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CHRISTOPHER BROOKS Obituary

MB. Ch.B. Manchester 1964; FFOM, D.Av.Med, OMM, O.StJ, CD Dr. Chris Brooks, born 1941 in Prestbury, Cheshire, UK finished with main engines and steering on, but his bilge pump could no longer keep up with his leaking stern gland, and he sank on October 3rd. He was a physician, scientist and inventor born into a large family of physicians (14) who came from East Lancashire. He authored four books, over 90 peer reviewed papers in the scientific journals, and owned or co-shared five US or Canadian patents. He was shipped off to Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire aged 8 years old and detested it. He later skipped being part of the second row of the rugger scrum in favour of going to see Bridgette Bardot in her first film that came to UK, called Light Across the Street at the Cleveleys's Odeon. For this noble act, he received 12 strokes on the arse with a billiard cue. He always claimed every stroke was worth it. At age 18, he entered Manchester University Medical School graduating in 1964. Due to his penurious state, in his fifth year he joined the Royal Navy as a medical officer cadet. He was the first Medical Officer in the new Polaris submarine HMS Renown and the only physician in Canada to have served in two nuclear submarines (the other being HMS Warspite). Following a locum in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, in the winter of 1975, he joined the RCN. He was posted to Shearwater, Nova Scotia. In one medevac, he was dangled from the hoist of a Sea King helicopter over a Pictou stern trawler, 60 miles offshore Louisburg, NS. Once onboard, he treated and saved, a fisherman with a severe knife wound whose guts were held in by a sanitary towel! The flight, even in the superb Sea King, was not without incident and this gave him the desire to improve the safety of all who fly over water in helicopters. In his time at the former DCIEM in Toronto, he gained a Diploma in Aviation Medicine from Farnborough and a Fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians in Occupational medicine, he replaced all the outdated lifejackets in the RCAF, and introduced a quick don marine abandonment suit for the RCN. He then worked as the Director of R&D for Survival Systems Ltd., Dartmouth, NS, and introduced an emergency breathing apparatus for all marine military helicopters crew and passengers which is also used in some form, on all maritime commercial helicopters. His NATO marine survival lecture series is renowned among both seafarers and aviators. His significant contributions to the improvement of safety for all those who earn their living flying over water were recognized by the Duke of Edinburgh who presented him with the Gold Medal from the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators. For his outstanding achievement in the field of aerospace medicine, he was awarded the Theodore Lyster Award from the Aerospace Medical Association. In his last years, he was a Member of the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada where he completed more hearings than any other member since the Tribunal's inception. Throughout his life, he was intolerant of bureaucracy and fought it all the way to provide outstanding service to all his patients. He was highly regarded as a "proper doctor" and would always go that extra mile for them. He never slacked in his entire life. He was devoted to his best friend and much beloved late wife, "Our Elaine," aka "the Mole" of 58 years, who hailed from the Rossendale in Lancashire, and predeceased him in June 2024. He will be sadly missed by his sister and his two sons, of which he was so proud. His eldest son is a specialist in infectious diseases and the younger, a senior mechanical engineer, who both married strong and successful women. He took great delight in celebrating the successes of his marvellous seven grandchildren. No flowers please, donations to the Humane Society of Ottawa or a charity of one's choice.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Oct. 12 to Oct. 16, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for CHRISTOPHER BROOKS

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6 Entries

June Parris

March 27, 2025

Capt(N) Brooks - he was such a dedicated person. To whatever he did in his life. I worked for him 10 years in CFEME and I enjoyed the entire 10 years. He loved his Mole and his 2 sons and yes he was very proud of them. I just found out that he passed away. Dr Brooks you were a great boss and a friend.

LCol (Retd) Ron Bragdon

December 13, 2024

Chris and Elaine were our neighbours in Toronto and they became close friends. We visited them often as they did to us.
Chris was an amazing individual and brilliant. I enjoyed our visits and our chats.
I´ve never met anyone with his attributes and expect I never will.
So long my friend from your "Pongo" mate. You will be remembered always!

Leo and Carol Donati

October 18, 2024

Chris, a mentor and friend.

Chris´ support, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm made him an invaluable mentor and an unforgettable friend. In the early stages of my career, Chris introduced me to the world of accident investigation, sending me on a visit to several International Accident Investigation Boards and forever shaping my professional path. No slacking!

He had a unique gift for making everyone feel at ease and always knew how to bring light and laughter to any gathering. Carol and I treasure memories of our friendship with Chris and Elaine and many fine occasions enjoying their exceptional hospitality.

Chris, your legacy to aviation medicine and cold water survival will continue to inspire and guide us. Rest in peace.

Kimberley Howard

October 16, 2024

Dr. Chris Brooks was my mentor when I worked at Survival Systems and introduced me to the worlds of consulting, presenting at conferences, and publishing.

I remember and honour him (and Elaine) for their kindness and support and am grateful to have had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with him last month (picture attached).

Although I'm so sad to no longer have him in my life, to honour his memory there will be no slacking, I'll turn my disadvantage into advantage and I will never surrender.

Thanks for a great run ashore.

Bob Foord

October 13, 2024

Chris, what to say? The picture shows you, me, Keith Rhodes and Taff Scourfield The Medical Department undefeated quiz team in the Junior Rates mess HMS Renown on our first Patrol Suitably dressed of course. Most of all Chris you were fun. I remember you coming out of the wardroom looking a bit crestfallen telling me that the joke I had told you about Nelson's brown Trousers had just gone down like a lead baloon in there. Also on the first patrol, the time when your 1 gallon brew of bannana wine which you fancied to win the Renown wine brewing contest exploded filling your shared cabin with bannana foam including the two bunks of course!! I could go on forever.

Mon ami - My Friend. RIP Didn't take you long to go and find Mole!!

john cernik

October 12, 2024

So sorry about the passing of "CJ" and of Elaine earlier this year . They were great neighbours and friends . An amazing person who will be missed
Regards
John, Michael and Nicola Cernik

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