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Robert Brooks Obituary

Manitou Springs, Colorado Bob Brooks passed away of natural causes at his home on October 14, 2011. He was 71-years-old. Two weeks before his passing, Bob lost the love of his life, Mary Ann Brooks, to an eight-year battle with pulmonary hypertension and emphysema. We believe he died of a broken heart. Bob Brooks was born July 25, 1940 in Granite City, Illinois to Orville Brooks (Deceased) and Irene (Sabo) Brooks (Deceased). His family relocated to Phoenix then Tucson, Arizona and settled in Manitou Springs in 1949. Bob started school in Manitou in the 3rd grade and graduated high school in 1959. Bob and Mary Ann were married at the Community Congregational Church of Manitou Springs on November 6, 1960 and started raising their family in Colorado Springs then settled in Manitou in 1972. Bob was self-employed most of his life. He got his start in furniture refinishing with his dad who founded Brooks Furniture Service in 1949. Bob ran the business for more than 40 years and continued working part-time until his death. He was a master craftsman in furniture repair and refinishing. He was a teacher of many and loved his work. Bob was a pillar in the Manitou community. He was always helping out wherever help was needed. He was known as the "Eastside Mayor," was a volunteer firefighter, served on the Manitou ITM and was on the board of Manitou's Sertoma Club. Bob was a loving husband who cared deeply for his wife; he was a leader and mentor to his children and loved his daughters-in-law like they were his own. He adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them. He was a caring uncle to his nieces and nephews. Bob impacted many in his lifetime - he always made people feel comfortable and welcome no matter where he was. Bob is survived by his sons and their wives: Craig and Julie Brooks of Colorado Springs, Scott and Cheryl Brooks of Manitou Springs and Steve and Louise Brooks of Arlington, Virginia. He also leaves behind six grandchildren who will miss him very much: Ashley, AnnMarie, Aaron, Abbey, Sydney and Anna Grace. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Ferrero of Colorado Springs. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeff Brooks (1997) and his bride of nearly 51 years, Mary Ann Brooks. Visitation: Thursday, October 20 from 4:30pm-6:30pm, Blunt Mortuary, 2229 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80904. Funeral: Friday, October 21 at 1:00 pm, Community Congregational Church of Manitou Springs, 103 Pawnee Avenue, Manitou Springs, Colorado, 80829. Graveside services will follow at Crystal Valley Cemetery, Manitou Springs, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Suicide Prevention Partnership, 704 N. Tejon, 80903 (In memory of our brother Jeff) or Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 600, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 - Attn: Foundation. (In memory of our mom) Online condolences can be made at www.bluntmortuary.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Oct. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Brooks

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November 1, 2011

A special brick honoring Bob and Mary Ann Brooks will be placed at the St. George Island Light House near Apalachicola, Florida.
Jeff & Joy Blake-Henn

Other Grandma

November 1, 2011

We were blessed to share our grandchildren with Bob and Mary Ann. He always had a smile and a laugh, along with a very good story! He taught his grandchildren values that can only be taught through love and patience. We will miss them both so much, but we will carry this beautiful couple in our hearts forever.
Thank you both!
Dixie, Ted, and Ernie, too

Debi Kostecki

October 24, 2011

It has taken me this long to even have even begin to type this entry, wishing that I would not of had to then I would still have him here to call. Love Bob not only as a cousin but a brother. We shared so many things especially over the last 8 years while Mary Ann was sick. I will truly miss our Sunday calls. Boys you have truly been blessed by having them as YOUR parents. What a true LOVE story they shared. Thanks Bob and Mary Ann for being such a wonderful example of what marriage is all about. You both will always inspire me till the day we meet again.

Craig Chisesi

October 22, 2011

Please accept our heartfelt condolances. While I don't recall the last time I saw Bob or Mary Ann, my brothers spoke very highly of them for many years. I know Dan and Tom are very saddened by their passing.
Please consider this phrase that has brought us comfort: How do we know until we awaken that our dreams are not real. Then how do we know until we die that death is not the utmost of experiences.
Peace be with you.

Craig S. Chisesi
Patricia j. Breslin

October 22, 2011

To all of the remarkable Brooks Family...
As you all know, Bob and Mary Ann were like family to me - we knew each other for over half a Century!! I am missing them both and still can not imagine not sitting in their garage and sharing moments with them. What wonderful people they were and what a grand legagy they have left in all of you. My heart aches for each of you as you struggle to cope with all this.
Barb Holle, Grand Junction, CO.

