Fond Farewells to Two of MiraCosta’s Best

By Mary Gross, FA President

On July 26, family, friends, and colleagues gathered at an outdoor chapel on the grounds of Mission San Luis Rey to pay tribute and offer heartfelt remembrances of our founding FA President, Brad Byrom. It was a beautiful celebration of Brad’s life and accomplishments as a son, brother, partner, friend, father, historian, and faculty leader. One of his dearest friends, retiree Jonathan Cole was asked to read the eulogy for the family. We all learned a bit more about Brad and his love of sports, coaching, and travels. This was followed by heartfelt tributes by MiraCostans Julie Cord, Lesley Doig, Dana Smith, and once again, Jonathan. The themes were evident… Brad was well liked, served as a mentor to many, identified and nurtured future leaders, and was a beloved instructor and faculty leader. At his core, he gave of himself to make gains for the faculty he served. After the service, we gathered for a luncheon where numerous administrators, past and present, faculty colleagues, and Board members reminisced about Brad and how much he meant to the college and the large legacy he leaves behind.

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Then on August 25, the MiraCosta family gathered at the San Elijo Ecological Reserve and Nature Center to remember and honor Biology instructor and former STEM Center Coordinator Raymond Clark who passed away in the spring. It was a picture perfect day with many MCC faculty, staff, retirees, administrators, and students coming together to share special memories of Raymond and partake in a nature walk that was led by two of the center’s naturalists. Many commented on Raymond’s love of the outdoors, his birdwatching prowess, and joy in all things nature. Raymond was clearly loved and admired by those he worked with and taught, with many comments about his inquisitive mind, his curiosity, and his unequivocal commitment to students. He loved his work with students and his colleagues alike. His warm nature and concern for others will be sorely missed.