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Brooke Atherton Obituary

Stockton, CA

Brooke Atherton

Aug. 6, 1945 - November 13, 2007

Brooke went to be with our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 after a long and

courageous battle with brain cancer. Brooke was born on August 6, 1945 in Stockton, where he was raised until graduating from Amos Alonzo Stagg Senior High School in 1963. Brooke entered the United States Navy in 1966 where he served his country including a term in the Vietnam War. Brooke was honorably discharged in 1972 after receiving various citations and honors. Brooke furthered his education with an AA Degree in Liberal Arts and then a Bachelor's Degree from California State University Fresno. While attending college he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Brooke was employed for over 20 years by the City of Fresno. He loved his job and all of the camaraderie he shared with his co-workers. Brooke was a true sports fan whose vast knowledge was evident in his ability to recite any player's name, their high school, their college and their profes-sional team whether it was football, basketball or baseball.

Brooke is survived by his wife, Joyce Gardener-Atherton; his mother, Wilma Atherton-Melton; his brother, Michael Atherton; his sister, Anne Atherton; his step-daughter, Shannon Johnson, son-in-law, Thurl Johnson, Jr. and his grandson, Jordan Johnson. He was preceded in death by his father, Sandy Atherton; his brother, Patrick Atherton and grandparents, Warren and Anne Holt Atherton and William and Esther Whipple. Brooke will be missed dearly by all of his friends and family.

A Celebration of Life was held Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at the Church of the Nazarene, 736 E. "D" St., in Lemoore.

Remembrances may be sent in memory of Brooke Atherton to the Brain Tumor Society, 124 Watertown St., Suite 3 H, Watertown, MA 02472 and/or Veterans, Attention G.E.C.U., 2615 E. Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA 93703-2286

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record from Nov. 22 to Nov. 25, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Brooke Atherton

13 Entries

Lorne & Jan Truscott

November 29, 2007

Mike and family
We're so sorry to hear of your loss.
You are in our thoughts.

Gay Walters

November 27, 2007

Dearest Wilma, Michael and Ann,
I have just learned about Brooke' passing. You can not know how it has saddened me. I will never forget out holiday meal where I met Brooke and how outstanding he was. It was a holiday meal at your house. You are in my prayers still and I send my love to you and Michael and Ann. Love, Gay

Steve Werner

November 26, 2007

Dear Wilma and family,
I was very sorry to read about Brooke's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Fondly,
Steve Werner

Charlotte Konrad

November 26, 2007

I wish to express condolences to the Atherton family from the Konrad family.

I went to school with Mike from Stockton Jr. High thru Stagg High and Delta College. The Atherton boys and their father would often patronize my parent's Ice Cream Fountain on Pacific Avenue during the 60's.

william (bill) hogue

November 26, 2007

Mike & Family

i was very saddened to hear of brooke's passing. as one who lost my older brother last december i know what you are going through. i hope the strength of your family is guiding you all through these troubled times.

November 25, 2007

Mike & Atherton Family
We are very sorry to hear of Brooke's passing our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Frank Casciaro Family

debra (berry) nickols

November 24, 2007

I grew up next door to the Athertons...their family was an extended family to mine...never a dull moment between our two houses!!!....I remember Sandy fondly....stepping in w/my own father left...Wilma, the epitome of grace and beauty....Brooke tolerated all us younger kids with his warm sense of humor, Mike digging up our backyard because his mom wouldn't let him dig up their's (!!) and Patrick, with all his hair-brained schemes....Anne ended up being my best friend for many years....
I am sooo happy that Brooke found happiness...he was always kind and gentle w/me and my brother as he witnessed the breakup of our family....I am quite fortune to have lived next door to the Athertons...and hold them all warmly in my heart....

Mark Vukovich

November 24, 2007

Brooke and I were in the same class at Stagg High (1966). A good guy and my sympathy's to Mike and the entire Atherton Family.

Barbara (Cruse) Andres

November 24, 2007

Dear Wilma and family:
After reading of the loss of your son I wanted you to know that my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I also want to tell you of the important role Brooke played in my life. I only knew him as a small child. Your mother, Esther Whipple, was my friend and mentor as I was going through the chairs at Stockton Assembly #9, Order of Rainbow for Girls. I met both you and your adorable son, Brooke, during that period, and eventually as I planned my wedding I asked if Brooke would like to be my ring bearer. He made a handsome entrance in his little white dinner jacket and, although the year was 1954, those fond memories are still close to my heart today.

Today I have three sons of my own and can only imagine your heartbreak at this time. I also have a grandson, Tyler, and a granddaughter named "Brooke". I was so thrilled when her parents chose that name. She has enjoyed looking at my wedding photos many times since she was a little girl, and I have pointed out the little ring bearer who was also named Brooke that had stolen everyone's heart that day.

How proud you must be of your fine son and the life he lived. May you be comforted by the memories you hold close to your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Gordon Rose

November 22, 2007

I first met Brooke when we were four years old and in Miss Snell's Nursery School, and then we were in El Dorado School together. I've thought of him often, and have good memories of him. May he rest in peace and remain in our hearts and minds.

Laura

November 20, 2007

I only knew Brooke a short time, but I wanted you to know that he touched my life. My deepest sympathy to all of you. I know that he fought a long hard battle. I met him through Dave Joliff and Dawn (his ride to Fresno).

Steve & Joan Tucker

November 19, 2007

Brooke was the hub of the wheel that kept all us old friends updated with each other. He was the one that would bring beer to a pot-luck in our 20's, 30's,40's. We loved his expressions and excitment he got from watching sports, but we never saw Brooke more excited then when he told us he meet Joyce. We were so happy for him that he found the special woman and married life he always wanted. Steve and I will miss him.

Robert Borunda

November 19, 2007

Dear Atherton Family,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Brooke was my co-worker and helper on the truck in years past. I especially enjoyed his sense of humor and was always amazed by his recital of sports stats. He was a good guy and will be greatly missed.

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