Reflections on Omar Brown

“Omar Brown has been a friend for several years. We first met when we ate together in the dining hall when he applied to work at St. Paul’s, and we ate together many times in the too few years since. The thoughtfulness with which Omar would ask me about how my day is going sticks with me, but especially his care in listening to my responses. Omar cared deeply about other people, and it was a joy to see how much Omar loved to spend time together with his wife, Jessica. If you got him going with a joke or funny story, Omar’s laughter could fill up a room. Indeed, I saw Omar’s jovial persona in many walks of life. In his interaction with colleagues, students, and friends, there was no doubt. Furthermore, to witness a piece of Omar’s deep faith in the divine was a gift and inspiration. I miss Omar’s friendship, the kindness he exhibited daily, and all the beauty and grace that he brought to this world.”
— Scott Betournay, Science

 

“My last conversation with Omar was about holiday traditions. Specifically, what food we look forward to on those holidays and how we have attributed these foods to our holiday celebrations and family. It was the perfect example as to how Omar cared deeply about every community member. He truly cared about getting to know someone, and his questions and attentiveness during those conversations reaffirmed that he wanted to hear all about it. A rare gift in someone. I will very much miss these conversations and I feel incredibly blessed that I was able to have had the opportunity to get to know Omar over the last few years.”
— Anonymous

 

“During 2020-2021, Omar was in the classroom down the hall from me in the Math and Science building. We exchanged morning hellos and evening goodbyes on most days. On one particular day, I was in my classroom having had a difficult meeting that resulted in tears. Omar had had a similar experience in meeting with his advisees that day and while on his way out, he recognized my pain. Others might have kept on walking, not wanting to get involved, but he came right in. We talked and shared our experience despite not knowing each other well. It seems that this is the type of person Omar was. Kind, caring, willing to go out of his way for anyone. I am so glad he was there for me that day.”
— Julie Cepiel, Science

 

“Omar was my neighbor in Chapel. Our first time standing together singing from the hymnal, I immediately noticed the feeling he put into the songs. I was reminded of times I'd sung with my own family as Omar harmonized his way through the melodies. Singing with Omar, plus his warm greetings I looked forward to at the start of each service, truly meant a lot to me.”
— Paul Murray, Languages

 

“Omar came into our office one day to ask a question. He started to ask the question, then he stopped. He looked around at each of us and instead of continuing, he asked how we were all doing. He said no matter how much in a hurry we are, we should take to time to check in on each other. This was probably a year ago at this point, but it has stuck with me and is how I will always remember Omar.”
— Laurel Plessner, Human Resources

 

“Wagwan, Omar! I remember when I was told that you accepted the position at St. Paul's and that you were from Jamaica. My family has had Jamaican employees for over 25 years, and I've learned a lot about their culture and have learned a few Jamaican words. The first time I met you I said "Wagwan." I can still picture that big smile you gave me. A sign of comfort and a sign of understanding. You always brought a huge smile to my face every time I spoke with you, and I know you had that same effect with everyone here at SPS. I also enjoyed getting to know Jessica as well! You truly are a special soul and for some reason, God needed you more than we did, and he's so very lucky. I know you are up there smiling down at all your loved ones, and I hope everything is irie up there. Until we meet again❤️”
— Derek Thomson, Communications

 

“I will miss seeing Omar in the library, a place he frequented often. Sometimes he was in for a meeting or class; most recently, he spent time in our Fine Arts room, grading papers on a sunny December afternoon. He told me how much he enjoyed working in this building, surrounded by books. When he had time, he would peruse the books on our displays, and we'd chat about what we both were currently reading. He was such a kind man, with an infectious smile and a resounding laugh. Whenever I saw him on the grounds, he made sure to say hello and ask how I was doing. Omar Brown will be missed, but never forgotten.”
— Karla Kittler, Library Services

 

“Omar was such a kind man. every time he came into the package center he would say hello and ask how our day was. We always shared a conversation, whatever the topic. He will be greatly missed by all of us here. We wish Jessica well. We send prayers to the Brown Family. God Bless.”
— Deb Mailhot, Post Office

 

