Posted by H.A. "Spike" Flertzheim, Jr. Class of 53 - M-2 on June 24, 2009:

Pat, Betty and I send our deepest condolences to you and to your family. You lost a wonderful person who epitomized everything a West Point graduate, husband and father should be - kind, considerate, competent and dedicated to his country. We are thinking of you, and will say prayers for him, and for all of you who he left behind. Jack Brinsko was a great human being, and the best West Point roommate and friend I could ever have hoped for. We roomed together the last three years, and became very close. The "Old Bear" and I struggled through the Russian language course, and all the other experiences that come with four years at the Academy. Haydon Grubbs, the "Mouse" was right on in describing the wonderful First Class year we three spent together. I, too, watched Jack fall in love with you, Pat, and you were truly the love of his life. I remember the fun we had together double dating. Upon graduation, when Jack married you, it was truly a match made in heaven. Jack and I saw each other through the Basic Course, and a couple of times in Korea. Later, when I married Betty, he was my Best Man, and the two of you brightened our wedding in countless ways. Jack left the Army and had an outstanding career as a civil engineer and construction manager. However, his years in the Middle East caused him to become a "lost" classmate, so we couldn't communicate. When we finally saw Jack and Pat again at our 50th Class Reunion, it was as if we had seen them only a short time before. It seemed that they hadn't changed at all and we spent many hours happily reminiscing. I also learned he had built a petroleum complex in La Specia, Italy, which Betty and I had seen. What a small world. Jack - Well done! The world is a poorer place without you. We all miss you. - Spike

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