By Michael Caruso
At the Federal Public Defender's office, Judge Brannon had a well-earned reputation for his intelligence, kindness, and graciousness—as a colleague and a judge. Those qualities, among others, were celebrated yesterday by his family, friends, and former colleagues.
First, Chief Judge Altonaga offered introductory remarks that focused on Judge Brannon's service to his country in his different capacities. Judge Middlebrooks then spoke and revealed to the audience his warm affection for Juge Brannon in addition to reading the moving tribute to the judge that the Eleventh Circuit adopted after his passing.
Judge Brannon's career law clerk, Jessica Rodriguez, then delivered a heartfelt tribute that focused on his mentorship of her and his other clerks—both in law and life. During her remarks, to demonstrate Judge Brannon's generosity and kindness, she played an audio clip of the judge helping her young son learn Japanese.
Finally, Judge Brannon's wife, Dr. Pamela Brannon, spoke. She shared with us several stories about how they met, a date at the Dade County Fair, an awkward dinner with friends, and a meeting with Justice O'Connor. These stories demonstrated their strong and loving bond as well as Judge Brannon's humanity.
Dr. Brannon ended her remarks by sharing a quote she found in Judge Brannon's highlighted copy of The Count of Monte Cristo. Of course. After all, the novel revolves around a sailor who was falsely accused, arrested, and imprisoned without trial.
The quote is worth reproducing here: "the friends that we have lost do not repose in the bosom of the earth, but are buried deep in our hearts, and it has been thus ordained that we may always be accompanied by them."
Truth. Rest in Peace Dave.
9 comments:
Thanks for sharing. Very nicely written. Judge Brannon will be missed.
Henry
WOW well done by all. Love The Count quote
Thank you for sharing this. What a wonderful write-up of a meaningful event honoring Judge Brannon and his many accomplishments. He meant so much to so many. May he continue resting peacefully.
Do people “rest peacefully”? Or is it like Steve Jobs said? It’s tuning off the power switch on a computer. All goes dark. There’s no peace or no peace to the end. It’s just the end.
What a wonderful man, federal public defender, magistrate judge, and friend. My family and I were fortunate enough to know Judge Dave Brannon and receive his kindness and generosity. My son, Wesley Wallace was given the opportunity to intern for Judge Brannon while a law student at NSU. My son stated that interning for Judge Brannon was an honor and privilege. Not just because of what he was but who he was as a person. I witnessed his compassion toward the accused and convicted in his courtroom. He treated the defendants with dignity and respect. He demonstrated that they matter and should be given a voice. His love for fairness and goodness touched me. He gave my son the opportunity not just to intern for a federal magistrate judge, but the opportunity to intern for such a giving and loving man. Thank You Judge Dave
Dave is dearly missed by our family. It was always a pleasure being with him and enjoying his wit in our discussions both worldly and mundane. The quote on death is fitting. Dave will always be carried with me.
12:20: What a moving tribute. Maybe we should just all kill ourselves. Time to go back to the therapist
His accomplishments speak for themselves. But he seriously was one of the nicest and devoted person I have ever met
Those new Mags can't even light a candle to Dave! They don't make them like that anymore.
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