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Fredrick Alton Brooks

Fredrick Brooks Obituary

Jan. 10, 1953 - Sept. 13, 2013 Fred was "Bigger than Life." He enjoyed time with his 12 year old son Benjamin Brooks, his dog Gina, and running. Ben was his epicenter. Fred was an accomplished Ultra runner and at 62 had just completed a 100 mile race-- Wasatch. He had finished in 28:35:59-- 1st in his age division and 51st overall. Fred was driving home to Sacramento from Wasatch when he was killed in a car accident. Fred worked for Emerson and was current president of the Sac Chapter of the California Water Environment Assn. Fred graduated from Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario in 1979 in electro-mechanical engineering. He was the youngest of 7 children from Lindsay, Ontario, Canada. He is survived by his son Benjamin (Ben's mother Alexandra Condon), his sisters Linda Ross, Barbara Hand, and brother James Brooks.Fred's joking around, desire to train and play hard, helpfulness, hard work, and mostly his love of his son, family, and friends will be greatly missed. The memorial service will be Sat., Sept. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Presbyterian, 625 Florin Rd. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to a GoFundMe created by friends of Fred, for his son Ben: www.gofundme.com/6u4ce8kp, Sam Brannan MS Track Team, Sac Food Bank, PCT Assn, or SPCA.

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

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Sep. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Fredrick Brooks

17 Entries

Hiroshi Kashiwagi

December 24, 2015

I was saddened and stunned to learn of Fred's passing. My deepest sympathies to Fred's son Ben, his family, and friends. I met Fred years ago when I was a part of a 12 person relay team assembled to take part in the Providian Run a 200 mile race from Calistoga to Santa Cruz. We met as a team numerous times prior to the race to get to know each other and train. I remember meeting Fred for the first time. He had such a big personality and running history, that I was sort of intimidated by him. But I soon found him to be very kind, supportive and funny. He was really the heart and soul of our team. They say that it is a small world, and it really is. A few years after our race, I was in Africa on a climbing trip with fellow Providian teammate and friend, Mike Ryan. We were in a camp ground and noticed an African gentleman wearing a Western States tee shirt. We approached him and asked him about the shirt. His name was Simon and he said that he ran the race numerous times and that he trained in Auburn. We chatted more and eventually mentioned Fred's name. To our surprise, he said that he knew Fred and talked about the birth of Fred's son Ben. What are the odds of meeting someone in Africa who knows one of our friends? We were all astonished that we had a friend in common half way around the world. It is a story I love to tell and I am reminded of Fred with each telling. So Fred's personality and spirit was far reaching and I suspect it shall remain that way forever. You will be missed. Run free and easy my friend.

Lydia Solomon

November 14, 2015

Very sad news! His memories will live on forever. He was one of a kind. We miss him and will always remember the times we spent over the years. He loved life and he lived it. Ben your father was a man of his word, he was honest, loving and to the point. We loved him very much. God bless Fred! I know you are looking over all of us. We miss you!!

Angela Scott

November 6, 2015

So sorry to hear about Fred. I have not thought about him for 20 years and for some reason today I decided to Google him. What a sad discovery. Fred was an amazing person. Always full of life and fun. He drove a Jeep back then and would come to the dealership I worked at for service. He always brightened my day and I really missed him when I quit that job. I am blessed for having had him touch my life. So, so sorry for his family and especially his son. Words can not describe the loss.

September 27, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. We all look forward to the day John 5:25 will come true for all the ones we love and lost

Fred at Wasatch 100 Endurance Run 9-11 (or 12)-15

September 27, 2015

Fred at Wasatch 100 Run 9-11-15

Ally Condon

September 27, 2015

can't express how much the words and actions of Fred's friends and family help our son Ben. Ben was truly Fred's world--despite our differences, I always said he was a dedicated and loving father. It shows in all that is said and in Ben's grief. I hope soon Ben will be able to read these messages and find comfort in the stories and words and know his father, Fred, is alive in him.

Anastasia Nelson

September 25, 2015

Thinking of your infectious humour Fred and how to keep the good memories alive in this time of loss. Blessing and Best Wishes to Fred's Family and Friends. Here is to keeping Fred's spirit ALIVE and traveling on the trails with laughter to help balance our times of sorrow and loss. Bon Voyage to you, Fred, thank you for traveling the same trails for a time and enriching our lives. And for the silver lining in refreshing our lively memories in celebrating your life and a reminding us to seize the day, live and love. Congratulations on winning the Wasatch and the biggest win of all BEN!! Sorry you can't stay longer in person, but you are in our memories and Ben's spirit...

Tammy Ross

September 25, 2015

My Uncle Fred was someone I adored growing up! I remember when I was little I would put on his shirts and boxers and do the "we wear short shorts" dance! He was always making me laugh! If it was teaching me how to do head stands to seeing how much "air" we could get hitting the bump in the railroad tracks in his rental car......everything was an adventure sure to keep you at the edge of your seat and holding on for dear life! I have so many fond memories of my Uncle but what surprised me the most was when he had his son Ben! I had a one year old son and he was starting fatherhood after I, his niece, had become a mom! I used to joke with him and say he would be able to use his "seniors discount" to save money on diapers! When he came to visit with Ben, our son's just bonded instantly! It was natural and it warmed my heart! We got to have visits a couple more times where my daughter got the chance to meet her great Uncle and Ben! Now my daughter was absolutely devastated to hear of her Uncles untimely death..... We all were ....but that's the effect he had on people.....you only had to meet him once to love him! He was silly, light hearted and full of life! And BEN..... Your made your dad the happiest I had ever seen him! He ran countless marathon's and overcame so many challenging goals but YOU, his son, was and will always be his greatest accomplishment! We will miss you so much but we will keep you alive in our memories and our hearts! Love you always and forever Uncle Fred xoxo

Judy Montgomery

September 25, 2015

I first met Fred and Ally when they came to me to discuss Ben's kindergarten placement...when Ben was 4! I had the honor of serving as Ben's principal from kindergarten until his recent promotion from 6th grade. During that time I became good friends with Fred and really got to know him. He was larger than life, he did nothing in a small way, and most importantly he loved his son more than life itself. I have pages of emails from Fred ranting about all the acronyms we use in education and how much easier it was back in the day..I will treasure those as they are reminders about how much of an advocate he was for Ben. Fred definitely left his mark on this world and he will be greatly missed. He has left behind a great legacy in his son. Run like the wind my friend and know that Ben's village is large and spans the globe!

Fred on the Western States Trail

Phil Dynan

September 25, 2015

Fred's Grin

Phil Dynan

September 25, 2015

Fred 200-mile relay race team

Phil Dynan

September 25, 2015

Fred and Ben (Hawaii)

Phil Dynan

September 25, 2015

Fred and little Ben

Phil Dynan

September 25, 2015

Fred: The Reluctant Hero

Phil Dynan

September 25, 2015

Trail Runner Magazine

Phil Dynan

September 25, 2015

Suzie Lister

September 25, 2015

My deepest sympathy to all of Fred's family, especially his son Ben. I will cherish all the memories of "The Crazy Canadian" and the trail miles and laughs that we shared. Rest in Peace Fred and know that your son will be in loving hands.

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