June 19, 2013

Brian Goodman Tribute

Posted by admin - Bellissimo Law Group PC

Posted by: Mario D. Bellissimo 

It is with profound sadness today we learned of the passing of Brian Goodman, Chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board just a few days shy of his retirement.  Over the past few weeks there were a number of gatherings in various cities throughout Canada to honour Brian.  Little did we know that his retirement tour was indeed his farewell tour.  It gives me some comfort that Brian had the opportunity to celebrate his career and hear how much he was thought of and admired.  I was one, amongst other CBA members across Canada, asked to say a few words, in this case at his Toronto celebration.  I thought I would share an excerpt of my speaking notes from just less than two weeks ago…

It’s been said a successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him. (David Brinkley) Brian you have had your fair share of bricks in your role, so well done.  

He willingly shares his knowledge and in my personal experience with Brian there is always something to learn when you speak to him and in many ways he is a teacher.  Now it has been said a teacher affects eternity. He/she can never tell where his or her influence stops.  This will be true at the Board, to the people’s lives in cases he has adjudicated, to his coworkers, stakeholders and it goes without saying his family and friends.

So to close I want to quote a well known poem you may have heard before by an anonymous writer

Class never runs scared

Class has a sense of humour

Class never makes excuses

Class is real

If you have class, you’ve got it made.  If you don’t have class, no matter what else you have it won’t make up for it.

Brian it has been a world class experience both professionally and personally. 

Gone far too soon, our heartfelt condolences.