Page 59 - The EDGE Winter 2025

"Brian Mee was a special, caring person. When my just a couple.” I hitched a ride with Chuck to and
wife Joanne passed away last May 15, Brian and from the conference, had a fulfilling experience,
Chuck Essigs attended her funeral mass. I thought wrote a couple articles, and even had dinner at the
they left after the service, but Brian stayed for the same table with Brian, his wife Colleen and their
afternoon reception. I didn’t know he was there daughter Heather. Sadly, my wife and Heather had
until I saw him leaving at the end of the day, and he rooms a few doors from each other at Mayo Hospital
probably didn’t know any of the others who attended. in their fight against cancer. Brian was a wonderful
I felt bad about not spending some time with him individual and a caring, compassionate friend."
and called him a day or so later to apologize. Of -Don Harris, AASBO Writer & Editor
course, Brian graciously said there was no need
to apologize. Then he asked if I was planning to
attend the AASBO Summer Conference in Tucson. Ref lections on Leadership
Because I had told Brian earlier in the year that November 4, 2024
after 22 years, I would no longer write articles for "Character makes trust possible, and trust is the foundation
The Edge, but would continue to edit, there was no of leadership." -John C. Maxwell
need to attend conferences. Well, Brian being Brian In the quest for being a great leader, this quote from
knew I was alone and not happy, suggested I attend John Maxwell captures a deep truth that resonates
the conference and write “a couple of articles.” At across time and cultures.
previous summer conferences I had written at least Character, the pillar upon which trust is built, is more
eight articles covering breakout sessions and keynote than just a set of values. It’s the consistent behaviors
speakers, so I asked: “Just a couple?” He said, “Yes, that reflect who we are at our core. A leader with

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