Saturday, March 26, 2022
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Marie Gavan Knox
I remember Brian’s significant and positive impact on the Holy Cross community, staff and students alike, in the areas of technology, intellectual ability and strength of character.
As a Special Education Resource Teacher I knew that Brian’s knowledge and abilities were observable in all of his classes. He was visible in his motorized wheelchair -with his laptop strategically placed on his desk, his hands in close proximity to the touchpad and his headset at just the right angle to dictate an answer, if needed. We all noticed his exceptional mastery of assistive technology especially the voice-recognition and speech-to-text applications.His superior intelligence was demonstrated in marks he received for the analysis of historical events, his detailed essays, PowerPoint presentations and projects in the grade 12 college and university courses which he enjoyed. For those of us who worked closely with him, it was poignant and inspiring to observe that he did not succumb to his growing physical limitations caused by Deschênes Muscular Dystrophy. I believe that his acceptance of this (as well as EA/SERT assistance) his resilience, and his quiet determination for independence and autonomy were primordial to him. I was blessed to know Brian and to learn so many lessons from him, a teacher-student role reversal!
I wish to offer my prayers and sincere condolences to Brian’s mother, father, sister, family and friends.
Marie Gavan Knox
