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Gary Brooks Obituary
Our beloved Gary Arthur Brooks passed away, suddenly, on Feb 20th, 2016 at UCI Medical Center, leaving behind a lifetime of friends whose outpouring of affection through this loss has been overwhelming. Growing up in North Long Beach in the 50's, Gary was part of a group of kids who, mostly through his efforts, are still connected today more than 60 years later.
Along the way, he lived a life filled with adventure and selfless giving, enjoying many jobs while maintaining a life-long passion for track and field, where he experienced great success as a Hamilton Jr. High and then as a Jordan High School sprinter and later as an announcer.
Later in life, at the age of 53, when the age requirement was changed, he entered the L.A. County Sheriff's Academy. Although most of the other 50 recruits were less than half his age, he graduated with honors as a Custody Assistant. In the jail, special assignments always go to senior officers, but because of Gary's life experiences, his unfailing work ethic and superior communication skills he was chosen, as a novice, to be part of a separate housing team established to protect special needs inmates from the dangers of the general jail population. He loved his job and he shined at it receiving L.A. County and California state citations for his good work.
The stroke that suddenly and painlessly took his life happened while he was still going full tilt, sprinting through his lifelong journey.
As for the group of friends, many of whom started with him at McKinley Elementary School in 1953 and graduated together from Jordan High in 1964, the glue in the group was Gary and his loving efforts to keep us all connected in those pre-Facebook years will be impossible to replace.
Because Gary is irreplaceable.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Brooks
Sponsored by Press-Telegram.
Ron Stender
February 29, 2024
Time has passed, and we still miss Gary Brooks more every year.
Ron Stender
February 27, 2021
Another day, another year has passed since we lost Gary Brooks, then Eddie Mabe too. Remembering all those who have passed away before us, and hoping we have another meet and great in Long Beach again some day to remember them all again too. Stay safe, knowing we'll all meet again together someday.
Ron Stender
February 28, 2020
All of us miss Gary now every time we have a Class Gathering. He and many others will be missed now. RIP
"Together we shall all meet again...out where the sky meets the sea"=Ron
Terese Sergi
February 28, 2020
Because if you, I speak to Jane often. We both miss you & often share memories of our times together. You left us too soon but I will be forever grateful I got to know you when I did. You remain in my heart, Gary.
Terese Sergi
February 27, 2019
Although I only re connected with you, Gary, the last few years of your life, we instantly became such good friends, enjoying each other's company whenever we could spend time together. We never made it to that last concert but I always think of you whenever I attend any type of music event. You are so missed.Love, Terese
Ron Stender
February 27, 2019
As time marches on, it's important to remember those whom we went to school with that made a difference in our lives. Upbeat Gary was one for sure. His drive to get us all to the reunions a stellar effort over the years. Someday we shall meet again....out where the sky meets the Sea. RIP Gary
Gary the runner
Ralph Serna
June 2, 2016
I first met Gary just a few years ago because of our common interest in track and field. His energy and passion was immediately infectious and appreciated.
As a CIF official he later met and gave great advice to my niece and nephew who were high school runners.
Gary always taught me something new about T&F because of his vast knowledge. He will be missed.
Runners Reunited III 2010-10-10
Brad Hutson
June 2, 2016
Runners Reunited V 2012-7-7
Brad Hutson
June 2, 2016
Runners Reunited V 2012-7-7
Brad Hutson
June 2, 2016
Runners Reunited III 2010-10-10
Brad Hutson
June 2, 2016
Runners Reunited III 2010-10-10
Brad Hutson
June 2, 2016
Div 2 finals Estancia H.S. 2014-5-17
Brad Hutson
June 2, 2016
Runners Reunited III 2010-10-10
Brad Hutson
June 2, 2016
May 23, 2016
Gary and I were friends since our days at Hamilton Jr. High, Jordan High School, and Cal State Long Beach. We always talked no less than for or five times a year. Gary's devotion and concerns for his friends as well as just about anybody else have always stood out to me as hallmarks of his benign personality and goodness. I remember him as always being soft spoken and kind to everybody he came into contact with. He was truly a wonderful person. His presence in the world made the world a better place. I will indeed miss him. He was a very decent fellow.
James D'Arcy Alta, Utah
Roger & Sue Elliott
April 5, 2016
Words cannot express the loss of our dear friend, Gary. He was on the track team with Roger and was in our wedding 52 years ago. We knew we could always count on Gary to be there for any of us. He held the Jordan class of 64 together and when he recruited me to join the reunion committee for our 25th reunion it allowed me to have monthly get togethers with my Jordan friends. He wanted to have a 70th birthday party for all of us and was working on putting that together. We have lost a true friend.
