One of Brian's colleagues told me that his D.B. Dill Historical Lecture at ACSM in Baltimore in 2010 was "one for the ages." I was lucky enough to be able to attend the packed auditorium - it had everything, theatre, philosophy, science, observation, wit. It was a pure performance. It was, simply, Brian.
The loss of Brian is especially sad for those of us who were fortunate enough to be able count him as a colleague, teacher, mentor or friend, but somehow I feel that we are all a little poorer for his passing.
Brian had the right phrase for every occasion. An enduring memory of Brian will be his ability to cut to the essence of the moment with the careful moulding of just a few words (either his own or chosen from others). When especially harried he would turn to Samuel Beckett: "I can't go on...I can’t go on... I'll go on". He will go on.
Cindy and I are thinking of Sue, Laura and Brian at this sad time.
Harry Rossiter