My friend Brian – who later decided to go by his father’s name, “Oscar,” would have – should have – turned 36 today. He lost a battle with cancer just under two years ago, and I’m still trying to find the words to talk about him. Nothing I can think to write seems to do any justice to his incredible creativity, warm sense of humor, razor sharp intelligence, and unflagging openness and friendliness. He could talk to anyone about anything, and he always seemed so humble for someone with such stunning talent.
I love the words of U of M’s Thomas Zurbuchen regarding Brian. I don’t believe I’ve ever met Thomas, and we certainly work in different fields, but when he says “it is Oscar who taught me what art is really about,” it rings so true for me. I hope you’ll read his full blog – just click here – because it will give you a fantastic sense of the kind of person Brian was. I’ll never understand why he was taken so soon, but knowing him was really one of the best gifts I’ve been given. I hope that in the coming months I’ll be able to find better words of my own that will help me share that gift with you.