ALFRED (ALF) RICHARD BROOKS

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• We met Alf through a shared passion. Stamp collecting. Alf had been a long time member of both the Winnipeg Philatelic Society and of the Scandinavian Collectors Club of Manitoba. Through the story of stamps we all got to learn of Alf's travels, his adventures, the various trips to Europe and to the Faeroe Islands, the poems and about Alf himself, the person. Alf was a good honest man who played fair. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to Lily and to his family. Our thoughts remain with you. - Posted by: Roger and Tess Fontaine (Trusted Friends) on: Sep 15, 2014

• Great memories and admiration of Mr. Brooks as the father to my highschool buddy Kevin, as my teacher and my ball coach. He always instilled respect in all we accomplished. He was one of those influencing teachers in my life that I am grateful for and share my Mr. Brooks storys about to my childrena and friends. Alf had the big smile and bigger laugh. Kevin, sorry I cannot make the trip to Winnipeg for your dads service. In our thoughts and prayers. Blair & Debbie Andrew - Posted by: Blair Andrew (Student/friend) on: Sep 13, 2014

• Alf Brooks was my high school teacher in the early 1970s - one of a handful of fresh, bright instructors who came to Virden and changed the face of learning. He was everything a teacher should be: distinguished, thoughtful, inspiring and exacting. He taught history and literature and we soon understood his passion for both. He had a knack for seeing talent in a student and encouraging the development of our gifts. One look could strike terror in our hearts if we had failed his wants for an assignment but he was also not without mirth. Anyone walking down the hall past his lecture theatre might secretly smile, wondering what prompted the roar of laughter from within. To my mother he was a fine neighbour. To his friends and colleagues, he was Alf. To the countless students in whom he instilled a love for learning and to excel, he will always be our Mr. Brooks. Our deepest condolences to his family. Arvel Gray and family - Posted by: Arvel Gray (former VCI student) on: Sep 12, 2014

• Alf was one of the students in our French class at Creative Retirement. Everybody liked him, he was a great asset to our class. Whatever he said was interesting, often humorous, and he was friendly to all. He was a real nice guy and we will miss him. - Posted by: Hilda Wagstaffe (Knew through Creative Retirement French class) on: Sep 12, 2014

• My deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this difficult time. I have been keeping and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Sheila Mullen-Smith (Lily's student SMA 1985) on: Sep 10, 2014

• I met Alf in Virden. We were neighbours and colleagues, even traveling companions. Nothing builds closeness like sharing a towel. It turned out we were brothers in the labour movement as well. I learned very soon that Alf was a first-class man. We were all lucky to know him. - Posted by: Peter Buehler (colleague) on: Sep 09, 2014

• I was Alf's French teacher at Creative Retirement. He was a wonderful student. He loved learning as much as he could. He would come to class with new French terminology, phrases, lovely poetry, or a joke that made us all laugh. We will feel an empty space in French class for a long time. - Posted by: Doreen Wuckert (Alf's French teacher at Creative Retirement) on: Sep 08, 2014

• I was Alf's French teacher at Creative Retirement. He was a wonderful student. He loved learning as much as he could. He would come to class with new French terminology, phrases, lovely poetry, or a joke that made us all laugh. We will feel an empty space in French class for a long time. - Posted by: Doreen Wuckert (Alf's French teacher at Creative Retirement) on: Sep 08, 2014

• Mr. Brooks was one of my high school teachers. He was an excellent teacher who treated his students like young adults and instilled in many of us a love of English literature. Over his many years of teaching at VCI, he influenced and made a difference in many lives. Please accept my deepest condolences at the time of his passing. - Posted by: Valerie Heaman (Former student) on: Sep 08, 2014

• We were very sad to hear of Alf's passing. The strong support of your friends and family will be invaluable. I know you have many beautiful memories of your years together. You were both fortunate indeed to have found one another. Our prayers are with you at this sad time. Louisa and Henry Ryz - Posted by: Louisa and Henry Ryz (colleague and friend) on: Sep 07, 2014

• I was sorry to hear of Alf,s passing. As a former student of Virden Collegiate, I remember him as a humorous, understanding teacher and principal. It was always very evident that he cared about his students. He was someone who made a difference in our lives. - Posted by: Gil Chacun (former student) on: Sep 07, 2014

• My heartfelt sympathy to the family. Mr. Brooks touched the lives and inspired many throughout the years. He will truly be missed. - Posted by: Janine McNabb (Stonehouse) (former neighbour and student) on: Sep 06, 2014

• Lily, We have been friends for many years and when Alf married you he also became our friend. Alf was a very warm, loving and friendly man and we always enjoyed his company at the wonderful dinners we had together. Whether the dinner was at your place or ours you and Alf were always great company with interesting conversations always taking place. Lily, there are no words which will ease your sorrow at this time. Only with the passage of time will things be easier to accept and deal with. Your memories of Alf and the love he had for you will sustain you and help you through this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Take care my friend and know we are here for you. Diana on behalf of the Szymanski Family - Posted by: Szymanski Family (Friends) on: Sep 06, 2014