William (Bill) David Polyak
William (Bill) David Polyak
In Memory of Brian Michael Kocsis
January 15, 1951 - June 08, 2025
It was the first day of grade school and I was instructed to cross the street directly in front of a white, two story house and wait for the St. John's School bus. With my lunch box in hand, a few minutes passed and out of the house came another first grader. He had a happy bounce to his step. As he got closer, his memorable, million dollar smile eased the first school day tensions.
"Hi, I'm Brian Kocsis...nice to meet you"!
From that first introduction came a lifetime of friendship that lasted 68 years.
From early on, neighborhood baseball and football games evolved. We built tree houses and underground forts. We staged mock battles in-line with then, the popular television series, "Combat".
In 6th grade, we were all assigned to write a poem about going to church. Brian's poem, was most memorable, as I recall: He wrote:
"to church on Sunday we must go, through rain, hail, sleet and snow.
to give some money, always in touch,
to our heavenly God, who we love so much". ....."A"!
In 7th grade, I performed my very first school concert with my red Harmony, single cutaway guitar and small amp. I was shy and very nervous. Brian, seeing my apprehension, called me over an said quietly, "you can do it!". Feeling more assured, though my eyes transfixed on my guitar neck, Boogie Woogie in the key E filled the room. I barely noticed, when I heard the unexpected applause. Looking up, Brian softly smiled and nodded an affirmation.
Also that year, we co-sponsored a halloween party in my basement. To my surprise, Brian showed amazing artistic abilities as he free-hand sketched on our backdrops, opening scenes from the
classic 1931 move, Frankenstein. It was impressive and encouraged me to be the artist I am today.
From the other side of our split basement, we built a "spook house" out of large, cut-down cardboard boxes and added eerie music.
We took swimming lessons at Chaney School pool and saw the epic 1959 movie, Ben-Hur.
He was my bud through grade school and part of high school.
It was fun and great times. The learning, growing and experiencing life.
Of course in the process of growing up, we discovered a game changer....girls!
Years later, in our usual banter, Brian asked me, how does this sound? "Kocsis for Congress".
I replied, not bad, but I like better, "Polyak For President". We both laughed. Of course, I was kidding.
Brian and Deb would periodically come out to hear my band, Lord Ashley perform at the Edifice in 1975, a lounge in Crest Hill, Il. Later with another band, at the many large, beer tent venues we played in the late 90's.
Throughout the years, we had numerous guitar jams, sometimes including a drummer and keyboards. The music of The Beatles, Jim Croce, BoDeans and other artists rocked the house.
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He will be missed by all that knew him. Gratefully though, no more pain, discomfort or suffering.
May God bless you Brian, and your beautiful family.
We will meet again and jam like never before. (keep your guitar on stand-by)
Until that time, and rest in peace my dear friend.
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