Milton Brawer
Aug 31st 1926 - Sep 8th 2010
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Marty Hill
March 9th 2011
I just found out today that Milt passed away and I'm still in shock. Milt was not only my mentor but I considered him a friend as well. He was a beautiful person who was kind to everyone and always treated students with respect. He is the primary reason I went on to graduate school and became a social science researcher by profession. I will miss him greatly and think of him often.
Marty Hill
"C. K"
September 24th 2010
Soft, but vibrant,
knowing, but searching
powerful, but vulnerable
seeing beyond
More than can be seen
life is so defined in between the lines.
At the end, it's what is deep that defines as we begin we end.
All other matters, are valid, but the depth of the soul defines all.
It's not we see, hear, or experience, that defines all
It is the depth of ones soul
so may all look deep into the soul - as we begin, we end--
Jousef Alan
September 24th 2010
I never saw Milt without a smile. He exemplified friendliness, gentlemess and great spirit. We will miss this wonderful man.
(the signature was hard to read and thus the name above may not be correct)
Joe Buckley
September 24th 2010
I was a colleague of Milt - I remember his warmth and friendly manner. His counsel was always deliberate and considerate - we got to know eachother in the early days of the AAUP (faculty union in the 1970s). He was a strong supporter of that work. Later as chair of mathematics I worked with this wise man - first Ombudsman to help students deal with some difficult times. His warm smiling greetings will be a lasting memory for me.
Sally Beck
September 24th 2010
Milt was in our Tuesday morning "Hang Loose" art group. He was an asset to our group, personable, caring and generous. We all liked him.
Rose Mary Higginbottom
September 24th 2010
In the early 60s Milt taught a sociology class at WMU. I was fortunate to be there that semester. He was so kind and considerate of each one of us taking his class. He offered extra help to me and a few words on how to read the text. I thought if I just kept reading I could succeed on my own. I have always appreciated him and how well he treated all of us. Not all teachers make a student feel liked and appreciated. Thank you, his family, for giving us this public chance to celebrate and learn more about Milt Brawer and the wonder of him. I will remember all of you and enjoy sending you a pleasant thought and ask the angels to stay with you here and in the next dimension. Thank you so much for today.
Katherine Mihm
September 22nd 2010
My Dear Friend Milt,
Today we pause, in the midst of life's demands, challenges and distractions, to take a moment to reflect and celebrate your life.
My heart, my family and many around me have been touched by your "tell it like it is-- in the book according to Milt" approach. I always looked forward to seeing you and what stands out most about our sessions was your unconditional love and acceptance. Opinions would be expressed but ultimately I could sense you gave people the freedom to figure life out for themselves.
What a joy to be around someone who loved life and his family. You spoke so dearly of Neltje and all your children. A compassionate man with a twinlke in your eye.
I treasure you in my heart as one who imprinted a wonderful host of memories! And am so grateful for our time together.
Paint the skies with all your love--it was a great ride!
With love and pure appreciation for your uniqueness and love,
Katherine
Jennifer Moorman Bolanos
September 21st 2010
People come into our lives for many different reasons. I often wondered why Milt and I were together. No doubt we had our diffferences, our struggles and our troubles. Many times we disagreed and many times we were just too much alike to get along. Over the years, we first came to a way to live together that worked, then it was a truce and a respect for each others boundaries, followed by forgiveness and then love. Now to me, his passing is a loss in my life and the lives of my children.
His biggest gift to me was the love he bestowed upon my mother. He took care of her, loved her and gave in to all her crazy pursuits. He supported her dreams and helped her to raise her children, and believe me, we were a handful.
The last thing he said to me, a few weeks ago, was that he could see that my children loved me dearly and that brought him pleasure.
Milt represents one of my hardest, most difficult relationships, one which challenged me to grow and to be a better person. I will miss him so increadibly much. He touched our lives in so, so, so many ways.
Jeannnette Greselin
September 21st 2010
It is difficult for me to say farwell to Milt. Milt was Strong minded, compassionate and understanding. He believed in me and my abilities. With a sincere smile and few words he inspired my work for beauty and my confidence. Thank you Milt. Love Jeannette
Roberta
September 18th 2010
May you be happy
May you be peaceful
May you be free from suffering
Mary D. Anderson
September 15th 2010
Milton was such a joy to be around. He was such a gentle man and always made me feel special. He was very gracious and kind. I admired his art and the talks we had about his life. He will be missed.
dean wurzell
September 15th 2010
from when i was three years old to eighteen, papa milt would measure me on his bedroom wall. when he had his room repainted, he made sure that the painters went around my height chart. i'm in my second year of college now, and it's still there there on the wall.
i love you, papa milt
dani wurzell
September 14th 2010
my son, dean (bunny), was three when his father passed. from that very moment, milt kept his word to dean's dad; that he would take care of bunny if anything ever happened to him. without hesitation, bunny and "papa milt" became the best of buddies. they would even fall asleep together in milt's favorite chair while watching (and hoping) that the lions just might win one. papa milt (and neltja) helped me raise my son. i can't even begin to refer to all of the ways milt was there for both dean and i, but i know and so do dean and neltja. now i am sure that milt does, too. we've always loved you, milt. thank you for being our papa milt.
