John Hartley Brodie

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John Brodie Obituary

JOHN HARTLEY BRODIE

John Hartley Brodie, 36, a theoretical physicist, accidentally drowned on January 28, 2006 near Brattleboro, VT where he was residing. He was born in Worcester, MA and graduated from Atholton High School in Howard County. He went on to receive his B.S and M.S. degrees from Cornell University in physics. He then took a year off from his studies to travel around the world, mainly in the Far East, where he developed an interest in Eastern philosophies and religions. He returned to continue his studies at Princeton University where he received a Ph.D. degree in theoretical physics in 1998. He went on to do research on string theory, first at the Stanford University Linear Accelerator and then at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Brodie published research papers in peer-review journals on this subject. In 2004, he took a leave from his research to teach at the Monteverde Friends School in Costa Rica. While there, he traveled to Nicaragua to help Habitat for Humanity construct housing for poor inhabitants. Over the years, Dr. Brodie became an avid environmentalist, a strict vegetarian and an anti-war activist. His avocations included playing his guitar, camping, cycling and meditation. Survivors include his parents, Drs. Harry and Angela Brodie of Fulton, MD, his brother Mark and his wife Amy and their two children of the Los Angeles area. Funeral services will be held on February 11 at 2 p.m. at Friends Meeting House, 17715 Meetinghouse Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860, followed by a reception in the Community House.

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Published by The Washington Post on Feb. 8, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for John Brodie

11 Entries

Virginia Elkins

October 13, 2006

My family and I wish to send our condolences in the loss of your son and brother. His life sounds like he was very fulfilled in his ambitions. May you find peace in the memories of his life.

Dina Allison

March 9, 2006

Dear Brodie family,

I only just heard today of your loss, and I was so shocked. I considered John a close friend in high school. After reading about his life, I realize that he contributed so much to the lives of so many during his short time here with us. I am sorry I lost touch with him; John was an amazing man. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Lynne Phillips

February 21, 2006

Dear Brodie family,

I never knew John, nor had ever heard of him. The story of his life, which was posted on a Quaker e-group, has touched me. I am a Quaker and have lived the search for God and meaning in this existence as John and many other Quakers have done. He looked into the heart of the physical universe with his physics and into the heart of the spiritual universe with his meditation and studies. A loss for you and for humanity.

Blessings,

Lynne Phillips

Argenta MM, Canadian YM

Frances Herbert - Poma

February 19, 2006

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Brodie,

Thank you for raising such a compassionate child. I saw John at Meeting but never talked with him. I appreciated his thoughtful reflections. He reached out to people in a noble way. My memory of him will fuel me to hopefully do the same. Blessings to you as you adjust to this loss.

Sincerely, Frances

Michael Harper

February 14, 2006

Dear Harry and Angela,

I was sorry to hear of your loss. Unfortunately, I did not find out until today and so was unable to attend the memorial meeting.

All my sympathy,

Mike

Libby Carlson

February 10, 2006

Dear Brodies,

By all accounts it sounds as though John was an exraordinary individual who lived life passionately and completely. You are all in my thoughts.

Jerry Benedict

February 10, 2006

It seems we knew only a fragment of John's life. His achievements and experiences were astounding. An impressive and lovable individual not to be forgotten.

Columbia, Missouri

Rebecca Zimmerman

February 8, 2006

I never met John and never knew of him until I read his obituary. I have never before offered condolences to a family of a person I never heard of, but feel compelled to do so now. I just wanted to say that the brief story of his life touched me deeply—the obvious fullness of a life so well-lived, of a person who seemed to have such a sense of self and purpose resonated deeply with me. I, too, am a Ph.D. scientist; I, too, am an environmentalist and vegetarian; and I, too, took a year off to travel the Far East. But although there are some parallels, John’s life deviates from mine in that he was obviously a person to whom life didn’t just happen, but rather someone who created his life by making choices that reflected his beliefs and values. I am very sorry for what must be a terrible loss for your family, and just wanted you to know that his life has inspired this stranger to think about her life, and promise to herself to try to live more consciously.

Alfred A. Orentas

February 8, 2006

Dear Angela and Harry - My heartfelt sympathies on the death of John. Death is never easy to take especially when your child dies before you. May you find hope in the knowledge that his suffering is over and may you receive healing and comfort in the midst of your grief.

Kathleen Prewitt

February 8, 2006

Dear Angela and Harry - I was so sorry to hear of John's death. I remember how proud Angela was when John was trying to decide between med school and going on with physics. May God give all of you peace after the suffering of the past few years. Kathleen

Kevin and Bonnie Brodie

February 8, 2006

John will be sorely missed. It is truly unfortunate that we did not get to spend time together in our later years. I will always cherish the memories of our childhood visits. I take solace that you are now in peace.

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