Brian T. Usher, age 65, died on Friday, December 23, 2011, at Kobacker House with his daughter, Karyn Usher, and other family members at his side. Usher graduated from high school in Muncie, Indiana, and received his undergraduate degree from Ball State University and his master's degree from Northwestern University. For 15 years he served as a reporter for The Plain Dealer, Akron Beacon Journal and the Knight News Service in Ohio and Washington, D.C. Usher, was a political writer for the Akron Beacon Journal in Akron in 1984, until being appointed by Governor Richard Celeste to serve as his press secretary. A Celebration of Brian's life will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 in the Statehouse Atrium. All are invited. Arrangements entrusted to the O'SHAUGHNESSY CO. FUNERL DIRECTORS (614-221-2311).