Sending prayers of comfort as you celebrate a life well-lived and now at peace. So many great memories of Hawkeye games, boating and someone who celebrated life to the fullest. God bless!
Jan Hoag
February 19, 2025
I worked with Brian on a number of issues during my career as supertendent of two Cedar Rapids-area districts. I found him to be a bright, perceptive and effective advocate for public education and for "doing what is right". I have been retired for a number of years, but I still consider Brian a friend and valued partner. I am sorry to hear he was struggling and not able to be at home.
I was with him the evening his health problem started. We were in an evening AEA hearing. I could tell Brian was hurting but he would not ask for a recess and he stood and argued our Districts position effectively - and we won the issue! When it was over, I walked him to his car and he couldn't get his keys into the lock. So I convinced him to let me take him to the emergency room - must have been in the late '80's or early '90's. After a long recovery, he came back just as sharp as ever but with the physical damage that he lived with until his death.
Another time, we were preparing for a meeting with a teacher we were terminating and his lawyer. Brian told me to put more passion into the evidence we had against the teacher - it was bad! During the meeting the teacher was complaining that the prior superintendent didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with his teaching. I had been listening to his excuses for months and I was feed up! I said, "Well, there's a new sheriff in town" and slammed my clip board down on the table for emphasis. Well, it broke and the papers flew all over the room. The room went dead silent and the meeting ended shortly thereafter. When we got out of the room, Brian cracked up and said, "Well, I guessed I asked for that, didn't I?" We laughed about that many times after that, but he never asked me to bring more passsion again.
I have a great deal of respect for Brian. He was a good man. I pray for comfort for his family and friends.
Sincerely, Dick Whithead
Dick Whitehead
February 19, 2025
May God's light shine in and through you as you grieve the passing of Brian. Brian was a tablemate of Jim's at the Gardens. When I would visit Jim during lunch time I watched how tenderly the Garden's staff would encourage Brian to eat and assist him in eating. You could tell Brian was interested in all table conversation - I'm certain during his lifetime he was an active listener. May he be at peace.
J Potter
February 19, 2025