Senate Resolution No. 2096
BY: Senator KAPLAN
MOURNING the death of Felix A. Brow-Westbrook, a
distinguished citizen and devoted member of the
vibrant art and culture of New York City
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent man of indomitable faith and dedication whose
countless accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and
inspiration for others; and
WHEREAS, Felix A. Brow-Westbrook of Astoria, New York, died on
Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at the age of 29; and
WHEREAS, Felix Alexander Brow-Westbrook was born on September 26,
1989, in Nashua, New Hampshire to young, energetic parents who swept him
into their fun-loving lives; he joined his parents in everything they
did from outdoor music festivals to vintage clothes shopping and
skateboarding; and
WHEREAS, At only two weeks old, he began coming to his mother's
ballet rehearsals at Granite State Ballet, and was backstage for her
Nutcracker performances at 10 weeks old; the music of Tchaikovsky
resonated with him for his entire life; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Felix A. Brow-Westbrook accompanied his parents to
Purchase College where he made an impression on everyone he met;
students, faculty, and staff wrote down his words of wisdom and
cherished the art he created; and
WHEREAS, Six years later, Felix A. Brow-Westbrook moved to Concord,
Massachusetts with his mother who opened a pottery studio, Thoreau 'N'
Clay, that same year; he was an important part of running the studio,
even at just eight years old; and
WHEREAS, During this time, Felix A. Brow-Westbrook blossomed
artistically and in life; he fell in love with art, architecture, and
history; he became an avid reader and thinker, and made some of the
strongest and most enduring friendships; and
WHEREAS, Felix A. Brow-Westbrook was active with the home schooling
community from 6th grade through high school graduation, allowing him to
learn with a depth and breadth not afforded to many young people; and
WHEREAS, Expanding his study of architecture through classes at
Concord-Carlisle High School, MIT, Minuteman Tech, Museum of Science,
Boston Architectural College and Pratt Institute, Felix A.
Brow-Westbrook found his way back to Purchase College to study scenic
design, receiving his degree in Design Technology, Scenic Concentration
in 2011; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his studies, Felix A. Brow-Westbrook
worked as a freelance designer creating scenery and props for dramatic
productions; his most notable work during this time was working at the
Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Felix A. Brow-Westbrook was also an accomplished designer
for window displays, creating windows for Ralph Lauren, Club Monaco and
Tory Burch in their top stores internationally; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary young man truly lived and breathed art;
there was no separation between the two; he continued to create
throughout his hard-fought battle with cancer, creating fashion from
hospital gowns at New York Presbyterian Hospital where he put on fashion
shows for his nurses; and
WHEREAS, In addition, during this time he created headpieces for a
production of Peter Pan at Bard College; and
WHEREAS, Felix A. Brow-Westbrook had an immeasurable love and unique
bond with his siblings Frank, Rebekah, Lillian, Jack and Luke, as well
as his Uncle David; he is also survived by his mother, Elizabeth;
stepfather, Frank; father, Jeffrey; stepmother, Kristin; grandparents,
David and Jill Brow, and Ben and Garnette Westbrook; one aunt, Sarah
(Marc); close friends, Walter Holm and Eli Denby Wood; and many cousins;
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Felix A. Brow-Westbrook leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Felix A. Brow-Westbrook, a distinguished citizen and
devoted member of the vibrant art and culture of New York City; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Felix A. Brow-Westbrook.
