Dean Brooks
July 22, 1916 - May 30, 2013
SALEM - "You must continue to fight the good fight" was the final directive Dean Kent Brooks voiced to his family and friends before his passing on Thursday, May 30, 2013. He was surrounded by his beloved family while his body slipped away. His spirit never faltered, his passion for life and service will continue to live on.
Dean was born on July 22, 1916 in Colony, Kansas to Myrtle and Robert Brooks. He studied trombone as a young man, mastering this instrument and deepening his love of music. He was chosen as first orchestra chair in college at University of Kansas (KU) and his playing served him well to help finance medical school at KU. He played in a dance band, playing all the great big band music.
While a senior in medical school he met and married the love of his life, Ulista J. (Moser) Brooks. Ulista was in nursing school and they were married a mere 6 weeks after meeting. They shared their lives in a unique way…through discussion (sometimes loud) and learning from each other. Our mother would say that she raised 3 daughters and a husband! Dean agreed.
Dean joined the Navy in WWII at 23 years old serving as the triage officer for a battle fleet in the South Pacific. He witnessed all the major battles and viewed the flag raising on Iwa Jima. He remained in the Naval Reserves and retired as a Captain.
Although his dream had been a career in pediatrics, after the war, Dean went into psychiatry and eventually came to the Oregon State Hospital (OSH) in Salem, Or. in 1947. He became Superintendent and served the patients, families and the State of Oregon for 35 years. His accomplishments were noteworthy, but his manner and method were his legacy to family and community. He was innovative and a risk taker in both personal and professional undertakings.
His godson, Mark Ellington, Laird of Towie Barclay, Scotland, put it best, "Dean taught me to be outrageous… to live differently."
Colleagues throughout the nation recognize Dean a "pioneer", with his patient-centered, inclusive approach to care. His contributions to the communities he lived in were wide-ranging, from developing the Salem Pops Orchestra, to founding Willamette Valley Hospice. Everywhere he went, he made sure to include the interests of OSH, bringing the hospital into the community, and the community into the Hospital.
Dean loved the outdoors and was a climber. He climbed many of the NW alpine peaks with his daughter Ulista and led us with dear friends, the Bradys on backpacking trips; he taught us the "rest step" and demonstrated "mountain talk" to the delight of grandchildren. It was his passion that led to the 1972 Adventure Outing, featured in Life Magazine.
He retired in 1981 and moved to Santa Fe, NM, where he and Ulista loved the desert and artwork and opera. However, they missed family and moved to Everett, Wa. to be closer to family, especially the grandchildren.
Dean never ceased advocating for the mentally ill. He was appointed by the Governor …to Chair the Western State Hospital governing board and served 12 years. He also served on the Boards for Snohomish County Mental Health, Compass Health and Planned Parenthood and supported many causes and agencies.
He met and befriended hundreds of people all over the world. He treated everyone the same…always excited to share stories and to make a connection. He never forgot a name and as soon as a connection was made, you were part of his life. He had a special way of getting people to join in his passions. Jane Kirkpatrick, friend and noted Oregon author, has described Dean as "a bright sun and the rest of us orbiting his brilliance to do his bidding." The family just called him lovingly "Dean-manding".
Dean moved back to Oregon, after a fall, and resided in Willson House in Salem with his beloved wife. He spent the last 6 months of her life reading and reminiscing.
Dean continued his advocacy work until his last day. He was Chair for the Dorothea Dix Think Tank with the Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care. He was adamant about all our need to correct the homelessness and incarceration the mentally ill. He finds our situation as dire as did Dorothea Dix in her day.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ulista, and his son-in-law, Dr. Joe Hoover of McMinnville, who are "having a bbq down by the river". He is survived by his brother Bob Brooks of Salem, his daughters and their families: Dennie Brooks of Salem, Ulista J. Brooks of Mc Minnville (?), India and Jim Civey of Everett, Wa; Grandchildren Sean Brooks of Salem, Sara (Civey) and Sean Couch of Edmonds, Wa. Ian and Stephanie Civey of Everett,Wa. Ulista Hoover and Chris Laroue of Spokane, Wa., and Deni Hoover and Rob Hale of Salem, and great grandchildren Reese and Mercer Couch; he will be missed by nieces and nephews and cousins in Oregon and Kansas.
