Michael (Mike) Brookes

Mike Brookes was every bit a man's man. Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. His talents included football, track and ice hockey. Mike's interests went beyond the outdoors. He excelled in his high school classes as well as his college classes at Washington State University where he was president of the Independent Students.

We express our deepest sympathy to the family of our dear friend Mike Brookes (Feb. 10, 1937-July 22, 2016). He will be dearly missed by his wife Maxine, his daughters Christi and Chelle, (Mike's eldest daughter Lisa predeceased her dad in 2013), his brother Terry, granddaughter Kelsee and grandson Misha as well as by many of us who were fortunate to have him in our lives.

I have had the privilege of Knowing Mike for many years. The truth is I am now married to his first wife Carol. As so many people realize not all marriages last forever. Mike and Carol were married for 31 years. Carol and I have now been married for 23 years. When Carol and I were married Mike, their children and Mike's new wife Maxine welcomed me into the family. Maxine and I consider ourselves the very loved "outlaws". Neither Mike or I fell into the perfect husband category. However, we were very lucky when it came to wives. Mike and I became close over the years. I will miss him. - Jim Allen