Lawrence Edward Brooks

He is predeceased by his parents, George and Agnes, and his youngest brother, Charlie. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gail (nee Clark) and his daughter Jenny, of whom he was so very proud, a younger brother Tony, and two estranged brothers.

Larry dedicated a combined 43 years of hard work to Uniroyal and BFGoodrich. Upon his retirement, he received a special letter from his employer recognizing him for never having taken a single sick day. This was an accomplishment of which he was always very proud.

After retiring, he worked part time at Rockway Golf Course and then later at the Kitchener Auditorium, mainly for Kitchener Rangers games, but also for other events. He also just kept showing up places to help out until they had no choice but to make him an official volunteer. This is how he came to volunteer at the Kitchener Panthers Baseball games, at the Victoria Hills Community Centre for euchre, and a retirement event at the Waterloo Recreation Centre. In June 2019, the manager of the Aud presented Larry with the Clock Tower Award for Outstanding Community Involvement.

For the past four years, Larry enjoyed playing euchre every Wednesday at the Community Pavilion in Waterloo. In the most recent months, the staff were very encouraging to Larry and provided him thoughtful care. For several weeks, Larry enjoyed spending Mondays at a Sunnyside Day Programme in Waterloo. The staff there were amazing and so appreciated. He would often return home recounting the activities that day or details about the delicious lunches.

Larry was a diamond in the rough and had a huge heart. It was not uncommon to see him tear up at a TV show, movie, or song that touched his heart. Larry was never the same after a stroke in 2019. But, in the past few years, his wife can attest that she never heard him complain about anything.

It didn’t matter where we went as a family, Larry would almost always run into someone he knew, and if he didn’t know them he would chat with them anyway. He made many good “buddies” playing Sunday morning hockey for many years at Queensmount Arena and The Aud. These buddies gifted him a Detroit Red Wing hockey jersey with “999” on the back due to him being a massive fan of Gordie Howe. He loved sports. He enjoyed playing in golf tournaments, although it may have been the social gathering afterwards that he enjoyed the most. He also played on a baseball team for many years. He possessed a special talent for remembering lots of trivia about movies, TV shows, and sports stats. He also loved many types of music and astounded us constantly with his ability to name a tune with only a few notes or lyrics.

Sincere thanks to Dr. Ler, Dr. Lu, and all of the staff and nurses on 5D North. Your knowledge, kindness, and compassionate care were very comforting during Larry’s stay.

At Larry’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral or visitation. His wife and daughter will have a private interment.

It would be his wish that you pay tribute to him privately and in your own way and do something he would have enjoyed sharing with you. Whether it be a kind thought, eating some Chinese food, drinking a nice cold beer, playing a round of golf, or cheering at a hockey game. A bit of Elvis Presley music never hurts either.

In lieu of flowers and to honour his love of sports, donations can be made to support KidSport Kitchener-Waterloo.

You were not ready to go and we were not ready to lose you. We will miss you.