Dean's last words were, "I love you all". We will miss you Deaner… diggity diggity de de!
A celebration of Dean's life will be held on Saturday, Jun 22, 2013, 3 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salem, Or. (Please make every opportunity to carpool, with able bodied people parking the farthest from the church. Thank you.) We will honor him with music and fellowship. He will be interred with his wife at Willamette National Cemetery with Military Honors at a future date.
In lieu of flowers Dean would have appreciated your support of the following: Music Ministry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Salem, Oregon (stpaulsoregon.org); Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health, Salem, Oregon (oshmuseum.org); Mid-Willamette Hospice, Salem, Oregon (wvh.org); Housing Hope of Everett, Washington (www.housinghope.org). Arrangements are by Restlawn Memory Gardens.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I never knew the man. I'm far too young to have ever known him. But he's been with me all my life, and it all started with his role in Cuckoo's Nest. When I got a little older and information was more readily available, I researched who he was and was utterly baffled at just how significant Mr. Brooks truly is. I always felt there was something about him that stood-out from the others in the film, he had a sort of light around him that no others on set seemed to wield.
You, Mr. Brooks, were one of the earliest pioneers of proper mental health treatment. You did not treat these people as objects, but instead, treated them the way you, yourself, would have wanted it returned. It is always so painful to see such kindness leave this world. Your kindness will not only be remembered by many, but is also an inspiration.
You or your family do not know who I am, and that is perfectly okay. But all the same, I wish each and every one of you the best. I offer my deepest condolences to all of Mr. Brooks loved ones. Last, but not least, I would like to thank him for all he's done, from something so seemingly-insignificant to his career as a role in a film, to his passion for helping others on the road to recovery.
Many do not realize this, but each and every single one of us, as individuals, are always on the path to recovery, to a better future, a better life, to find true happiness. But the most important thing that we must always remember is that, as Frank Zappa put it, "you are what you is, and that's all it is."
Rest in peace, good doctor. You've earned it.
Much love from a longtime cuckoo, Mikey.
Mikey
October 30, 2020
Valenda Newell
November 7, 2016
Diana Yutuc Sholes
Nelson Sholes
April 15, 2014
Dean and my wife Mary became dear friends talking and laughing about his experiences during the filming of the film, during the time I served as CEO at Western State Hospital. Dean was a wonderful advisor who supported me and decisions for my future....and he would call every so often ending the conversation "Tell Mary I love her!"
Jerry Lovrien
July 23, 2013
Dear Dennie, India and Ulista,
Sending love and hugs your way. My brother Dave told me he'll attend Dean's celebration of life tomorrow, and how grateful he is to Dean for all that he taught him about being in the mountains. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to reconnect with Dean last year-ish. What a guy! We had such fun catching up, telling stories, laughing, and crying together. Thanks for sharing him with us. Love, Muldoon
Molly Siddoway King
June 21, 2013
Dean and Ulista lived next door to us for about 20 years, such good neighbors. Ulista was a delight and Dean was quite the bon vivant. So charming and movie star handsome, he could always be depended upon to tell interesting stories at a gathering. We will miss them both.
Pattye & Bill Snyder
June 21, 2013
There are not enough words that can be a tribute to Dean.....when you met him he became part of your heart.....he will always be in our hearts and memories....an amazing man.....with an amazing family......thinking of you all
"Charlie" and Bruce
June 16, 2013
Godspeed Dr. Brooks. Thank you for bringing mental illness into the light.
Melanie Peoples
June 15, 2013
Such a great man! You will be missed by so many. Condolences to the Brooks family.
