American Screenwriter, Author, Actor, Artist,
Voice-Overs, Martial Artist, Guitarist and Multifaceted Entrepreneur.
American Screenwriter, Author, Actor, Artist,
Voice-Overs, Martial Artist, Guitarist and Multifaceted Entrepreneur.
It was the first day of grade school and I was instructed to cross the street directly in front of a white, two story house and wait for the St. John's School bus. With my lunch box in hand, a few minutes passed and out of the house came another first grader. He had a happy bounce to his step. As he got closer, his memorable, million dollar smile eased the first school day tensions.
"Hi, I'm Brian Kocsis...nice to meet you"!
From that first introduction came a lifetime of friendship that lasted 68 years.
From early on, neighborhood baseball and football games evolved. We built treehouses and underground forts. We staged mock battles in-line with then, the popular television series, "Combat". In seventh grade, we sponsored a halloween party in my basement. To my surprise, Brian showed amazing artistic abilities as he would free-hand sketch our backdrop scenes from the 1931 Frankenstein movie. The inspiration encouraged me to be the amateur artist that I am today. We took swimming lessons together. We went to see the epic Ben Hur movie in 1959. Throughout the years, we had numerous guitar jams.
In 6th grade, we were all assigned to write a poem about going to church. Brian's poem, was most memorable, as I recall: He wrote:
"to church on Sunday we must go, through rain, hail, sleet and snow.
to give some money, always a nice touch,
to our heavenly God, who we love so much". ....."A"!
In 7th grade, I performed my very first school concert with my red Harmony, single cutaway guitar and small amp. I was shy and very nervous. Brian, seeing my apprehension, called me over an said quietly, "you can do it!". Feeling more assured, though my eyes
transfixed on my guitar neck, Boogie Woogie in the key G filled the room. Looking up, Brian softly smiled and nodded an affirmation.
He was my bud through grade school and part of high school.
It was great times. The learning, growing and experiencing life.
Of course in the process of growing up, we discovered a game changer....girls!
Years later, in our usual banter, Brian asked me, how does this sound? "Kocsis for Congress".
I replied, not bad, but I like better, POLYAK FOR PRESIDENT. We both laughed. Of course, I was kidding.
He will be missed. Gratefully though, no more pain, discomfort or suffering.
May God bless you, Brian and your beautiful family. We will meet again and jam like never before.
Until that time, rest in peace my dear friend.
