BRIAN BROOKS

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BRIAN BROOKS On the morning of November 27, 2012, at the age of 69 years, cherished husband, father, friend and brother, Brian Lawrence Brooks passed into the shimmering light of the beyond, leaving to grieve, his wife and soul companion of 49 years, Martha, their daughter, Kirsten and son-in-law Mike, spirit daughter, Kate and her family (Bryce, Jakob, Josh), brothers Dale and Allan, sister Maureen, and many in-laws and nieces and nephews - all of whom will forever hold him in their hearts. His working life began at Richardson Securities, went on to B K Industries and concluded at Howes Waldon Associates - an advertising and public relations firm which he owned and operated for 21 years. He will be remembered by clients and staff - in particular by his best friend and employee, Nancy Gilbert - as a man with a strong moral compass, an artistic vision, a keen intelligence and a completely original sense of humour. We are all thankful that he chose retirement at the age of 57. He could then turn his heart and attention to fusion vegetarian cooking, meals with family and friends, long summers at Pelican Lake, and to the full enjoyment of sharing, with the people around him, his architectural eye and Zen-like way of viewing the world. He and Martha were two hearts, one breath, as they experienced everything from foreign films to long walks with their dogs. His proud support of Martha's jazz and writing careers gave him countless pleasure. The last summer of his life, at the beloved family cottage, was heaven on earth - a full six months from the beginning of May to the end of October. Brian's battle with brain cancer was fought with gentle heroism but he did not do it alone. When asked at Health Sciences Centre's Acute Care Ward who was his spiritual advisor, the quickest, as well as deepest answer was, His daughter, Kirsten . And when the end came it was she and Kate, who with beautiful ceremony, released his graceful spirit into the Universe. The entire staff at Acute Care proved that medicine is, at its deepest level, a healing art and their humane and loving attention to every detail of Brian's care was nothing short of noble. The family also wish to thank his physicians - the healers of the last difficult year of his life - Dr. Renee Graice, Dr. Michael Hochman and Dr. Peter Inglis. A memorial service will held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2012 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 - www.nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 01, 2012