Beckie
June 14, 2013
Dewar family...Dean and Ulista were instrumental in my formation as a person and as an Episcopal priest/bishop. Clinical training at OSH in 1958 and friendship through the years was pure grace! Rustin Kimsey, Retired Bishop of Eastern Oregon
June 10, 2013
Thanks to him, people viewed those with mental illnesses as people who are sick rather than "weirdos". My mum is a real fan of his work with the film. He evidently was quite a forward-thinking and caring man. My condolences to his family.
T B
June 10, 2013
Dear Brooks Family:
I am so sorry to learn about your loss.
June 9, 2013
Dr. Brooks`s participation in allowing the filming of the movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo`s Nest" was a breakthrough in the mental health field. He will always be remembered and thought of highly
Joseph Stager Jr.
June 9, 2013
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you in this time of sorrow. 2Cor1:4 Grief can be so hard, but the love and support of family and friends help us to get through it. Please find comfort in the fine memoriess you have of him and may it help to ease your pain. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.
June 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 8, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Dwayne Bickham
June 8, 2013
To Brooks Family,
It was with deep regret that I learned of the passing of Dean Brooks I realize that the death of a friend and family member is an irreparable loss to you. Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it.
May the tender mercy that God has always shown me be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone, and may the prayers of other help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day.
Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts. Isaiah 46:1, but since the loss to you is most direct and personal. I wanted to send you these words of sincere sympathy upon the death of a loyal family member and all his trusted friends member. My prayers will be with you and your family. I also love the "one flew over the Koo-Koo's nest" movie.
Karen Caldwell
June 8, 2013
Dr.Brooks, your truth & passion will live on...
it was evident in your performance and that most memorable film! RIP
Michael Matera
June 8, 2013
I am very sorry to read about the passing of Dr. Brooks,I hope the family will rejoice in his longevity because he was truly bless. Exodus 29:12 may God bless you.
Mandy Reed
June 8, 2013
Mr. Brook's you lived a wonderful life, job well done for your movie with Jack. May you now RIP.....................
Mary Meredith
June 8, 2013
Mr. Brooks seemed like a person who lived his life to the fullest. Now he's asleep hoping to hear the words Lazarus heard when Jesus resurrected him saying "Lazarus come out" meaning from the grave. So for now rest in peace.
June 8, 2013
My deepest sympathies. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3,4)
June 8, 2013
HEAVEN,TAKES CARE OF PEOPLE WHO TAKE CARE AND KINDNESS TO OTHER PEOPLE,R.I.P.
SPANKY
June 8, 2013
God bless you ~ Rest in peace.
June 8, 2013
I offer my condolences to the Brooks family and friends.Draw close to God during this difficult time.
Lynn
June 8, 2013
you did a good thing & had a nice long life, rip; from distant relative Donny Brooks
Donny Brooks
June 8, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 8, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
June 8, 2013
Dr.Brooks scenes w/Jack in the Movie are hilarious,you could actually feel his compassion.
Thank You for your dedication for the ill.
Joseph Cooper
June 8, 2013
Rest in Peace
Scott Chamberland
June 8, 2013
You are a goodhearted person Dr. Brooks.
LT
June 8, 2013
Dean was a great guy who cared a lot for those around him. I'll miss him.
Lisa Stowe
June 7, 2013
Dr. Brooks was a kind and gentle man who truly cared for people. It was an honor knowing him while I worked at OSH/CTP.
June 7, 2013
My Condolences to Mr.Brooks Family,and friends.My he Rest In Peace.
Donna J.
June 7, 2013
Dr. Dean, Thank you. Love the movie. Love Jack. Love you. RIP
Anonymous
June 7, 2013
It was my privilege to work at OSH when Dr. Brooks was Superintendent. He made it clear from my orientation that Patient's were what the job was about. He told us to treat older patients like we would treat our parents, the ones our age like we'd treat our brothers and sisters and younger ones like our children. Through the rest of my time there he always responded to suggestions that would improve patient care from patients to Doctors. I was there during the filming of the movie and the resulting attention in brought but I'll remember him as a man who put respect and care of patients as priority #1
Jim Loewen
June 7, 2013
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