EDITOR’s NOTE: ‘Shining Brightly’ author and internationally known advocate for families struggling with life-threatening cancer, Howard Brown, reflected on his own passing before his untimely death from cancer in late May, 2025. As it turned out, we all are discovering that Howard—in his unique way—prepared some gifts for his many friends to discover after his passing. One of those was the ReadTheSpirit Cover Story last week, featuring an inspiring text called “I’ll be there,” which he wrote during his days in hospice. Because of the unique circumstances of Howard’s passing—after a long period in isolation with the Harvard medical staff—the news of his death spread slowly. That meant many readers did not learn of his passing until our June 9 Cover Story.
At our magazine’s home office, we received an outpouring of phone calls, emails and even physical cards and letters about how much Howard meant to families. As we continue to receive these inspiring messages, we decided to publish one of them this week—with the permission of author Martin Davis, who Howard got to know while Martin was finishing his 30 Days with America’s High School Coaches. Howard loved sports, played basketball even in the final months of his life and played a small but important role in Martin’s book, as well.
By MARTIN DAVIS
Author of 30 Days with America’s High School Coaches
What makes some of us “shine bright,” while others of us—dare I say most of us—are, shall I say, of a less-optimistic disposition?
I’ve often thought about that since Howard Brown came into my life. We were connected by David Crumm when I was working on my first book. And after its release, I was honored to be the first guest on his Shining Brightly podcast.
There was always something about Howard that never made sense to me. Despite bouts with cancer, a business career that took him from the heights to the pits and back to the heights, and living with the reality his own death was imminent when cancer returned, Howard was always bright.
Like a lot of creative people, I’ve rarely experienced the optimism that Howard lived daily.
Why was Howard’s demeanor so up in times of difficulty? Whey do most of us struggle to get up even when things are going well?
I wish that I could have asked Howard that. I don’t know if he would have answered.
Howard’s “brightly shining” personality is not something he developed — it was just who he was.
In the same way, we are all—in large measure, I suspect—just who we are.
Why was Howard so upbeat?
As we remember him today, it’s the wrong question to ask.
We should count ourselves fortunate that for a time, we could be lifted by his passion for life, his confidence in people, and his belief that in the end, things will get better.
And we should count ourselves fortunate that Howard was here to encourage us—if for too short a while.
Whatever is on the other side, I’m sure Howard’s light will be there to guide us there.
Martin Davis, Editor-in-Chief, Fredericksburg, Virginia, Advance