Robert Wright Brooks

BROOKS Robert Wright Brooks died on January 1, 2007 in his home at Buxton Farm, Millboro, Va. Bob was born on July 1, 1929 and raised in Hinsdale, Ill. Bob graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Maine, in 1947 and enthusiastically recalled his life and education at Andover as his foundation for integrity and honesty. He graduated from Williams College in Williamstown, Maine, in 1951 with a B.S. in Geology. During his college years, he sang barbershop and courted Pat Moore. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Marines in Korea. After his service, Bob joined the Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, Mich., where he spent the next 25 years leading production, marketing, and sales. He was active in his community, leading a campaign for the United Way. In 1974, Bob and his family moved to Richmond, Va., where he purchased Richmond Power Equipment Company, nurturing many lives in both his personal and professional life in Richmond. During this time he became a devoted member on the Board of Elk Hill Farm, an organization providing specialized education and treatment programs for teens to make positive changes in their lives. In 1994, he moved to Buxton Farm in Millboro, Va., where he has served on the Bath County Community Hospital Board of Directors for 12 years, and developed and served as the Chairman of the BCCH Foundation. He has been a member of and past President of the Cowpasture River Preservation Association, with the goal of protecting and preserving the pristine nature of the river. An avid fly fisherman all his life, he caught his first fish in the Cowpasture River. Happily, his parents were able to purchase a farm on the river in 1945. This farm became an anchor for four generations of the Brooks family. Living a life full of accomplishments, a memorable few include: a short stint in politics, when at age 12, he was mayor of Moose, Wyo.; and landing the "big three" saltwater fish as well as many Atlantic salmon and trout. He was the most gracious of hosts, welcoming all to his beloved mountain farm with his humor, generosity, love of music, and long-winded stories. Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia Moore Brooks; their three children, Richard Brooks of Wauwatosa Wis., David Brooks of Richmond, Va. and Kip Brooks of Lexington, Va.; and four grandchildren Katherine, Rebecca, Nathanial, Robert; and multiple blue ribbon winner, Sluggo. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring. Please consider honoring Bob with a gift to one of his chosen interests: Elk Hill Farm, P.O. Box 99, Goochland, Va. 23063, or either the Hospital or Hospice Services at Bath County Community Hospital, P.O. Drawer Z, Hot Springs, Va. 24445, or the Cowpasture River Preservation Association, P.O. Box 215, Millboro, Va. 24460.