Gary Kelly Brooks July 10, 1939 ~ July 27, 2018 Our Dad, Grandpa, and favorite cowboy saddled his horse for the last time on July 27, 2018 for his journey home. Dad was born on July 10, 1939 in Palmyra UT to Wells Kelly Brooks and Delia Anderson and was raised in Shelly, ID with siblings Lois, Joyce, and Kurt. Dad excelled at every activity he put his mind to.
He was a track and field state champ, a basketball star, and served on student council at Shelly High where he graduated in 1957. He earned a scholarship to the Air Force Academy but pursued an athletic scholarship to Utah State where he played on the football team. He graduated from Utah State in 1966 to become an Electrical Engineer.
Dad was central to our blended family. He met and married his first love Nancy in 1961 and they had two beautiful children. He later met and married his love and life partner Shauna in 1980.
Gary became a father to Shauna’s four amazing kids, and they welcomed three of their own. Among the many wonderful memories that Dad created for us, none were more special than our time at “camp”. Climbing an impossibly tall tree despite his intense fear of heights to hang a swing for his kids, telling scary stories around the campfire while showing us how to cook the perfect s’more, teaching us how to ride horses and allowing us to tag along on the cattle round-ups, Dad always silently put his kids first.
From boating to 4-wheeling to camping, we loved every memory from our many adventures. Dad was a tough cowboy on the outside but couldn’t hide his soft spot when it came to his animals. He had a special love for his four-legged companions, whether it was his horse named Horse, his loyal dog Jackson, or his 30-year-old cat Blackjack, he had so much love for the many animals that touched his life.
Gary is survived by his kids, Becky, David, Nichole (Greg), Oriana (Jack), Phaedra, Ryan (Cassie), Kellie (Mike), Liz (Taylor); 17 grandchildren and one great grandchild; and many other beloved family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Shauna, son Shane, parents, siblings and other loved ones. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 3 p.m. at the Ogden City Cemetery.
A celebration of his life will be held following the service at the Kroening home, 5481 E. Buckhorn Drive in Eden, Utah. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary. Special thanks to Greg and Nichole for the years of love and care, Dad’s compassionate nurse Andrea, and the dedicated Hospice team.
In lieu of flowers the family asks to please donate to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
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