Brooksby Reed Heywood

Brooksby Reed Heywood of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on October 19, 2022 at the age of 52. He is survived by his wife Sheri Stradling Heywood, and their 5 children, McKayla Delight, (Benjamin Cluff) Memri Tennille, Trey Russell, Taylor Dan, True Austin. Brooks was born on March 18, 1970 in Henderson, NV. Brooks was blessed to have spent most of his life in Mesa, AZ. Few people have ever felt as connected to a neighborhood community as he did. Brooks attended neighborhood schools and in his adult years he presided over the same neighborhood church building he attended as a boy.

Brooks attended Lindberg elementary, Mesa Jr. High, and was a proud alumni of Mesa High School in 1988. Brooks was involved in Scouting, had excellent youth leaders, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Brooks had fond memories of his high school years. He loved everything about the 1980’s. The movies, the music, the cars, and his great friendships. He loved participating in the Mesa High School choirs and developed many close relationships. Outside of school, he and his 3 close friends created a barbershop quartet that were often asked to sing at churches, events, and political rallies. His quartet became a brotherhood and he stayed friends with these men throughout his life.

After high school, Brooks served a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints in Honduras. Brooks learned many lessons on his mission and became fluent in Spanish. He learned to love the culture of Honduras, often spoke of the great faith and kindness of the people. Seeing the instability of the government there, he developed an even deeper appreciation for the blessing of being an American.

After Brooks’ mission, he was able to purchase a Porsche 911 from his uncle in Utah. It was in that car that he courted Sheri Stradling. The car’s engine didn’t last long but the dates with Sheri continued. They quickly fell in love and were married in the Mesa, AZ temple on May 15, 1992. Sheri was the love of Brooks’ life. They were quickly blessed with two adorable daughters and then surprised with triplet sons. 5 children under age 5. They experienced a lot of sleepless nights together taking care of a young family, working full time, and serving in their families and church responsibilities.

Brooks always valued family, kindness, and service. His values were on display as a leader of his local church congregation. He was able to serve in many responsibilities and as a Bishop overseeing the Lazona ward. He loved this service opportunity. He was able to serve with the youth, giving him experiences with his kids. He loved to visit with people and minister to them. Brooks was always a hands-on leader. He could lead from the front as an entertainer or spiritual giant. He was also likely to be serving food and leading setup and cleanup for ward and community events. Brooks knew that he was not perfect but said that he learned to give thanks and praise “to our Savior”. Those of us that knew him, were blessed by his Christlike humility and kindness.

Professionally, Brooks was a master salesman and excelled in customer service. When he was young, he was always the kid at the school who won the award in the school fundraiser, going door to door and charming his older neighbors. He sold furniture for many years and always had return customers. He later had a career with the Apollo Group which focused on adult education and it gave him the opportunity to help others pursue education. Brooks loved to learn and continued his education himself. Even while working and serving, he completed his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix.

Brooks loved to attend ASU football games. Over the years, he treasured ASU’s few excellent and many disappointing seasons because he loved his Arizona community and it was a shared experience with his siblings, his mom, and his family. He loved his Devils and watching sports with his family.

Brooks’ loved to be with his family. He made an effort to show up for family events and was always affirming everyone’s efforts with a hug, a kind word, and a smile. He showed up to serve, he helped people move, at a family dinner he was in the kitchen doing the dishes, he attended birthday’s, concerts, and eagle scout projects. Brooks always found a way to show up for others.

The Heywood family welcomes friends and family to attend a funeral service in his honor on October 28, 2022 at 11AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Address is 2334 E Pueblo Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com for the Heywood family.