Donald “Don” Brooks passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2024 at the age of 73 surrounded by family and friends in scripture and song. He is at rest and awaiting the soon coming of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Don was born at home in Greenville, MS., to Charles and Annie Brooks on October 2, 1950, the first of three children (Charlene Moses-Naas and Linda Brooks). He often talked of his grandparents, times spent near Highland Plantation and the enjoyment he had with his grandfather’s horses Trixie and Blade. He lived in Greenville until their family moved to Chicago, Ill in 1965 where he attended John Marshall High School. He excelled in football, playing quarterback during his early years. He and the “Commandos” won the Blue-Green Division Championship in 1969. Donald kept in contact with many of his football friends over the years.
Football allowed Don to explore the United States, and he enjoyed time at varying educational institutions including Alcorn State University (Lorman, MS), Gavelin College (Gilroy, CA) and Portland State University. Don often recalled fondly of his move “out west” to Gilroy California. It was during that time he met his wife of 51 years, Betty Akemi Higa. They were both students at the college. Shortly after they married in 1972, they moved to Portland Oregon where Don played with the Portland State Vikings for a short period prior to starting a career in trucking at Silver Wheel Trucking Company. The couple moved to their home on Mt. Scott in 1977 where they have resided quietly since. Don enjoyed numerous people from numerous circles in his employment experiences with Hall Laboratories and Vertis Communications formerly Treasure Chest Advertising. Don worked long hours well into his retirement in his 60’s.
Shortly after moving to Portland, Don connected with fellow outdoorsman in the local area who would be become life-long friends. He developed a passion for archery and loved bugling elk. He loved big game hunting and fishing. He spent over 50 years exploring the Northwest and particularly loved heading to Eastern Oregon every year, even up to the 2023 season. He was a man of the woods, and could throw a sleeping bag down anywhere. His wife and daughter often expected him to be “off grid” for a few weeks in September, often calling home to Portland from a pay phone or borrowing a cell phone from a stranger in the later years. His son Nathaniel accompanied him on these adventures at a very young age.
In the early 90’s Don found renewed hope in Jesus Christ. He was a long time member of Stone Tower Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northeast Portland. He served as deacon for many years. He enjoyed numerous ministries and groups and loved to study the bible. He had a passion for mentoring and talking with young people and prayed for their success in life. Don had a gifted mind and strong abilities in memorizing dates, numbers, scriptures, birthdays and events. He could talk to anyone and was always ready to share another story. He believed strongly that we are living in the final days of earth’s history, and that if he should die before Christ’s second coming, he would rest in the grave until his Lord’s appearing. He will be remembered for his booming voice and great big smile.
Don is survived by wife Betty Brooks, Son Nathaniel & Kylee Brooks (Cedric & Donte). Daughter- Lindsay Emiko Brooks Egeland and Jens Egeland, Sisters- Charlene Moses-Naas, Linda Brooks. Nephew- Dwight and Bruni Brooks (Deandre & Karina). Don had an extensive host of family from the Higa Clan along the West Coast, whom he loved dearly as well as family still living in Mississippi State whom he would travel to see annually for many decades.
Celebration of Life Services will be held on Sunday February 25, 2024 at 1100 at Stone Tower Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3010 NE Holladay St. Reception to follow.
Inurnment: Lincoln Memorial Park
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.16.3