I first met Warren when arriving at Hudson River State Hospital (the old name of Hudson River Psychiatric Center) in 1969. Warren was the Director of Personnel and I was beginning my residency in Mental Health Administration.
Shortly after my arrival Warren was promoted to the Business Officer position and he provided me the opportunity to temporarily replace him as Director of Personnel. In that role I was quickly confronted with the variety and magnitude of issues Warren had dealt with: union concerns, disciplinary actions, patient complaints, planning and budgetary issues, and meeting Regional and Central Office initiatives and requirements. 
Warren had an open and welcoming management style. He gave everyone latitude to make decisions and then supported them. He was always available for consultation and confronted problems as necessary. The prevailing theme was his encouragement to his staff in their meeting their responsibilities. Warren's style proved effective at Hudson River and he eventually became the top mental health administrator, Deputy Director for Administrative Services. He experienced rapid advancement to the top of the Hudson River management group and became the senior administrative influence. 
Aside from his widespread influence at Hudson River, Warren was chosen by the Central Office to participate as a member of statewide negotiating teams for union collective bargaining efforts. This occurred several times; proof of his value in advancing employment conditions for employees involved in caring for mental health patients throughout New York State. This was a truly significant contribution.
The above has been a glimpse of Warren as a professional manager; now a more personal side. Employees' lives were beset with complications as would be expected with a workforce of thousands of employees in the early 1970's. I remember when a telephone operator's home burned down leaving her and family homeless. Warren provided on campus housing for a period of time, providing a safety net. 
When given the opportunity to support the neighbors of HRSH, Warren arranged and approved the provision of water to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) through the HRSH water filtration plant. This was required for the CIA to provide their programs.
A group of HRSH employees played poker for a period of time. Poker provides for bluffing to be in the game. Warren seemed to shift from conservative to aggressive card playing. When bluffing, or trying to bluff, Warren would give away his bluff when a slight smile would develop on his face. Thus, his bluff was usually called and usually didn't work. But, what about the times, maybe, the bluff worked and the other card players did not know Warren was bluffing?
Another of Warren's trademarks: He would carry his checkbook with him everywhere and check it as many today check their cell phones.
The one phrase that describes Warren is the title, Warren Briggs: A Man of Goodness. His management style is now part of the literature that says management's role is to coach and support staff to gain their fullest efforts. This was his style. 
May he be long remembered as a person of goodness and exceptional professional manager. It was a pleasure to be his friend and mentee for many years.

I'm so sorry to hear of Warren's death.  I was a classmate and graduated with him in 1953.  My sincere condolences go out to you and your family.

Helen L. Fairbairn, Red Hook, NY

Warren was my grandfather and I am unable to think of a memory with him that doesn't make me smile or laugh. I feel so fortunate to have spent 24 years making special memories with my brilliant grandfather. Although this page has made me unbelievably sad it has also been so touching to see the impact my grandfather had on everyone that knew him. Thank you to everyone that has shared on this page, it means a lot.

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Warren's family and friends.  Warren was my supervisor for many years and I considered him to be a friend.   I admired him for his brilliance, kindness and great sense of humor.    He was a great man.

Our deepest sympathies to Warren's family for their loss. Warren was one of our first patients at Avalon Dental when Dr Dilling bought the practice, and we loved his smiling face everytime he came in.

Lorelle and family
My thoughts and prayers go out to you    we had nothing but happy thoughts and good times together, coming up to our class luncheons several times and just recently being together again .   We will miss him greatly   class of' 53 Red Hook Central and     Barbara Lewis Barrytown N.Y.

SO, SO SORRY TO THE BRIGGS FAMILY. MAY WARREN REST IN PEACE. SUE BOWMAN, RETIRED H.R.P.C. EMPLOYEE

My deepest sympathies to Warren's family for their great loss. Warren was a dear friend and I so enjoyed our time together at Gold's Gym. Both Warren and I were New York Giant football fans and I looked forward to our Monday morning quarterbacking of the game. Time will lessen the pain of his loss but the memories I have of him will remain with me forever.

My condolences to Warrens family.I was a friend of Warrens at Golds gym for the last 18 years.I was shocked at his passing.Warren would share stories about his sailing days up to Massachusetts.That is were I am from.I wish there was something I could do or say to make you feel better.All I know is that Warren is right now expierencing more joy and happiness than you or I can ever conceive.So as time passes ,perhaps if we shift our focus from our grief to his joy consolation and peace will come.

Lorelle and Family.  So sorry for your loss.  Worked with Warren at HRPC.  RIP...

I met Warren 6 years ago at Golds Gym. Over the years we had discussions about politics, history, the stock market and New York State and City. He was a super warm and intelligent individual. He also talked about his love of cruises and places he had visited. He loved his family and visited his children on a regular basis. Recently he told me how he flew up north to attend his 60th high school reunion. He was a people person. I can speak for the rest of the members of gym when I say we were shocked and saddened  to learn of his death. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to the Warren Briggs family.  Warren was a friend and training associate at the Gold's Gym at Fort Myers.  He will be missed by his many friends and associates who new him. A great person and personality.  He will be missed.
Frank Colesanti for his friends at Gold's Gym.

Condolences to Warren's family. I had the pleasure of being his secretary for several years and saw his kindness and thoughtful ways every day .  He was a great boss.

Lorelle and your family,
My sympathies to you all.  I will always remember Warren who when I called him at work one day and asked him for a favor ,he said, " Name it" without hearing what it was.  I'm so glad I got the chance not long ago to thank him again for helping me and my husband Ed while working at HRPC.  He sent me a condolence when Ed passed away and relayed a story while talking with Ed by the Hudson River. They both liked the river.  Warren was a kind and caring guy and I shall never forget him.

Warren and I were in the same high school class. I remember his energy and good humor. He and his buddies were fun and funny -- a core of our class identity.  Then time went by -- a life time -- and we met again just a month ago in Red Hook -- a fine man in all respects.  He was so kind, articulate, considerate...  a re-found friend that I treasured.  I am profoundly saddened by his loss.  My sympathy goes out to his wife and family.  I know how empty it must feel.
Barbara Schroedel Lewis

Lorelle, David and Family, We are saddened to hear of Warren's passing.  We have fond memories of our time together at Pinebrook Estates in Hyde Park.  May God grant you peace and strength.

Lorelle, so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Edna Lyons.

Thanks for sharing a person with so much to do with Hudson River Psych. I know he has touched many many lives...and we're all blessed. RIP

John and I are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Warren Briggs..We owe so much to him as does just about every person from his home town as he helped many of us us to secure employment when times were really tough and jobs were hard to find.He was a good man, just like his father before him, who gave a very poor 17 year old young man, my husband John, his first job at Bard College.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and especially all of his HRPC friends.

Warren was a dear friend and will be missed.   Our prayers are with the family.

Lorelle, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lorelle and Family
Thinking of you and happier times when we were neighbors at Pinebrook.
Jack and JoAnne Hillsbeck

Lorelle and family, my heartfelt sympathy.  Several of my friends and I  were recently reminiscing about Warren and how much we enjoyed knowing and working with him.

I had the privilege of calling Warren my Father-in-Law and will always keep him in my heart as part of my family.

My grandfather was a beautiful soul so full of knowledge and joy. He thought me many things and I will miss him greatly. Prayers go out to my family and to my father.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Warren was a wonderful man. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Love and Light,
Karen

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Warren Alan Briggs

22 août 1935 – 15 octobre 2014

Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home

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