Obituary for Dr. Brian Focht

Condolence From: Melinda Hill, North Fort Myers, Florida
Condolence: My prayers to Laura, Brittany, and Alyssa during this difficult time. Brian was my doctoral advisor. As a non-traditional student who worked full-time at OSUCCC, his “I got your back” attitude is what got me through my terminal degree. That was the kind of guy he was. My husband and I have fond memories of watching him compete as well. Rest in peace Dr F, you’re gone far too soon.

Melinda Hill

Condolence From: Katye Miller, Dublin, Ohio
Condolence: I am deeply saddened to hear of the immense loss of Brian. I had the honor to work with Brian at OSU and "reporting" to him directly for several years (It never felt like I was a subordinate with his leadership style). He was so kind, genuine, supportive, and was willing to share insights in challenging situations. He was a "go-to" person for me. I valued him as a colleague, and will remember his wise insights and how to navigate those difficult situations. In our meetings, he spoke a lot about his girls, and you could tell how proud he was of them.

Brian will be missed, yet his wisdom, kindness, and humility will live on forever in my mind and actions. After the service today, I listened to the Goo Goo Dolls in honor of him! Thank you to the family for sharing him all of these years, and for opening up a space for us all to mourn the loss.

Condolence From: Rich Bruno, Dublin, Ohio
Condolence: Brian was a compassionate, thoughtful, and talented colleague, scholar, and leader. His approach to excellence, whether it be fitness, academia, or being a wonderful person will be dearly missed. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Focht family and those who were fortunate enough to be in Brian's presence.

Condolence From: Carol Reinhard, Kutztown, Pa
Condolence: Brian grew up as neighbors of ours. Parents were good friends of ours. So sad when someone is so young.

Condolence From: Laurice Joseph, Beavercreek Township, Ohio
Condolence: Dear Brian's family,

Brian was a great scholar, a caring person, and a diligent leader for our department (Educational Studies). My prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Warm Regards,
Laurice Joseph

Condolence From: Eric Anderman, Worthington, OH
Condolence: I am so deeply saddened by this news. I have known Brian as a faculty member at OSU for years, but this past year I got to know him on a more personal level. Brian was a truly generous, kind, compassionate leader. He deeply cared about the well being of students, faculty, and staff. Sending my sincere condolences to the Focht family.

Condolence From: Kelly Crawford, Columbus, OH
Condolence: Brian was a valued colleague and will be deeply missed. He would always share stories about his daughters, I always looked forward to his updates. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family. So sorry for your loss.

Condolence From: Tasha Snyder, Columbus, OH
Condolence: Brian was a wonderful human being. He was brilliant, kind, caring, and an amazing colleague and leader. I am heartbroken by his passing, I will miss him very much. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, and to our entire community.

Condolence From: Peter Paul, Westerville, Ohio
Condolence: I am deeply saddened and still in shock about the passing of Brian.

After Brian was appointed Interim Department Chair of Educational Studies, our initial meeting was at Fitness 19 in Westerville. He called out my name as I was leaving and he was entering the facility. Apparently, both of us have been patrons of Fitness 19 for a number of years. Several of the Fitness 19 patrons, including the owner, knew and enjoyed interacting with Brian, who exhibited wonderful people skills, which came in handy for his leadership positions.

Brian was a kind, considerate soul—extremely conscientious, committed, and passionate about his universe. Brian was one of the few individuals whose character reminded me of a maxim attributed to Lao Tzu: “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love”.

I’ll keep Brian’s family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.

Peter V. Paul

Condolence From: Laura Justice, Columbus, oh
Condolence: We will dearly miss Brian at OSU. He was an amazing leader: kind, humble, considerate, and thoughtful. There is a huge hole in our community that cannot be filled. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. We are thinking of your family at every moment.

Condolence From: Thomas Templin, Lafayette, IN
Condolence: Brian was one of the "good guys"! He was wonderful contributor to the American Kinesiology Association (AKA), the field of Kinesiology, and of course, to the Ohio State University. I will miss his warm and supportive personality. On behalf of the American Kinesiology Associaton, I send our deepest condolences to your family, his friends, and his colleagues at OSU. Tom Templin, Executive Director, AKA.

