It’s hard for me to remember exactly when I first met Brian, because he was one of those people that even upon his arrival, he just seemed already to have been part of the significant circle. Do you know what I mean? In such a short time, he made such a profound impact at the CIA as an instructor and colleague, and he did that quietly, yet very purposefully. Somehow, Brian was everywhere at the CIA. Almost immediately. It was since last October, though, that I really had the opportunity to work with Brian more closely in our roles within the CIA restaurants – me in FOH Bocuse, he in BOH Bounty. He had a warmth and intensity about him that made you feel when he was talking to you, that no one and nothing else mattered other than your concerns in that moment. That’s the action of someone who very sincerely seeks to make a difference. He was always trying to figure out better ways of doing things and serving people. His leadership inspired me because it was bold and unselfish. I believe Brian was truly driven toward the greater good and he seemed always to seek and invite different opinions to the cause at hand in order to maximize the outcomes. Brian was especially good at wrestling with the difficult issues while leaving people intact. Not many people can say they’re good at that (or that they even care about that). Brian was excellent at that, and he cared about that. I feel I know this because we often looked at the issues through different lenses and we didn’t always agree. I didn’t mind disagreeing with Brian, though, because disagreements with Brian were never gratuitous. He wouldn’t disagree just to disagree, he would disagree in order to grow and share a better understanding. That almost always led to challenging debate with fruitful conclusions, and the ability to walk away feeling whole (…even if a little mentally exhausted!). I will miss that. God bless you, Brian, a dear colleague and friend. We will miss you so very much.
“The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26