STEVE BROOKS
April 3, 2016
This is Steve Brooks. I am Gary's brother. I have been trying to get ahold of Gary for over a month and haven't been able to reach him so I had a friend of mine try to look up information online to find a way to get ahold of him. It was only then that I came across his obituary. I had no idea he passed away. If anyone could please contact me with information I would be so grateful. I was very close to Gary and am so saddened by his loss. I do not have a phone of my own but am living with family friends. A phone number to reach me on is (928) 460- 3242. Please ask for Steve Brooks. Thank you
March 27, 2016
We were shocked & saddened to hear about Gary. We've known him for about 20 years; first meeting him at a mutual friend's Super Bowl party. He was the person you could say was a true friend. If he called & you didn't answer in a few days he would check with other friends that knew us to make sure we were O.K. He knew we enjoyed music as much as he did so before summer started he'd call & tell us about who was going to be where at the free concerts in the park. In the past couple of years he'd would join us & friends for the holidays; Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas. We will never go to another summer concert without thinking of Gary. Like the first time we met him we enjoyed a great Super Bowl day with him this year. We spent the time together getting caught up on each others lives. Gary we will miss you our special friend.
If there is going to be any kind of a memorial please let us know.
Sharon & Ken Craig
(562) 497-1046
March 11, 2016
The last time I saw Gary was on New Year's Eve. We had a toast to bring in the New Year & planned to get together again soon.
We spoke on the phone a few times & then my calls went unanswered for a few weeks. Of course, I suspected something was terribly wrong because Gary was such a reliable friend & would never just stop communicating. I know Gary had so many loving friends and I wonder if any of you can fill me in on Gary's last days. I have so many unanswered questions. Was there or is there any memorial planned? I would be so appreciative to hear from anyone. I was fortunate enough to become re-acquainted with Gary just prior to the reunion & because of Gary, I was reunited with one of my best H.S. friends, Jane Scott. I look forward to any information.
Terese Sergi
562/712-9874
Sue Reed-VanBavel
March 9, 2016
There are no words that can fully describe the impact Gary has had on so many lives. When he called me about the 50th Reunion I wasn't planning on attending but after "multiple phone calls" he convinced me to go and I will be forever greatful for his persistance. I was able to reconnect with so many of my friends that truly filled a void in my life and was a true blessing. Gary was an inspiration for me and I will never forget him. Until we meet again...
March 9, 2016
Gary belonged to the Boys'n'Berries Square Dance Club for many years. He worked very hard for our club. He wasn't active in the club the last few years. He is greatly missed. He was such a good guy.
Barbara Walton
March 6, 2016
I too have known Gary since the beginning at McKinley Elementary and he was truly one of the kindest persons I have ever known. Reunions won't be the same without you. Until we meet again my friend.
Ron Stender
March 6, 2016
I knew Gary since Hamilton Jr. High and
like most of us at Jordan, and always
a smile and got along with everyone.
He was the alumni reunion bell ringer
always getting everyone together again.
We recently chatted several times after
The Eagle's Glenn Frye passed, and he
told me of all the tribute bands he loved.
We're going to miss you my friend. RIP
Ron Stender
March 6, 2016
I knew Gary since our days at Hamilton Jr. High and Jordan High like most everyone
else. Always a smile, and got along with
everyone, a class act. He was the "glue"
in our Alumni Committee, and made sure
most of us got off our duffs and went to
many fun reunions. I had just chatted
with him a few weeks ago after the Eagles
Glenn Frye passed away. He told me of the
many tribute bands he was fond of and
concerts in the park. As a runner and
seemingly in good health, the news of him
having a massive stroke hit us all hard.
We'll always remember Gary. RIP my friend
Howard Butcher
March 6, 2016
Gary was a kind friend over the years since our graduation and reconnecting for our Jordan High reunions. We always had fun discussions on the phone whenever plans were in the works for the next reunion. I shall miss him and our talks not being there for the 60th!!!Rest in peace, my friend!
Mikki Bowers
March 6, 2016
Gary loved & admired his friends....always caring and interested. We have lost a godly man. Rest in peace our dear friend.
Garry Leonard
March 6, 2016
Garry Leonard
March 6, 2016
Art Pegg
March 6, 2016
Track and Field has lost a staunch devotee, friend and supporter. Knew Gary for most of the 40 years I started Track and Field meets in Southern California. Always a friendly smile, greeting and conversation. Will miss his voice at this years Master's Meet.
God bless you and keep you Gary!!
March 6, 2016
Gary and I met in junior high school at a track meet. We continued to share track and field analysis through weekly phone calls. Gary was always an enthusiastic and informed companion. I will miss him.
Karan Thatcher
March 5, 2016
I can truthfully say that nobody cared more about his classmates and other friends than Gary. Since he started calling about reunions, he and I had become friends and I will miss those weekly calls. The class of '64 has lost a real gem. Gary, you were one in a million. I never heard you speak ill of anyone. I already miss you. God bless you on your final journey.
Karan (Etheridge) Thatcher
Jeannie Newman
March 5, 2016
Since 1st grade at McKinley Elementary School, through Hamilton Junior High and Jordan High School graduation and now more than 50 years beyond, Gary Brooks has always been around, just a phone call away.
He was truly devoted to his childhood friends and many others that he met along his journey. He will be missed.
Eric "Ric" Chaulsett
March 5, 2016
I only went to Jordan for my senior year, but I knew Gary and kept in contact over the years at reunions, concerts in the park and by telephone. He was a great comfort when Jim Johnson passed away and now I will miss Gary.
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