Lois Plaver
September 14th 2010
I knew Milt from attending Art Classes and Workshops. He was an interesting gentleman who enjoyed being with people and really pursued his love for painting. My sincere sympathy to the surviving family members.
Dena Nigrelli
September 14th 2010
I remember Milt in a variety of ways as I first met him around the age of 12. I remember him angry at us for something, he didn't really yell so much as scold, but you certainly knew you were in trouble. I took one of his sociology classes when I attended Western, statistics, which most social work majors hated having to take. I loved it and I think I pleasantly surprised Milt that I did.
September 13th 2010
In many ways Milt was a living connection to Fred. It is a period at Western that doesn't exist anymore. I could
rremind Milt of something that happened forty years ago and he would know what I was referring to. He is at peace and we are happy he was in our lives. Jeanne Hartensstein
Kevin Boersen
September 11th 2010
My son is in college now, and earlier today , being September 11, we were talking about things and people that make an impact in our lives. He asked me if I could remember any of the professors that I had , and after a few minutes of thinking, I could only recall five by first and last name, after thirty years. Milt is one of those five. I remember some of his advice, as if he told us yesterday. Just now I read of his passing, sorry for your loss, he obveiously was a great teacher...and a great man.
Laurene A Powers
September 10th 2010
Milt will remain in my thoughts as a devotely loving, caring and gentle man. He had a way of making one feel as if you and what you had to say were the most important thing in the world. I hear him debating a topic, gently. I hear his laugh, gently. Always complimenting, even when he disagreed you. Always bringing a smile to one's face and heart. He touched my life with friendship, guidance, and love. The world has lost a gem, but his brilliance will shine in our lives forever.
Marty Hill
March 9th 2011
I just found out today that Milt passed away and I'm still in shock. Milt was not only my mentor but I considered him a friend as well. He was a beautiful person who was kind to everyone and always treated students with respect. He is the primary reason I went on to graduate school and became a social science researcher by profession. I will miss him greatly and think of him often.
Marty Hill
"C. K"
September 24th 2010
Soft, but vibrant,
knowing, but searching
powerful, but vulnerable
seeing beyond
More than can be seen
life is so defined in between the lines.
At the end, it's what is deep that defines as we begin we end.
All other matters, are valid, but the depth of the soul defines all.
It's not we see, hear, or experience, that defines all
It is the depth of ones soul
so may all look deep into the soul - as we begin, we end--
Jousef Alan
September 24th 2010
I never saw Milt without a smile. He exemplified friendliness, gentlemess and great spirit. We will miss this wonderful man.
(the signature was hard to read and thus the name above may not be correct)
Joe Buckley
September 24th 2010
I was a colleague of Milt - I remember his warmth and friendly manner. His counsel was always deliberate and considerate - we got to know eachother in the early days of the AAUP (faculty union in the 1970s). He was a strong supporter of that work. Later as chair of mathematics I worked with this wise man - first Ombudsman to help students deal with some difficult times. His warm smiling greetings will be a lasting memory for me.
Sally Beck
September 24th 2010
Milt was in our Tuesday morning "Hang Loose" art group. He was an asset to our group, personable, caring and generous. We all liked him.
Rose Mary Higginbottom
September 24th 2010
In the early 60s Milt taught a sociology class at WMU. I was fortunate to be there that semester. He was so kind and considerate of each one of us taking his class. He offered extra help to me and a few words on how to read the text. I thought if I just kept reading I could succeed on my own. I have always appreciated him and how well he treated all of us. Not all teachers make a student feel liked and appreciated. Thank you, his family, for giving us this public chance to celebrate and learn more about Milt Brawer and the wonder of him. I will remember all of you and enjoy sending you a pleasant thought and ask the angels to stay with you here and in the next dimension. Thank you so much for today.
Katherine Mihm
September 22nd 2010
My Dear Friend Milt,
Today we pause, in the midst of life's demands, challenges and distractions, to take a moment to reflect and celebrate your life.
