Bruce Breimer

BREIMER--Bruce. Collegiate School mourns the loss of Bruce Breimer '63 - the Boss - alumnus, faculty member, and Trustee, who dedicated nearly his entire life to the school he loved so deeply. From first entering Collegiate as a pre-primary student in 1949 to his graduation in 1963; then, from 1970 to his retirement in 2007, as a member of the faculty, where he was a consummate teacher of history, a passionate coach, a peerless and legendary director of college guidance, and, during the last two years of his 37-year tenure, Principal of the School; to his tenure on the Board of Trustees, from 2007 to 2012. Bruce's involvement with Collegiate spanned a remarkable 60 years, and it is safe to say that no one had as extensive an institutional memory or network of Collegiate connections as he did. He brought an equal measure of tough love and compassion to over 1000 students he counseled, taught, and coached, striving always to see their whole selves and to be their greatest advocate transforming their lives for the better and earning the lifelong gratitude of generations of alumni. For decades, "Boss," as he was affectionately known, saw in his students their best selves, and was doggedly determined to see them reach their potential. Outspoken, colorful, larger-than-life, he always had Collegiate's best interests at heart, and threw himself into nearly every aspect of the life of the School as an enthusiastic performer in memorable theatrical productions, as a supportive colleague and member of innumerable committees, as an ambassador to alumni and families, and as a tireless booster for all that was best at Collegiate. The Collegiate of today owes a great deal to him and to his legacy of excellence. To his wife, Lorna Doran; to his brother, Stephen Breimer '68; to the alumni, family members, and colleagues whose lives he touched, we offer our deepest condolences. A gathering for family and friends will be held on Thursday, October 23 from 5:00-8:00pm at Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Avenue (corner of 81st Street) in Manhattan. A Memorial service will be held at Collegiate School in the upcoming months. With Sympathy, Jonathan K. Youngwood '85, President, Board of Trustees Bodie Brizendine, Head of School