Hayner Duane Brooks

Hayner Duane Brooks, age 72, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away on February 5, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with illness. Born on October 28, 1952 in San Gabriel, California, Hayner was the beloved younger son of Duane Lee and Ethel Mae (Colebank) Brooks.

He was a man of great character—adventurous, compassionate, and full of life—and his loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Growing up in California, Hayner was able to ride his bike to the beach with friends (followed discreetly by mothers in cars) and delighted in learning to surf off the coast of Los Angeles. He was particularly fond of Long Beach. Disneyland was also in range by bike, where he and his fellow explorers came to know and enjoy every inch of Tom Sawyer’s Island. Hayner attended Downey High School, where he played goalie on the water polo team. After graduating in 1970, he was drafted into the US Army where he served 2 years in the Honor Guard while stationed in Seoul, South Korea.

After returning home from the Army, he left big city life for Colorado, settling in Fort Collins after visiting an Army buddy who lived in the area. In 1981, he moved to Pinewood Ranch as a renter, and there met the true love of his life, Mona Gottberg. After she “let” him win a game of cribbage at a Ranch get-together, the rest was romantic history! They were married April 3, 1982 in Drake, Colorado.

Hayner was a devoted family man, a loving husband to Mona for nearly 43 years, and a proud father to Hannah (Donal) Armstrong and Amanda (Sean) McBride. He was also the loving grandfather of Renezmee McBride. Following his father’s passing in California in 1998, he brought his mother Ethel to our home in Loveland where she was a beloved household and community member until her passing in September 2020. Love for family was evident in every part of his life. Hayner was an unwavering presence of support and care for those closest to him, all of whose lives he filled with stories, laughter, and wisdom.

Professionally, Hayner was an accomplished Journeyman Electrician. After completing his apprenticeship, he initially worked for AA Electric, followed by several years at Cleaver Electric, both in Fort Collins, Colorado. His precision, reliability, and deep knowledge of electrical systems, as well as a working knowledge of construction techniques in general, became extensive. Whether for residential projects or large-scale commercial jobs, his expertise was sought after, and his integrity in every task he took on was unwavering. He semi-retired to take over the family ranch in 2002, where all those skills were put to creative use in remodeling and maintenance.

While his career and the Ranch kept him busy, Hayner's greatest passion was the great outdoors. Whether he was hiking through dense forests to high mountain lakes, cross-country or downhill skiing, scaling rocky cliffs, navigating a tricky slot canyon, exploring the hidden depths of caves, or simply taking a weekend walk with family, he found great fulfillment in the beauty of nature. He would often share stories of his past adventures, pointing out trails and views that had become dear to him over the years, teaching his family and friends to appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

His love for the outdoors was matched only by his generosity. Whether he was taking a group of beginners on their first climbing experience while working as a guide for the Colorado Mountain School in Estes Park, CO, or volunteering with Larimer County Search and Rescue, or simply letting his daughters take the lead on the trail and show him a thing or two, Hayner made sure everyone felt included, safe, and inspired. His ability to push others to find their own way as he guided them from the shadows, no matter the challenge, was one of his many gifts.

Hayner is survived by his wife Mona Brooks, daughters Hannah (Donal) Armstrong, Amanda (Sean) McBride, granddaughter Renezmee McBride, all of Loveland, brother Hobby (Diana) Brooks of Boring, Oregon, as well as one niece, two nephews, three great nieces and seven great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Duane and Ethel Brooks.

A memorial service celebrating Hayner’s life will be held on March 1st, 2025, 2 pm, at Allnutt Funeral Service - Hunter Chapel, 2300 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland CO 80538. If unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25023253935832.

Family and friends are invited to join in remembering a man whose spirit was as boundless as the mountains he climbed and the caves he explored.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Hayner’s memory to either…

Larimer County Search & Rescue, www.larimercountysar.org

--or--

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center, www.heartsandhorses.org

May Hayner rest in peace, forever remembered and loved by all. His adventurous spirit, kind heart, and zest for living will continue to inspire those who had the honor of walking beside him in the wild adventure called life.