My heart, my family and many around me have been touched by your "tell it like it is-- in the book according to Milt" approach. I always looked forward to seeing you and what stands out most about our sessions was your unconditional love and acceptance. Opinions would be expressed but ultimately I could sense you gave people the freedom to figure life out for themselves.
What a joy to be around someone who loved life and his family. You spoke so dearly of Neltje and all your children. A compassionate man with a twinlke in your eye.
I treasure you in my heart as one who imprinted a wonderful host of memories! And am so grateful for our time together.
Paint the skies with all your love--it was a great ride!
With love and pure appreciation for your uniqueness and love,
Katherine
Jennifer Moorman Bolanos
September 21st 2010
People come into our lives for many different reasons. I often wondered why Milt and I were together. No doubt we had our diffferences, our struggles and our troubles. Many times we disagreed and many times we were just too much alike to get along. Over the years, we first came to a way to live together that worked, then it was a truce and a respect for each others boundaries, followed by forgiveness and then love. Now to me, his passing is a loss in my life and the lives of my children.
His biggest gift to me was the love he bestowed upon my mother. He took care of her, loved her and gave in to all her crazy pursuits. He supported her dreams and helped her to raise her children, and believe me, we were a handful.
The last thing he said to me, a few weeks ago, was that he could see that my children loved me dearly and that brought him pleasure.
Milt represents one of my hardest, most difficult relationships, one which challenged me to grow and to be a better person. I will miss him so increadibly much. He touched our lives in so, so, so many ways.
Jeannnette Greselin
September 21st 2010
It is difficult for me to say farwell to Milt. Milt was Strong minded, compassionate and understanding. He believed in me and my abilities. With a sincere smile and few words he inspired my work for beauty and my confidence. Thank you Milt. Love Jeannette
Roberta
September 18th 2010
May you be happy
May you be peaceful
May you be free from suffering
Mary D. Anderson
September 15th 2010
Milton was such a joy to be around. He was such a gentle man and always made me feel special. He was very gracious and kind. I admired his art and the talks we had about his life. He will be missed.
dean wurzell
September 15th 2010
from when i was three years old to eighteen, papa milt would measure me on his bedroom wall. when he had his room repainted, he made sure that the painters went around my height chart. i'm in my second year of college now, and it's still there there on the wall.
i love you, papa milt
dani wurzell
September 14th 2010
my son, dean (bunny), was three when his father passed. from that very moment, milt kept his word to dean's dad; that he would take care of bunny if anything ever happened to him. without hesitation, bunny and "papa milt" became the best of buddies. they would even fall asleep together in milt's favorite chair while watching (and hoping) that the lions just might win one. papa milt (and neltja) helped me raise my son. i can't even begin to refer to all of the ways milt was there for both dean and i, but i know and so do dean and neltja. now i am sure that milt does, too. we've always loved you, milt. thank you for being our papa milt.
Lois Plaver
September 14th 2010
I knew Milt from attending Art Classes and Workshops. He was an interesting gentleman who enjoyed being with people and really pursued his love for painting. My sincere sympathy to the surviving family members.
Dena Nigrelli
September 14th 2010
I remember Milt in a variety of ways as I first met him around the age of 12. I remember him angry at us for something, he didn't really yell so much as scold, but you certainly knew you were in trouble. I took one of his sociology classes when I attended Western, statistics, which most social work majors hated having to take. I loved it and I think I pleasantly surprised Milt that I did.
September 13th 2010
In many ways Milt was a living connection to Fred. It is a period at Western that doesn't exist anymore. I could
rremind Milt of something that happened forty years ago and he would know what I was referring to. He is at peace and we are happy he was in our lives. Jeanne Hartensstein
Kevin Boersen
September 11th 2010
My son is in college now, and earlier today , being September 11, we were talking about things and people that make an impact in our lives. He asked me if I could remember any of the professors that I had , and after a few minutes of thinking, I could only recall five by first and last name, after thirty years. Milt is one of those five. I remember some of his advice, as if he told us yesterday. Just now I read of his passing, sorry for your loss, he obveiously was a great teacher...and a great man.
Laurene A Powers
September 10th 2010
Milt will remain in my thoughts as a devotely loving, caring and gentle man. He had a way of making one feel as if you and what you had to say were the most important thing in the world. I hear him debating a topic, gently. I hear his laugh, gently. Always complimenting, even when he disagreed you. Always bringing a smile to one's face and heart. He touched my life with friendship, guidance, and love. The world has lost a gem, but his brilliance will shine in our lives forever.
