A good man left us this week. As I attempt to ponder the why, I can only fall back on the memories of one of the most honorable human beings that I had the privilege of knowing, albeit for only a small window of our respective lives.
Brent and his twin Bruce were seniors; I was a freshman in high school trying to find my way; they looked out for me. So funny, so warm, so happy, and so willing to be present for others, as his obituary attests. My heart goes out to Brent’s mom and Bruce, and his other siblings and family members.
Here is a man whose memory I will use to guide me in the rest of my career, and I hope my life.
Teaching history is the theme of this website, but truly, it does not matter what one teaches. Here is the consummate teacher who knew that the bottom line for all educators is be happy and in touch with the moment, and by extension seemingly effortlessly creating better human beings in living by example, touching and molding young lives, forever. What other occupation is as important?
Rest on, friend. I’ll keep you close.
Brent J. Bertrand passed away the morning of Tuesday, January 10, 2012. A Hudson Falls native born on February 5, 1958, Brent graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1976. He earned an Associate’s degree from Cobleskill College in 1978 and a Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1982 before embarking on a very rewarding teaching career with the Warrensburg Central School District. He earned his Master’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany in 1988.
As a high school technology teacher, Brent shared his passion as a craftsman with countless students during his many years in Warrensburg. In teaching his students to shape rough lumber into polished furniture, he instilled in the students and those around him the patience and discipline of doing things the right way and of taking pride in one’s accomplishments. His “measure twice, cut once” philosophy was his simple way of expressing the valuable life lesson of thinking before acting.
A natural born educator, Brent’s devotion extended beyond the classroom on to the athletic fields. “Coach” Bertrand spent many seasons on the Warrensburg softball fields teaching students the life lessons of success and failure on the playing field. Displaying a consistent approach to teaching in both the classroom and the ball field, Brent urged his student athletes to “practice how you play” as yet another example of doing things the right way and taking pride in what one does.
Warrensburg was a very special community for Brent. Always with a friendly smile and a genuine interest and concern for others, he shared his dedication to education and to the Warrensburg students with the other employees in the school district. He prided himself on arriving early, being available and accessible to all and never missing a day of work. He became an integral member of the Warrensburg community and valued the relationships and friendships he developed over the years.
Brent was equally as dedicated to and compassionate about his family as he was to his profession. As one of seven siblings, he developed a strong work ethic and sense of commitment, responsibility and fairness during his formative years, traits that he exemplified throughout his life. He shared his love for the farm and the lake with his parents, siblings and their spouses, and his nieces and nephews, and realized the importance and meaning of the farm and the lake as the place for the family to gather.
Brent was predeceased by his father, Frank L. Bertrand. He is survived by his mother, Jane L. Bertrand; his sister, Susan Semiz; his brothers, Bruce, Frank, Matthew, Michael and Peter; his brother-in-law, John Semiz; sisters-in-law, Jane Bertrand, Patricia Bertrand and Sally Bertrand; his girlfriend, Missy Ackley; and several nieces and nephews who idolized and adored their Uncle Brent.
Friends may call on Brent’s family from 3-6 pm, Friday, January 13, 2012 at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg.
QUOTES:
As of Thursday, hundreds of heartfelt tributes were scrawled on a 60-feet-long mural titled “Messages to Mr. Bertrand” that stretched the length of the school’s cafeteria wall.
“Mister B” was known particularly for his ability to inspire students through his ever-present enthusiasm, sunny attitude and helpful spirit — and the messages on the mural reflected these themes. Here is a sampling of some of the messages:
#• “You were an amazing teacher — you made every student feel like they were important…”
#•“You moved every heart and touched every soul — I’m heartbroken not just for the loss of your upbeat smile and friendly waves in the halls, but for the students yet to come who will never have the pleasure of knowing you…”
“You looked past all of my flaws and actually saw me as a person…”
#• “There hasn’t been one day I’ve seen you without a smile on your face…”
#• “You were the reason I survived school…”
#• “You treated us with respect and never made us feel stupid. You knew exactly how to help us with any problem we faced…”
#• “You were the most genuine, strong and kind-hearted person I’ve ever known — You brightened the worst of people’s days and saw the good in everybody…”
#• “You inspired me to be an architect…”
#• “You taught me that no matter where I go, I will be walking into my future…”
Better man than I. A toast to you and your dad, my friend. Clink a glass with my old man.
http://www.newsenterprise.org/news/2012/jan/18/wake-teachercoach-brent-bertrand-draws-nearly-1200/
Teaching History Matters 