Robert John Brooks

Tucson - Dr. Robert J. Brooks passed away on July 22, 2024, embraced by his family and the serene desert mountains that brought him deep peace. Born on June 4, 1952, in Pittsburgh, PA, Bob's childhood was marked by curiosity, adventure, and a precocious spirit. A proud Eagle Scout, he often shared the tale of bravely spending a night alone in the wilderness as a young boy.

In 1967, Bob's family relocated to Scottsdale, AZ, where he attended Saguaro High School and served as president of the German Club. He worked part-time at his mother's health food store and spent weekends horseback riding and reading the Merck Manual. On August 5, 1969, a fateful encounter changed his life forever when he met his future bride, Ellen Stromberg. They married in Los Angeles on August 20, 1972, and began building a life together full of purpose, boundless love, and shared dreams.

Bob pursued higher education at Loyola Marymount for his undergraduate studies and at the University of Arizona for medical school. He completed his internship at the University of Michigan and returned to Tucson for his residency and fellowship. Driven by a profound desire to help others, Bob specialized in oncology, a challenging field that benefitted from his compassionate touch. He was a kind and humane doctor, deeply caring for his patients and staff and profoundly impacting the lives of thousands. Beyond his practice, Bob co-founded Life Beyond Cancer, a scholarship-based annual retreat for women nationwide living with breast cancer. A lifelong Beatles fan, Bob even had a real-life beetle named after him, courtesy of a grateful patient who was also an entomologist.

Bob's unwavering dedication to his family was the cornerstone of his life. His unconditional love for Ellen and his three daughters, Emily Hall, Kristi Pennington, and Sara Fisher, was unparalleled. He was the world's best husband, dad, and "Bappo" to his four granddaughters and two grandsons, whom he so dearly loved.

Bob exuded positivity and generosity, inspiring everyone to live life to the fullest. He cherished the sanctity of time and embodied servant leadership. Active in his community and church, St. Philips in the Hills, Bob always aimed to leave the world better than he found it.

Bob is preceded in death by his mother, Electra Brooks, his father, Don Brooks, and his beloved dog, Bacchus. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ellen Brooks, his three daughters, six grandchildren, three sons-in-law, and his sister, Val Brooks-Kennedy.

A memorial service honoring the extraordinary life of Bob Brooks will be held on September 19th at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church.