Truly A Remarkable Person

Dear Friends of Brookfield Academy,

I regret to inform you that after a long and courageous battle against cancer, Brookfield Academy’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, W. Stewart Davis III, died on December 13, 2009. Stew was elected Chairman of the Board in 1989.

Stew Davis was the son of Brookfield Academy founders Walter S. Davis and Betty Grede Davis, husband of Sandy Davis, and father to Brian Davis ’94 and Cynthia Davis ‘98. Stew was one of 33 students in attendance when Brookfield Academy, then The Academy of Basic Education, opened its doors on September 10, 1962.

Stew will be remembered for many admirable qualities exemplifying the Academy’s Five Stars, but none more than his unabashed love and commitment to the school’s ideals and vision. His vision and determination to turn dreams into realities were the driving force behind the Academy’s many successes.

I was blessed, as Head of School, to partner with Stew for 17 years along this glorious path of Brookfield Academy’s expansion and achievements. He was truly a remarkable person whose passion for the school was evident in his voice when speaking of the school and in his eyes when proudly walking the campus. Addressing the faculty and staff each year before school began, Stew always concluded his remarks with great conviction, saying, “I promise you this will be the best year ever in the history of Brookfield Academy.”

Sadly, Stew will not be here for the Patriots Hall ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 31, 2010, an event he so wanted to experience. When we celebrate the opening of the building, Stew’s presence will be seen and felt in the enthusiasm and pride we will share, along with our gratitude for his unparalleled and selfless efforts to raise the necessary funds to construct this impressive Upper School building.

As I spoke with him last week, I mentioned that Patriots Hall is nearing completion and will be ready for classes in January. He struggled to form a response. His daughter, Cindy, asked, “Dad, did you say, ‘Dreams come true’?” With a smile on his face and a glint in his eye, Stew gave me the thumbs up sign.

Funeral arrangements are scheduled with visitation on Friday, December 18th, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., at the Becker Ritter Funeral Home, 14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, and the memorial service on Saturday, December 19th, 3 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, 1511 Church St., Wauwatosa. A reception will follow at the church.

Yes, Stew, thanks to you, this will be the best year ever in the history of Brookfield Academy. We commit ourselves to doing everything in our power to advance the good name of Brookfield Academy as Stew so often challenged us to do. We ask that you please keep the family in your prayers at this difficult time.

Bob Solsrud, Ed.D.
Head of School

http://www.jsonline.com/news/obituaries/79373252.html