Jane Black
Upstate medical school sent out the materials regarding the Class of 1985 Reunion, forty years after graduation. That is how I came upon Brian's passing, just learning of it a few days ago. I can remember him so vividly as my classmate and fellow student. I picture him so clearly, a tall "teddy bear" of a man, with a wide and ready grin and an exceedingly gentle and kind manner. He was so self-effacing even as a student, which made learning of his medical accomplishments all the more wonderful. His brilliance, intensity, focus and drive surely came into play to achieve the scientific breakthroughs he developed. But one wouldn't have guessed that was his future when he was speaking to me, his fellow student, with such kindness and warmth, decreasing my anxiety about medical school, and making everything seem all right all those years ago. I send all my deepest condolences to his family. The world has lost a bright and gentle light. His legacy lives on in those who remember him, the children whose lives he helped to save, and the future patients who will benefit from the breakthrough technologies he developed. Jane Black MD
