Robert J Brooks

Robert John "Bob" Brooks was born November 6, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, and died August 7, 2011, in Tucson after a brief illness at the age of 92. The only living child of James McElroy Brooks and Lurene Campbell, he was educated at New Trier High School and Duke University. As a Navy Lieutenant Sr. Grade during World War II Bob piloted DC-3 Transport aircraft thousands of miles across the Pacific from California and Honolulu to as far away as Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. He met his future wife, Patsy Dealey, while stationed at the Naval Air Station in Dallas, initiating their courtship by landing his service plane in a pasture on the Dealey family's 220 Ranch. Bob and Patsy were married during the war on May 6, 1944, and spent 66 years together before Patsy's death in September 2010. He is survived by two daughters, Carol Brooks Parker (Michael) and Patricia Brooks Hosmer (John) of Tucson; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After the war Bob settled with Patsy in the Chicago suburbs, first Winnetka and later Barrington, to start a family and join his father in his advertising firm - Story, Brooks and Finley. However, in 1959 Bob and Patsy chose Tucson as the community where they wanted to live. A businessman in search of a business, Bob purchased Oliver's Laundry and Dry Cleaning from Oliver Drachman and later expanded his holdings to include Sun Country Linen Supply. Over the years he was involved in several successful business ventures in Tucson including New Pueblo Construction. In addition, he offered his expertise and financial support to several entrepreneurs with startup companies. Bob became a prominent and respected businessman who contributed greatly to the Tucson community over the decades. A lifelong pilot following his Naval career, he served on the board of the Tucson Airport Authority including a term as president, and was a founder and charter member of the Tucson Soaring Club. Bob was an early member of the Tucson Conquistadores during which time he spearheaded fund-raising events in support of the United Way and was Tournament Chairman for the Tucson Open Golf Tournament at the Tucson National which led to one of the highlights of his life - an opportunity to play a round of golf with Arnold Palmer. In addition, Bob was a founding member and Life Trustee of the Carondelet Foundation for St. Joseph's Hospital. He was also a member of the Tucson Country Club for fifty plus years and served as a club officer. Bob and his wife, Patsy were inseparable during their many years of marriage and shared a multitude of interests and outdoor activities that included flying, golf, horses, skiing, travel and much more. He had a large circle of lifelong friends and admirers who lauded his integrity, leadership and indomitable spirit. He is remembered by them as a mentor and an icon of his time. In 2002, Bob survived a terrible automobile accident in which he lost both his legs at the age of 84. In critical condition for three months, and not expected by his doctors to survive for more than 12 months, he proved them wrong by living a good life for nine more years, maintaining the sense of humor and zest for life and friendship that was his style right up until the end. Wheelchair bound and in his 90s, he owned an iPhone and an iMac, calling upon his daughters for tech support. Bob maintained his independence, living at home and continuing to drive right up until his final illness, taking great pride in his brand new wheelchair minivan. A private service for family and Bob's close personal friends will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 14, 2011, East Lawn Palms Cemetery, Tucson, AZ.