Brian R. Cody of Weymouth, Massachusetts was a teacher of Business Technology at Assabet Regional Vocational High School and very active in the Young Adult Ministry of Boston and One With One, Inc. of Brighton.

At age 39, he was taken from us by ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

During his relatively short life on earth, he accomplished many things, had lots of fun, and touched many lives. He devoted his life to building and sustaining relationships. The magnitude of this accomplishment was never more fully understood than when hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate his life. Many of us felt we were part of a huge "patchwork quilt" with each 'patch' or 'life' connected to the others by the common gold thread of Brian's life.

A priority permeating his life's actions was his goal to become closer to God by continually developing his faith and living it through care, compassion, and service to others. Focusing on this priority led him to shift from the private work sector, 8 years prior to his death, for the less lucrative, yet more fulfilling teaching profession.

He cared deeply about each of his students, and tried to instill in them not only business and computer skills, but also the importance of putting these skills to use for the benefit of those around them. Through his example of living life with energy, faith and perseverance, he taught them many lessons that will help them to be successful and happy in life. He shared that same love and inspiration with his friends and family. We are all continuing to learn from his example. Brian showed us what it meant to put life's challenges and joys into perspective.

In keeping with his life priority, Brian was

• a teacher focusing on the individual needs of each student and working tirelessly in leading the Assabet Valley Chapter of the Distributive Education Clubs of America to new heights in membership and activities.
• a volunteer with One with One. This organization forms partnerships between new immigrants and volunteers to enable the newcomers to learn English and cope more easily with life in their new country.
• one of the founding members of the Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston and the originator and first editor of the newsletter "Footprints" (circulation now in the thousands).
• an empathetic ear, a reliable support, a caring friend and an inspiration to many.

Brian grew up in Abington, MA with his twin brother and three sisters. He graduated from Abington High School in 1974 and from Nichols College in 1978. During those years, sports played a big part in his activities: Youth, High School, College and Semi-Pro baseball; Youth and High School Football; Boston Ski and Sports Club Softball and New England Rugby Leagues.

Brian always had a 'full plate' of activities throughout his life. Up until his death, he made the most of each moment and always maintained his enthusiasm for life: "I live each day fully, joyfully, and hopefully, thanking God for all the blessings in life". "I am genuinely happy. "

During his lifetime, Brian did receive deserved recognition for some of his unselfish contributions to others.

• Christifideles Laici Papal Award for outstanding witness to the vocation and mission of the Lay faithful in the Church and the World. The award now bears his name.
• One With One, Inc. Partnership Award for many years of service and commitment.
• United Way Award for Volunteerism
• Old Gold Rugby Club Hall of Fame
• Boston Ski and Sports Club All-Star
• Nichols College Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award signifying outstanding accomplishments in his profession.