Fredrick "Fritz" Briscoe

We first met Fritz in 1976 when I was teaching special education in Spring Lake, MI and Fritz showed up as the college supervisor for my student teacher from CMU. He talked about this special camp in the U.P. (Bay Cliff) and lured us into looking at that for summer employment. We went up that summer and for the next 5 years until my teaching career gave way to school administration and we could no longer spend our summers up north. During our time at Bay Cliff, Fritz was a mentor, a coach...

The first time I met Fritz was right before I student taught at Grandville I. in 1988. At that time he was a professor and I a student. Our relationship quickly grew into a lasting friendship with mutual respect. Fritz was funny, intelligent, loyal, dedicated and committed to making a difference in the world. Additionally he was wise. Still today, when facing a difficult decision I think what would Fritz do.

Fritz was at the hospital for the birth of our three children. He was...

On a June 1975 foggy morning, Fritz was the first person to greet me in the parking lot as I had arrived a little tardy at Bay Cliff for staff orientation. With his beaming smile and upbeat personality I knew that Bay Cliff would be a positive experience. Fritz was a mentor who encouraged me to pursue graduate school as a reading specialist and special educator/resource specialist by writing a letter of recommendation to NMU. Fritz was a gracious host to staff and neighbors at his cabin on...

Fritz was my student teacher supervisor in 1983. He was so instrumental in helping me start my teacher career with a strong, positive outlook. Fritz gave me confidence and on-point training during the brief time I was privileged to work with him. What a huge contribution to education he made. My condolences to his family and his many friends.

Fritz was an amazing man!!! He had a heart of gold and made everyone around him smile!!! He was ALWAYS doing things for other people. I met Fritz when he came into True Value to have a piece of equipment fixed. He brought his snowblower and mower to me every spring and fall. We laughed and talked every time he stopped by. He sent beauty letters thanking us for helping him, but he was always helping me!!! Even if he never knew. He wrote a very special letter thanking us for helping him, when...

Cherished colleague at Mich State University and close friend. I will miss him, as will all of his students and colleagues. You are the greatest, Fritz!

Heartfelt condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Keep his memories close at heart.

Rest In Peace, Fritz ... you have always been a shining star in the lives of your students and colleagues. We accomplished great things at CMU as a Student Teaching Department. Your support and good works led to CMU being the finest and largest producers of teachers in the nation .
Our personal connections have lasted 48 years ...

Bless you , my friend and colleague .

Michael Wolfe

Love this guy. He always had open arms and an open heart! The best