As I reflect upon the passing of Robert "Bob" "Bookie" Brown, I am reminded of the numerous ways in which our paths overlapped.

I first knew Bob as the older brother of an East Orange High School schoolmate, Rudy.  Years later, I knew him as a fellow attorney when we both practiced law in Essex County.  Subsequently, when I entered the New Jersey State Legislature, Bob was Mayor Brown of Orange, one of the towns within the district I represented. A few years later, Bob was my legislative colleague as he too, was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly for the 27th district. We spent many hours sitting next to each other in the chambers of the General Assembly.

Once I left the Legislature to join  Governor Florio's Cabinet, I did not  see Bob as much.  It was not until I returned to New Jersey from Florida that our paths crossed for one last time. That was almost 6 years ago when I spoke before the East Orange Board of Adjustment regarding a housing project planned for my parents' block. Bob was the attorney for the Board. He had lost his eyesight and had to be guided to his seat. I had occupied that same seat for years as one of the Board's previous attorneys.  I was initially taken aback when I saw Bob. He was much slighter in physical stature than he had been in the years our paths had crossed before. However, I quickly realized that he continued to be the intelligent, quick -witted, colleague I had known for so many decades. Even when his sight had darkened, his personality and his strength were bright. When I went up to  greet him after the hearing, he recognized my voice and  began to joke with me as he always had. The Bob Brown I had known as an attorney, mayor, state legislator, and colleague, continued to have a presence that was extra special.

A I reflect upon the life and passing of Robert "Bob" "Bookie" Brown, I realize how many times our lives crossed. It was an honor to know him, to serve with him, and to be his colleague in so many arenas. Bob proved by example, that despite the challenges life presents to us, we still have choice in how we will live and who we will continue to be.

Dr. Stephanie Bush-Baskette is a former Assemblywoman and Commissioner of Community Affairs.  She is currently the Director of the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies at Rutgers University.