Carl Edward Brooks

Carl was born to James Edward Brooks and Elizabeth Anderson and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from Parker Gray High School. After high school Carl attended HBCU Bluefield Teachers College in West Virginia, DC Teachers College, Federal City College, then went on to the University of Washington, to the College of Marine Fisheries. He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and a civil rights activist.

He joined the Air force and was based at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines.

Carl worked as a marine biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

He was an all around athlete and played football, basketball and baseball in both high school and college and continued playing in local leagues into his 70's. He was a coach for his daughter's basketball team.

Carl loved family, music, sports and jamming with other musicians. He played the Upright Bass and Jazz was his genre of music. He was also a proud member of the DC Musicians Union. Carl was involved in several jazz combos in Washington, D.C. and Seattle.

He made the Northwest his home for the last 50 years.

Carl is survived by his wife Polly, children, Carlette Brooks Dorsey; Ricardo (Ricky) Brooks; Rhonda Brooks Duncan; Dr. Claudette Brooks; Simone Brooks McDowell; seven grandchildren and numerous relatives.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.