Memories Of Mark Brisman

From Mark Brisman's Guestbook at Legacy.com:

December 08, 2001
I had the fortunate opporunity to work with Mark this summer at Harris Beach. He was not officially my mentor, but he took on that role. He came into my office many afternoons, sat down in the chair next to my desk, and asked "how's it going?"
As I begin my career as an attorney, and throughout my years, I will remember what Mark has taught me abut being a great attorney and a great person. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to know such a great man.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Brisman family.

sincerely,

Daniel Kaufman
~
Daniel Kaufman,
Brooklyn, New York
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January 15, 2002
Mark, I'll always remember you as the "baby magnet". At our cousin's bat mitzvah, you swooped my two-year-old and four-year-old up in your arms and carried them to the dance floor. They danced and chased you around with big smiles on their faces. They didn't really know their cousin Mark or how you were related, but you were the Pied Piper to them.

Your hearty laugh and huge hugs will always be remembered by all the children who knew you--especially your own.
~
Deborah Kotz,
Silver Spring, Maryland
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February 17, 2002
I met Mark (and his wife Juliet) back in 1988 while I was at Hofstra University. We had some great times all hanging out together...You even set me up on that blind date back in the day....I feel very fortunate to have met your acquaintance. Mark I just read all the wonderful things that others had to say about you. How true... You also made an impression on me, as a "do gooder"...and a caring special person...May god watch over Juliet and your two children...
~
Ellen Josephson,
Newport, Rhode Island
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August 11, 2002
Mark and I were best friends throughout elementary school and junior high school. He was a loyal friend with a solid character and was unflappable during the minor dramas that make us all grow up.

He and I lost touch later in life but when we met again at a friend's wedding I was reminded of what I knew about him as a child. Mark was the kind of person you wanted to be near when the chips were down and you needed a buddy. That solid character appears to have carried him well through life. It is tragic beyond words that his children will not have him by their side in the years to come. I am know they carry a bit of his character within them and, like us all, are better people for having had him in their lives.

My deepest condolences to his family.

~
David Flum,
Seattle, Washington
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August 27, 2004
I was intoduced to Mark and Juliette and when they were looking for a home. Mark especially wanted to be in a neighborhood full of kids. It is no surprise they chose a house next to a school. Well spoken, soft spoken and always a gentleman. Absolutely loved his wife and adored his kids.
Colleen
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Colleen Gallagher,
Armonk, New York
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January 16, 2007
Mark was not just my mentor when I was a young Associate at Lester, Schwab, Katz & Dwyer and Harris Beach. He was also a good and loyal friend. He looked out for me and guided me through the many challenges of the practice. I learned a great deal from him, not just about the practice of law, but also about what it means to be a mensch. Mark loved his family more than anything. I know that I was incredibly lucky to have him as a mentor and friend for 2 1/2 years.
~
Lisa Axelrod Jaffee,
New York, New York

Now here's a memory that is particualrly sad, but brave, too:

May 30, 2002
Today is May 30, 2002. The ceremony closing the recovery effort just ended.

Mark and I worked together for almost four years at Lester Schwab Katz & Dwyer. We were not merely colleagues, but also friends. I was at his apartment the weekend Rachael came home from the hospital. We took our kids apple picking together at Dr. Davies farm in Rockland (Juliette, I have pictures and video if you want them).

Our office windows face directly on ground zero. Initially, we all looked out regularly hoping that somehow Mark would be found alive and well. After Mark's memorial, we just hoped that he would be found at all.

Now, more than eight months later, I cannot shake the sense of loss. Mark was a great guy. Not just a great lawyer, son, husband or father, but a great guy. Ethics, morality, honor, he lived by all of these ideals. First and foremost, however, all he wanted in life was to provide for his family as best he could. He worked tirelessly towards that end.

He left our firm in mid-2000. Our friendship was compromised by his departure, and, for complicated reasons, I took his leaving as a personal affront. He tried to keep the lines of communications open, and even went to the trouble of lining up a professional speaking opportunity for me. I remained angry with him notwithstanding his efforts, and did not reciprocate. In hindsight, I wish that I had viewed his leaving differently, and kept our relationship close.

Mark was one of the good guys, he didn't deserve to die so young, with so much ahead of him.

The recovery effort has closed, but Mark will not be forgotten.
~
Carl Schaerf,
Livingston, New Jersey

You can read more at Mark's Legacy.com Guestbook.