Eugene Brooks

Eugene Brooks was a man who had a zest for life. He wasn’t one to be tied into an office building or even a single activity for long; hands-on adventuring is what got his attention. Gene loved all different kinds of sports from golfing to archery, and he was always up for a trip outdoors. Even more exciting and wonderful than anything else, though, was his family. There was nothing he loved more than to be surrounded by those he loved, and he was always so proud of his children. He loved being a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, and a friend and he was amazing with each and every role.

1935 was the year of many things; the Dust Bowl was still raging on, creating some of the worst dust storms ever seen. The Parker Brothers introduced the classic game of Monopoly, and the Hoover Dam was finally completed. But for Dale and Gussie Brooks, it was the birth of their third son on May 12th in Los Angeles, California that won their attention and their hearts that year. Gene, soon followed by two sisters, was a typical rambunctious little brother. He spent his days on the baseball field across the street from his house, which was now in Fairfield, California.

Always the athletic one of the bunch, Gene got involved in many sports in school. He was especially proud that he was the only sophomore on the varsity football team at Armijo High School. When he was nearing the middle of his senior year he joined the army, and served with the 82nd Airborne and the 101st Airborne divisions, representing the Army in the Golden Gloves boxing competition. Gene had many unique stories about his time in the army, including traveling with the Everly Brothers while on leave.

After he left the military, Gene returned to California and developed a passion for water skiing, and of course, was a natural. While skiing in stunt shows, a friend of a friend introduced Gene to a girl named Kathy Combes who was on vacation at the time. They hit it off instantly, and spent ten life changing days together, until Kathy had to go back home to Illinois. Their relationship wasn’t cut short right away; they kept up a letter correspondence for some time until the fateful day when he received her “Dear John” letter. Gene couldn’t take no for an answer, so he sold his beloved motorcycle, borrowed a friend’s car and he headed straight out for her hometown. They were engaged in October and got married on February 11, 1961 in Villa Park, Illinois.

Gene got a job working as a glazier, and they settled down in Fairfield, California to start a family. The two ended up having five beautiful children. They camped a lot, and with Gene’s involvement with enduro dirt bike racing, the family learned how to have adventures of their own. They weren’t a shy family, and they liked to try new things and weren’t afraid to rough it.

In 1972, the Brooks’ moved to Bangor, Michigan to be closer to family. They quit their jobs, packed up a U-Haul and off they went. Once in Michigan, Gene took up archery and was quite talented at it. Like always, he was his own toughest competitor. He was always at the top of his game, able to take years off from the sport and still compete in the Senior Olympics, where he won a gold medal.

When Kathy got a job in Midland, Michigan, the family moved once more, and Gene took up a position with Bertsch Company. He worked there from 1978 to 1997, always giving all he had. He was a dedicated worker and took pride in doing a good job.

Gene and Kathy bought a 20’ x 20’ cabin at Canada Creek Ranch in northern Michigan. The cabin was an on-going project that became a family gathering spot. Gene took great pride in the cabin and constantly added on until it became a 2000 sq. ft. vacation home. After retiring, they sold the house in Midland and the cabin up north and settled into their current house on Maple Lake in Paw Paw, Michigan. With some hard work and once again many projects, their new house became a home. Gene loved boating and working on the yard.

Gene’s next passion was golfing and whenever possible he was at “his” golf course, Lake Cora. He enjoyed his own personal golf shop, his garage, where he made his own clubs and re-griped and repaired clubs for friends.

When he was simply relaxing, he liked to watch sports on television, especially golf, and he was also fond of the History channel. He was a lifelong Oakland Raiders football fan, and loved Big Band music, Glen Miller being one of his favorites. He found enjoyment in learning and mastering new skills.

Although he had many interests, Gene loved his family more than anything. They had a close relationship, and he was endlessly proud of each and every one of them. Gene was a family man through and through. He loved getting together with all the members of his family and just enjoyed their company.

Gene was an active man who loved the simple things. His sense of humor was with him throughout his life; his athletic talent was something to envy. He was truly a man of honor, and he will be greatly missed.

Gene died Saturday, August 23, 2008.

Gene’s family includes: his wife, Kathleen (Combes) Brooks, his five children and their spouses; Robin and Robert Farrell of Grand Rapids, MI, Tony and Lynn Brooks of Sandwich, IL, Gigi and Wayne Parnell of San Diego, CA, Tim Brooks and Leila Sehat of Matthews, NC, and Amy and Doug Trosper of Alabaster, AL; twelve grandchildren; Sean, Jon, Ian, Meg, Zack, Conor, Josh, Dalton, Chloe, Lucy, Sophie, Millie; two sisters, four brother and sister-in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with Gene’s family on Tuesday from 3-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson-Paw Paw, 60900 M-40, 657-3870. Funeral services will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the same location, and a time of food and fellowship will follow at the family home.

Please visit Gene’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the online guestbook, archive a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Rose Arbor Hospice or the West Michigan Cancer Center.