Dave Scarlett

October 21, 2011

I worked with Bob a lot of years, re-did all kitchen cabinets with he & Mary Ann. He had a key to my shop for years.He was a special friend, with a special wife and special sons. I too am heart broken.

October 21, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and recently your mother, our prayers are with you all, John and Sherrill Sabo and family, Glen Carbon, IL.

Bud Rice

October 21, 2011

I was heart broken to hear about Bob, he will be missed by all. He's with Mary Ann , Jeff and the Lord. Our thoughts and prays are with the family.--Buddy Rice

October 20, 2011

I've known Bob since 5th grade when I moved to Manitou. He was always such a gentle spirit. What a horrendous time for the Brooks family but what wonderful memories you each have to keep you going. My deepest sympathies. Karen Kimler Crews (Colo. Spgs.)

Steve Murphy

October 20, 2011

A true American Hero, he taught me so much about life. He encouraged me, complimented me, and wasn't afraid to criticize me when I messed up. I have so many great memories, going to the movies, riding mini bikes, racing road trips, working on plumbing issues at their house. Bob and Mary Ann were parents that were always welcome in our lives as we grew up and they could light up a room when they entered it. Thanks Bob, (my other Dad) for the memories and for helping to shape the characters of all of us as we grew up. Thanks for being the strong person in my life when my parents passed. Your words will never be forgotten. Proverbs 4:11

Toni Boutilier-Gardner

October 19, 2011

My heart breaks for the loss of both Mary Ann and Bob.They meant so much to me, my family and to this neighborhood. We are forever grateful to have been blessed so much by all of their kindnesses and friendship for so many years. Words could never express how much they will be missed.

October 19, 2011

To Craig, Scott, Steve & families:
Heartfelt condolences from
Judy Otte & family

Barbara Sabol

October 19, 2011

Scott, Steve, Craig, and families
I had a card to send to you and your dad, for your dear mother's passing. I'm so very sad for your additional loss of your dear dad. Bob was "the hunk" on the high school campus and I recall distinctly--that he was hands off to the girls because his heart was set on Maryann, and forever it was! What a beautiful love story they have lived and a beautiful legacy for each of you to cherish their memories. My heart and prayers are with you. Cindi, Steve and Jeanne share these sentiments with their prayers too.
Barbara [Jones-Leckenby] Sabol.

Tex Jones

October 19, 2011

Craig, Scott & Steve,
Mary Ann awoke up there & found it so beautiful She came & took your Dad. He
was, as you know, My best PAL, I will miss him every day.

Clara Meury

October 19, 2011

My prayers are with each and every one of your Brooks family. May the Good Lord hold and comfort each one of you, as you pass through these difficult times. I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. I know you all will miss Bob into eternity, as will the community, including myself. My heart breaks for each of you, with these recent heartbreaks you have had to endure. I am thankful to know that your mom and dad are together again, in His heavenly realm. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold.” Psalm 46:1, 11

Dave Ridpath

October 19, 2011

I am bawling while I write this. I will miss them both terribly but I can only imagine how hard it was for Bob to even think of moving on without Mary Ann. It truly was a broken heart and we must take solace in knowing they are together. Thanks to Bob and Mary Ann for everything--they truly were parents and mentors to everyone.

Terri (Nelson) Lujan

October 19, 2011

Craig, Scott and Steve,
I'm so very saddened to hear of both your parents passing, what a difficult time for you and your families. I'll always remember how kind and thoughtful they were whenever Heidi and I hung out with you guys when we were young.
Friday, the day of your dads passing would have been my son, Ricky's 21st birthday; I noticed you asked for donations to Make-A-Wish in your mothers memory, which is very dear to my heart as well, since I lost him to cancer and he was granted a wish.
Know that both your parents are together again, along with Jeff, Heidi and my son in a beautiful place where we will all one day reunite and celebrate our continued love for one another.
Look to your loved ones though family and friends, may you find some peace through this trying time.

Cheryl Banks

October 19, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss of a man obviously so special in the lives of his large family, and in the community life of Manitou Springs. The exemplary and generous way he lived his life on earth leaves a legacy of character, example and love to all those whose lives he touched. I know it brings you joy in the sadness that Mr. Brooks is receiving his final reward in heaven.

Gale Gardner

October 19, 2011

Dad you and Mom and your family helped me in so many ways. You all will always be a part of who I am. I am so proud to have been a part of your lives no matter how small. You and mom are still walking hand in hand and in that thought I rejoice. Walk in peace with God.

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