“Omar's quiet presence in the Lindsay Building was always such a pleasure! He was a sincere and genuinely nice man who cared authentically when he asked you how you were, and I looked forward to his visits to our building. I always enjoyed our brief chats when he was in Lindsay for a meeting or committee gathering or when he just to chose to work in the Lindsay Conference Room between classes. It was obvious that all the Lindsay folks very much liked Omar and, even though he was a Humanities teacher, he seemed to fit in really well with our Lindsay Science and Math faculty group. They often sat and happily conversed with him when they had time. Omar was ever polite and thoughtful, and he will be immensely missed here in Lindsay!”
— Kimberlee Esposito, Mathematics and Science

 

“Omar often spoke of his desire to work toward making SPS a "Beloved Community." Omar's presence among us is a big reason why our community is as strong as it is. His influence seeped into so many aspects of community life here, perhaps more so than any other person I know. I will miss his friendship, his laugh, and his leadership. I am a better person for knowing him.”
— Rick Pacelli, Science

 

“Omar was an incredible friend, colleague, educator, and human. One particular conversation we had last year will stick with me forever. In my apartment in Warren House, he spoke about his dreams — including a potential PhD in Austria, running for a government in Jamaica, and much more. Like many conversations Omar had, this one really struck a chord, making me analyze and consider my aspirations and goals. He inspired me every single day with his capacity for optimism and love. The impact of his loss is tremendous, but I know that he has inspired many to dream, including me.”
— Sarah Boylan, Science

 

“I remember thinking Omar was incredibly brave to speak up at the first faculty meeting he attended (someone once told me you weren't supposed to speak for the first five years!). He spoke often and was never afraid to share his perspective or voice. Omar wasn't someone just speaking because no one else would, or someone who spoke ALL the time and became annoying when you wanted faculty meeting to end. Omar's words always meant something important was going to be said. He had a presence in the meeting, and you could tell everyone deeply respected him and knew whatever he said would be coming from a place deeply rooted in love and faith. Omar made us all better people sharing his perspective and wisdom. I will miss his voice in our meetings and I will miss his genuine kindness every time we crossed paths. I will miss knowing that there is someone who would have my back in a heartbeat if I ever asked. I will miss Omar.”
— Rebecca Soderberg, Fine Arts

 

“Whenever Omar asked if I wanted to pray together, I felt like I was being invited into his own divine office to conduct some good and essential business with God — his prayers always left me with something to think about for days afterward, and something to feel hopeful about. I’m grateful to Omar my friend of many gifts: builder, teacher, prophetic man.”
— Samuel Lovett, Chaplaincy

 

“Though I have been at St. Paul’s School for many years, I started working in Simpson House as an adviser with Omar this year. In our weekly meetings, I have been touched by Omar’s kind heart, love of children, genuine grace, and sincerity. Omar always wants what is best and has one thing in mind and that has always been to help the boys of Simpson House grow into responsible, kind, educated leaders. I was always in awe that no matter when or where, Omar showed up in a sport coat and tie, a true gentleman setting an extraordinary example for everyone. This fall, Omar knew one of my advisees was really struggling. I had just spent the week in and out of Clark House trying to help ease this boy’s pain, to no avail. We had our usual Wednesday adviser meeting, catching each other up on house life. As I was walking away, Omar stopped me and said, “hey, I just wanted to check in on you. Are you ok?” I remember being caught off guard, thinking, Who is this person? What a nice guy. Yes, I was ok, but the fact that he recognized my exhaustion and concern moved me. I walked home that day thinking this is why I work at St. Paul’s. I love what I do and who I work with. I only knew Omar directly for a few months, but I enjoyed his humor, quick smile, warm remarks, and true concern for others. Jessica and Omar's family — you are in my thoughts and prayers.”
— Anonymous

 

“I continue to hear Omar's thoughtful voice in my head. His insightful comments, kind words and joyful laugh will forever be in my memories.”
— Anonymous

 

“Losing Omar is such a loss to our community. As a faculty member and parent, I know how much Omar was loved and respected as both a colleague and a teacher. My son included Omar as one of his favorite adults in this community because he was a sincere, authentic, and truly caring person. As a colleague, seeing Omar brightened my day, especially if I could get him to laugh. We have truly lost a gentle giant.”
— Anonymous

 

