement with the 2022 Supplier of the Year award from the Liquor Stores Association of WA.

“Brian’s reputation in the Western Australian market was legendary – especially known for being a terrific, fun person to be around who had a wicked sense of humour.

“His loss is profound, and our thoughts are with Brian’s family, his wife Suzanne, children Robbie, Amy, and his granddaughter Matilda.

“He will be sorely missed. RIP.”

The Shout and wider Food and Beverage Media team extend their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Brian at this hard time.

The Samuel Smith & Son and LSA WA team have provided some images to commemorate Brian, collated below.