Bernard (Ben) Matthew Brooks 1936 ~ 2026

I died this week due to complications resulting from my children making me old before my time and having lived more than twice as long as I had expected and probably three or four times longer than I deserved... I wish it had been from too much sex, tennis, sailing, or something else that was fun. I was given the gift of life, and now I have to give it back. It distresses me to have to return work that is not perfect. If you're reading this, I envy you. Yes, I had regrets. There are things I wished I hadn't done...things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime. But when it's time, it's time; I have no regrets, and have had a great life.

Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. I was a simple man who died of complications. I came into this world without my consent, and I left in the same manner. Life is like a dog-sled team; if you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes. I hope God puts me on a level where I will be with people I know. I'm looking forward to that. What an eye-opener life turned out to be!

I would like to remind my friends: "Please, don't email me, I'm dead. We all make weird comments when someone dies, comments that you wanted to say but didn't because the person you were talking about was still alive. After you die, it's another story. If anyone comes to be here during the event, I hope I can hear them say things like, "I can't believe he lived as long as he did", or "He still owes me a lot of money", or "He looks so peaceful, much better now than before he died". Don't feel guilty I have done the same thing.

I was born in Wabeno, WI on Sept. 20th 1936 and grew up (?) in Appleton, WI. I had the most wonderful parents in the world, O. Kenneth Brooks and Pearl Marie Moss. My mother spoiled me rotten. I am also fortunate to have received guidance from my family, friends, and relatives. Sometimes I listened and understood. They taught, (or tried to teach me) sound principles, which allowed me to use my right to freedom and free agency to make my own decisions in life. Although I was not always successful, from an early age I loved to fix things. I am thankful to the love of my life Karen my wife of 40 years for helping to keep me on the straight and narrow. A thankless job, I am sure.

I am proud of my two children/adults, Terri, and Ty, my six step children, Mark, Adam, Shane, Kevin and Bart Heindel, and Paula Jacobs. I am so very proud of all of you. You, have figured life out, now enjoy it to the fullest. My wonderful Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren I wish we had had more time to get to know each other better. Remember, I will always be with you in one-way or another. You have been the most uplifting and enriching part of my life. Thank you so much for being the sort of family that allowed me to learn and grow with you. Know that I shall always love you. I will miss you and will always be looking over all of you. You will feel my presence with you. You will always remember the many great memories we had. I can think of some now. I won't name names, the parties that took place at the house while I was gone, and the laughing every time we were together.

There were many memories I have enjoyed in my life. Thanks to my "SUPER" siblings, Judy Brooks Schulz, my little sister who awaits my arrival, brothers, Lionel "Porky" Brooks and Tom Brooks who, always wanting to be first had to precede me in death, who all gave me love and support most of the time. I was also preceded in death by my prostate on Sept. 15, 2009.

My family taught me to try and be patient and understanding. That didn't work all the time. Remember, I loved all of you. Thanks for all of the special times that we enjoyed together. During my lifetime I excelled at mediocrity. I loved to spin tales of grand adventures I may or may not have had. I owe sincere appreciation to the superior educators in the US Marine Corps and of course, the School of Hard Knocks for my “ejukashun”. At times it was a real struggle but now I've graduated and have been elevated, because I rose above it all, so to speak.

As per my request, I have chosen to be cremated and have handpicked the Urn. Not bad huh? My instructions after all usable organs have been harvested, is to be placed in a peaceful spot. After it's over and you all go home, please spend as much time as possible with your friends and children. Teach someone to fish, play ball, go camping, and be sure to enjoy, hold, and love each other. Take your family to a movie. Sit down with your kids and grandkids and tell a few fish stories, about your life of days gone by, and of their life stories when they were younger. Create some "Memories".... They last forever. Please do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for some poor unfortunate soul in my name. And remember, no flowers, and no tears. Enjoy every day as if there's no tomorrow. Remember, "Don't be sad, don't be blue, I may be better off than you." Some bring joy wherever they go, others whenever they go. "Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.

In lieu of flowers, please send acerbic letters to congress. Also write your Congressman and ask for the repeal of Day Light Saving Time.

"A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, 'Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don't worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep your chin up. Until the day comes, we're together again'."