LESLIE BREZAK
1945~2005
Appreciations
On October 20, the
Kansai area lost a faithful friend. Leslie Brezak,
professor of English at Nishinomiya's Shukugawa Gakuin
University, was a native of Brooklyn, New York, who lived
in Japan for "thurdy two yiz," A dedicated and flamboyant
educator, Leslie discarded theory "and taught from the
heart." I once stood in awe and envy as his students
acclaimed him "the greatest teacher of all time."
We will remember Leslie for his kindness as well as his
endurance. Shortly after marriage, his wife Kyoko became
sick, and began a lifelong struggle with the ups and downs
of cancer. An uncompromising nurse, Leslie was constantly
at her side. When Kyoko finally succumbed in 2003, Leslie
talked of visiting Lhasa, Tibet. Six weeks later, the
travel plans were abruptly thwarted when he himself was
diagnosed with advanced abdominal cancer. He underwent
surgery, began chemotherapy, and with indomitable strength,
struggled and fought each and every day.
Apart from teaching, Leslie's other love was the Jewish
Community of Kansai and its synagogue, Ohel Shelomo--of
which he was always the shadow president. He left his Kyoto
home and beloved Japan for the last time in early
September, and passed away at his sister's home in New
Jersey, surrounded by his mother, sons Jun and Ryoji, and
companion Tomoko. Leslie's devotion and professionalism
will continue to inspire his friends and colleagues, and
his star will perpetually shine in the thousands of
students touched by his enthusiasm, his love.
Michael H. Fox
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Expatriates
in Japan have to balance their native identities with the
demands of a different culture, shedding and retaining
parts of themselves while absorbing aspects of a new
society. It is a demanding task, carried out succesfully by
relatively few people. Leslie Brezak, a long-time resident
of Kyoto who passed away on October 19 at the age of 60,
navigated this route with rare style and grace.
Leslie had spent the last seventeen years in a dual
struggle with cancer. His wife Kyoko succumbed after
fourteen years of fighting breast-cancer and less than
three months after she died, Leslie was diagnosed with
advanced stomach cancer and immediately hospitalized. It
was a cruel twist of fate but as usual, Leslie acted in a
manner that only garnered admiration.
Leslie, "from the great state of Brooklyn New York, "was an
avid Dodger fan during his youth. He loved maps, and
throughout the 1960s and 1970s he traveled extensively
throughout the world, especially Asia. He developed a love
of people, stories, languages, jokes, and adventure. Not
only could Leslie tell a great story, but he was also a
great listener.
He settled in Kyoto in 1974, at age 29, living in front of
the mountain Daimonji. Later, asked why he stayed in Japan,
came the answer "I met a pretty girl and that’s all she
wrote."
Professor of English at Shukugawa Women’s College in
Nishinomiya for 27 years, his real specialty was
communication. His main concern was students’ well being
and there was no one who had a finer touch at bringing out
the best in each and every one.
Blessed with an ability to make everybody feel important
and loved, he drew admiration for the love and devotion he
showered upon his wife Kyoko during the many years of her
various illnesses. Those who knew Leslie were always in awe
of the great compassion, patience, and care he gave to
Kyoko.
Apart from his work, Leslie's other love was the Jewish
Community of Kansai, and its synagogue Ohel Shlomo. His
favorite biblical quote was the prophet Micha (6:8): Act
justly, show mercy, and walk humbly in the shadow of the
lord.” He lived his life according to these simple
precepts, and touched everyone he met with love and
kindness.
A truly fine man has moved on. He will be greatly missed by
all who had the great fortune to know him.
Charles
Wiz