Walter T. Brookes

DUMMERSTON -- Well-attended memorial services in celebration of the life of Walter T. Brookes were conducted Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Dummerston Center Congregational Church.

Officiating was the Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno, interim pastor, who opened the service with words of welcome and greeting, followed by the opening prayer.

Music for the service was under the direction of church organist Gladys Miller, who played a medley of prelude hymns, followed by the singing of opening hymn, “In the Garden.”

The Rev. William Wick, chaplain of Norwich University, offered the scripture readings that included, Psalm 100 and Psalm 1.

The memorial meditation was offered by the Rev. Toleno, who eulogized Mr. Brookes as a man of integrity, for his spirit of friendship, always keeping in close contact with his many clients, that included those from Camp Neringa in Marlboro, and his gentle sense of humor.

The Rev. Toleno spoke of Mr. Brookes' fondness of Scotland and shared the story of the “Waiting for Walter Club.”

The eulogy concluded with the reading of scripture from John, chapter 14.

The congregation joined in singing hymn, “Amazing Grace,” after which Mr. Brookes' sister, Elva Pogar, shared memories and spoke of her brother as a man who kept his promises, and of his many years as a builder, one of his life's great passions. Mrs. Pogar also extended words of thanks and appreciation.

Special music included the playing of “Not a Day Goes By,” followed by the prayer of thanksgiving and reciting of the Lord's Prayer by the congregation.

The service concluded with the final commendation and benediction, offered by the Rev. Toleno

As the procession exited the sanctuary, piper Ben Partridge, who was stationed at the entrance of the church, offered the recessional.

Committal services and burial followed in Morningside Cemetery, where the Rev. Toleno offered the prayers of committal.

In honor of Mr. Brookes' military service to his country, the American flag was presented to Mr. Brooke's wife, Lillian, by Richard Guthrie and the Rev. Wick.

A reception followed the services held at the Brooke's home on Route 5 in Dummerston.

Of the many attending the services, delegations present included several area building contractors, many of Mr. Brookes' clients, sisters of the Immaculate Conception from Camp Neringa in Marlboro, the Dummerston Evening Star Grange, the church family from Dummerston Center Congregational Church, and past and present employees from Brookes' Construction Company.

Mr. Brookes, 80, of U.S. Route 5 in Dummerston, died Sunday, Aug. 7, 2005, at his home.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home. u