“I have so many memories of Omar that I cherish: his laughter echoing through the hallways and the Hum office; the way he would ask how I was doing and actually stop to listen; the way he would remind our Hum V team to be mindful and thoughtful about how the material from a given unit could be challenging for specific groups of students, and then providing thoughts and resources to support those students; the time he called to check on me after a particularly challenging committee meeting because he knew I was upset; the times when he prayed with and for me when he could see I was struggling. But the specific memory I want to share is from the last week before winter break this year, as we were both leaving our respective Hum team meetings. He asked how I was, and as usual, really stopped to listen. We talked about what a strange Advent season it had been, with so many ups and downs, with COVID, and of course the general busyness of classes. But where we ended was on hope: the hope we have as Christians any time, but especially in the season of Advent, because of Christ's birth. I remember his words: "Yes, we do have that hope, praise God!" And I left Schoolhouse that day with a smile, grateful for that hope and for a wonderful colleague and brother in Christ who had once again reminded me of it.”
— Anonymous

 

“I deeply mean it when I say that I have never been so touched by a teacher as I was, and continue to be, by Mr. Brown. In a year during which anxiety and uncertainty were constantly weighing me down, I found peace in his classroom each day. Humanities V was the one class in which I truly found myself enjoying each class period we met, especially long blocks. This is not only because of the many attributes that Mr. Brown had as our teacher, but the “family dynamic” he encouraged within our class. I remember telling Mr. Brown in the beginning of the year that I tend to get nervous when it comes time for me to speak aloud in class. I never thought I would be able to give a presentation or speak my points to my peers, but with Mr. Brown’s guidance and support, I was able to overcome this fear. He always knew how to be there for each and every one of us, and treated us with the most compassion and thoughtfulness that I have ever experienced from a teacher. One day, while virtually learning, Mr. Brown chatted with me through Zoom to ask if I was doing okay. I wasn’t having my best day due to being sick with Covid, and felt blown away by his attentiveness. It meant so much to me to have a teacher that so clearly cared for me holistically. He wasn’t just worried if I got my work in on time, or if my work was of perfect quality. He was worried about how I felt, how my day was, and how such aspects of my life could be affecting my performance as a student. And I know for a fact that I am not the only student who was greatly impacted by Mr. Brown’s attention to detail and concern for our mental health statuses —every student who I have talked to has the same amazing experience. Even when I was trudging through the snow for 8:00 a.m. long block class, I knew that on the other side of those cold, snowy paths would be Mr. Brown’s uplifting laughter and smile, which showed us how much he loved what he was doing. I have never met someone who radiates so much love as Mr. Brown. We all knew how much he loved Mrs. Jessica Brown, and it made us so happy for both of them. He would always ask us what we were doing during our breaks, and when we asked him what he was going to do, he always replied with excitement to spend time with his amazing wife. Although I will miss these conversations with Mr. Brown, and his contagious smile, I am so lucky to have had him in my life, and will always think of him and his writing tips when I write essays this year, in college, and beyond! ”
— Anonymous

 

“Dear Mrs. Jessica Brown, we are saddened at the unexpected terrible news of the passing of your beloved husband. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for this huge loss. He was my child’s advisor and Humanities teacher. This past school year, he was a staunch advocate for our child throughout the challenges that he faced within the community. He prayed over the phone with us at the time. May The GOD Almighty of Mercy rest his soul in the most perfect peace. Bless you and the whole Brown family, repair your loss, hold and comfort you and the SPS community. We will continue to miss you, Mr. Brown. Rest in Peace, Rest in Power.”
— Anonymous

 

“I want to start out with saying that I have never been super close to Mr. Brown, but that does not mean I didn’t look up to him. The way I saw Mr. Brown living his life to the fullest and laughing every chance he got inspired me. He taught me how precious life is and to just keep moving forward and keep laughing. Mr. Brown has been an inspiration to me many times. Every time I see him, he is always laughing and will always greet me with the biggest smile in the world! Mr. Brown gave me so much love even if I never had a conversation with him. I could tell he was the nicest human to work at SPS. Mr. Brown has and will forever be an inspiration in my life. I will always try to be the Mr. Brown of the community! I cherish every interaction I have had with him and will remember and honor him forever!”
— Ali ’25

 

