by Kristian | Jul 30, 2013 | Adult Life, College (James Madison University)
It amazes me how tying my 4-year old son Dylan’s shoes brings back a flood of memories of Brian. Brian was Dylan’s Godfather and they both wore Adidas Samba soccer shoes. There was always a cute exchange between the two of them whenever they saw each other to see if they were both wearing their Sambas. Whether they were or not, Brian could always engage an enlightened conversation with our inquisitive little boy. I met Brian almost 30-years ago at JMU when Brian Gracie and I pledged the fraternity that Walsh joined the year before as a freshman. Amongst other things that were required during pledging, we had to memorize a handful of Latin phrases one of which translates to Nothing Shall Ever Tear Us Asunder. The Latin translation is something that our circle of friends would repeat to one another on occasion out of jest. However, when I heard the news of Brian’s passing I could not get that phrase out of my head and still find myself repeating it when I think of Brian. It is no surprise to me that Walsh remained one of my closest friends and confidants since our time together at JMU. He was one of, if not the only person that I could comfortably talk to about anything whether personal, financial or professional. As we all move on to other chapters of our lives, marriage, kids, etc. most people tend to socialize more with parents of kids that interact with their own kids. Lauryn and I were fortunate enough that our oldest son Tucker is the same age as Sean and the...
by Julie Criswell | Jun 18, 2013 | College (James Madison University), Stories
Great story about Brian… Who do you call when you end up in the slammer in college for drinking a little too much and riding, and falling off, a bicycle? Walsh, of course! He was the fraternity President at the time, was the most trusted person I knew, and oh yeah, he had a car. 3 am phone call… West: “Hey Walsh. I need your help. I am in jail and need a ride outta here.” Walsh: “Westie? Are you f’ing with me. It’s 3 am. “ West: “No, I am serious!” Walsh: “Sh@#…you dumb ass! I will be there in 30 minutes!” And of course he was, laughing with me about it the whole time, never once making me feel like calling him was an inconvenience or imposition. That was Brian! Bob DT310 Robert S. West, MS, FACHE CEO Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates of Baltimore 410-494-7921...