Condolence From: Laurie Katz, Columbus
Condolence: I'm so sad to hear about Brian's passing. My heart goes out to his family & friends.

Condolence From: Kema Ayers Jones, Columbus, OH
Condolence: Laura and family, you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Praying that your memories bring smiles and comfort in these difficult times.

Condolence From: Rhodesia McMillian, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: My sincerest condolences to the Focht family. Brian was a great scholar and a caring leader; he will be missed. The Focht family will continue to be in my prayers.

Condolence From: Shelly Powers, Carey, OH
Condolence: Laura is a wonderful leader in the ALA community. It breaks my heart that she has lost her best friend. Prayers for Laura and her daughters. My deepest sympathy.

Condolence From: Drew Hanks, Dublin, OH
Condolence: Words cannot express my condolences to Brian's family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Brian was an excellent colleague and will be dearly missed.

Condolence From: Carolyn Gunther, Bexley, Ohio
Condolence: Dr. Focht was a one-of-a-kind faculty in being both a talented/productive scientist/teacher and a leader who operated with the highest level of integrity. This is an incredibly rare and honorable combination of qualities in today's academy; he will be missed sorely. Sending love and prayerful support to his family who - as many of us here at OSU always knew - was the most important thing to him.

Condolence From: Elaine Torrie, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: Brian's passing is such a loss. I served with him on several committees and found him to be so kind, attentive, and supportive. It didn't matter what someone's rank or title was, Brian treated everyone with kindness and fairness. He was so helpful and responsive. He truly was a class act and I'm so glad to have known him.

Condolence From: Eric Trexler, Raleigh, NC
Condolence: I'm so terribly sad to hear about Brian's passing. I was fortunate to take Brian's class as an undergraduate student at OSU. His support and encouragement had a major impact on my life, and I know that his kindness impacted many others like me. I hope Brian's friends and family can find comfort in this challenging time.

Condolence From: Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, Bexley, Ohio
Condolence: I am deeply saddened to hear of Brian's passing. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Brian was a wonderful colleague and we shared a love for all things Halloween. I will think of Brian every year in October, without a doubt.

Condolence From: Antoinette Errante, Columbus, OH
Condolence: I was heartbroken to hear of Brian's passing. He was a kind and thoughtful leader and colleague who seemed to instinctively know how to put someone at ease. His scholarship improved the lives of so many people with chronic illnesses, including mine. I am holding the Focht family close to my heart in the days ahead.

Condolence From: John & Jan Taylor, Caldwell, NJ
Condolence: It's with a heavy heart to learn of Brian's passing. We have fond memories of Brian lifeguarding at Estling Lake in Denville, NJ during his pre-college years. Best wishes to his family.

Condolence From: Sally Kuebler, Coker, Alabama
Condolence: Dear Girls
My heart is breaking for the three of you. I can't believe that Brian is not with us. Brian was a man willing to do anything to make lives better for the people around him. He was and will always be that man who stood up for anyone in need. Brian you will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you, and loving you. Rest in Peace my old friend.

Condolence From: Trevor Gouge, Perkasie, PA
Condolence: My heart is heavy after learning of Brian’s passing. One of my college roommates and pledge brother, so many memories of our ESU days together that I will cherish. Laura, I’m so deeply sorry for and your girls. Rest easy my friend…

Condolence From: Sam Soufi, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: Dr. Focht was an inspiration to me and always treated me with kindness and support. I wouldn't be where I am without him.

Condolence From: Elaine Richardson, Blacklick, Franklin
Condolence: Dr. Focht always greeted me with kindness and respect. He will be missed. I pray the comfort of the family, close friends and students at this time of sadness.

Condolence From: Craig and Ruth Young, Estling lake, Nj
Condolence: Keeping you and the girls in our prayers. When Brian called me mom, it touched my heart. He was like a son to us