“Mr. Brown was my advisor this school year and to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure if I would still be at this school if it wasn't for Mr. Brown. Last winter, I was going through a low point in my life and some of the only good memories I can extract from that time are my conversations with Mr. Brown while he was on duty. He encouraged me to do what I thought was in my best interest and showed me how to take back control of my life. I wound up going on health leave last year in order to improve upon and nurture myself and if I didn't do so I don't think that I would've come back for my Sixth Form year. I could go on for hours saying what Mr. Brown meant to me but for simplicity’s sake, I can't describe him as anything other than the embodiment of compassion and empathy.”
— Alexander ’22

 

“After really struggling to get in an essay on time, I'm confident that any other teacher would have told me that I needed to have been more responsible. It's only Mr. Brown who would have said something like this: "No one mistake should ever dictate how someone is defined. I know that you are a good student, and this was a particularly busy week. Hand in the essay today and let us keep moving forward. I know you are capable of excellence, and I am confident you will achieve it." Everything that Mr. Brown said was intentional. In Contemporary Black Literature, he taught me to love myself and see beauty and strength in myself and others. He took time out of class to talk about how our days were, how we were feeling, and what our auras looked like. He inspired me to get through the day.”
— Anonymous

 

“I remember him introducing himself to me without any reason to. His presence felt bright and warm. When he asked me what my name was, I felt like he genuinely cared to know. I will remember my brief and sweet conversations with him.”
— Anonymous

 

“I did not know Mr. Brown personally, but I did know who he was. I had some friends in my dorm who mentioned him, and I saw him walk the paths of campus every once in a while. But I'll never forget Mr. Brown and here is why. During the early Fall Term, I had to give my first Chapel announcement. It was for a club my friend and I were running, and I remember being incredibly nervous. It was the first time in my SPS career where I would be speaking in front of the entire student body. So I step up to the podium and no father then 10 feet away sits Mr. Brown. As I begin my Chapel announcement, I begin with a joke and the first thing I heard was Mr. Brown's hearty laughter. I saw him smiling and laughing at the joke I just said in front of the whole school. Right then all my nerves washed away, and I gave my first ever Chapel announcement with the indirect but incredibly meaningful help of Mr. Brown.”
— Anonymous

 

“Thank you, Mr. Brown, for opening my eyes and teaching me to articulate. Through you I learned to connect my thoughts to my words and do so productively and thoughtfully. Because of this, I think of you in every remark I give, every question of faith I face, and every good book I read. Thank you for your profound impact in such little time. You never knew just how much you changed my mind, and my life.”
— Anonymous

 

“I truly thank Mr. Brown both as my dorm parent and as my Hum 5 teacher. I used to have these lengthy conversations with him when he was on duty or during his extra help sections and we shared many memories together. A lot of times listening to his perspectives on various topics gives me new ideas and new understandings. Something I have always been thankful and grateful to him for is that he changed my perspective on literature and truly gave me confidence in my writing and helped me improve tremendously. I have always thought of myself as a math and science person, and I hated analyzing fiction, especially through the form of an essay. He changed that whole perception for me. He explained to me how humanities and sciences are not that different after all. Everything should be approached in a similar fashion; the difference is the choice in words. This might seem absurd to many, but that helped me find a new way to approach my writing. He sometimes even explained essay writing in computer science terms to illustrate his point. As a result, I have grown tremendously as a writer. For that, I cannot express enough thanks. Mr. Brown always has this magic; his teaching style is unique. He makes learning so much fun. He can turn the most complicated things into funny examples that makes understanding the concept way easier. His class is always fun. It is hard to imagine a class of his without some good laughter. His various exaggerated reactions during class always gave the class a good chuckle. We learn so much while we are having fun. What is not love about that? I think anyone who has had Mr. Brown before can easily feel his passion for teaching and his care for every one of us both academically and as a person. It is also hard not to feel his genuine love for the job and the community. I was so lucky to have him as a teacher and a dorm parent. Mr. Brown, you will truly be missed.”
— Anonymous

 

“Although I never knew Mr. Brown personally, I always saw him with a bright smile on his face, greeting everyone on the paths. His presence provided a sense of comfort and joy. Even during the lunch block, he took the time out of his day to provide help to students in the reading room at Schoolhouse. I saw Mr. Brown as a true SPS leader who inspired, respected, and guided others with his words of wisdom.”
— Anonymous