it's been a year, brooks. we still all think of you every single day. you're still loved, you're still missed, and we all still-and always-will love you. i still wish i knew why. why? why, brooks? why did you leave? why did you do it? why didn't you hold on when you knew that we were there for you. why? why? all i can ask is why. and i'm sorry. we weren't really good friends, brooks, but i still remember. i miss you. i love you. but i understand. i won't say why-i don't think this is the most appropriate place for it. but...just know that i know. you could have talked to me. you could have talked to your parents, to your friends. i still miss you. i have to go though. ill see you one day, okay? until again. 

We weren't close until 8th grade year. We talked every day, about the good and the bad. He felt very alone, even though he wasn't. He felt like nobody cared, even though they did. Through his pain, he chose to rise up and help those he knew was hurting. Including me. He had a kind heart, and put many people before himself. I miss him immensely, and keep my memory of him close to my heart. He told me once that he feels that I was one of few who genuinely cared about him. I wish I could've somehow showed how many more people who cared about him as well. I love you Brooks, and think about you every day. I will see you again ❤️

We send our heartfelt condolences to your family during this sad and painful time. May God give you the help needed as you try to cope with such (Ps.34:18) a sad loss. Brooks touched the lives of others in a positive way and will be sadly missed.

Erik and family,
Since hearing the news of your son Brooks, I have been thinking of you.  What to say, how to help.  As I lit candles over Christmas, I thought of Brooks and wished him peace in Heaven.  I so wish there were words to help heal your sorrow. I so wish we could turn back the hands of time. Please know, you have many friends and family that are here for you, willing to help carry you, carry your grief. With sympathy, Sue McKinney

Brooks and I were never friends. We never were the type to hang out. But I did talk to him a few times. I went to middle school with him, and we always walked down the halls. I could see him walking with his friends, laughing and cracking simple jokes. The times we did talk, they did mean a lot to me. I didn't really tend to make a lot of friends and yet there he was, talking to me and making me laugh. I remember one day he was there across from me. 
"Are you okay," he asked. I was having a terrible day, just like the day before and the day before that. So I talked to him cause I though, what harm could it do? So I told him what I was going through. Of course, I didn't tell him all of it but I masked it in a way so I did tell him. And he talked to me throughout that hour and he made me feel better. He distracted me from the problems I was having in the world and he made me laugh. The next day when I went to class I was looking forward to talking to him again but we never had a related talk ever again. Just small hello's every now and then. 
When I heard the news, I was confused. I asked, 'who?' and then they said his name. And then it clicked. I remember him. I always will. He gave me hope throughout my entire 7th grade year. And now, to this day, I regret not being able to talk to him ever again. I regret never standing up and saying, "Hey, Brooks, thanks for talking to me that day, you really helped me." He helped me that one day and I was never there to help him. I will always remember him as the kid who helped me, who told me that 'it's going to be okay' just by cracking a few joke. Thank you, Brooks, so much, for being there. I'm sorry I never thanked you. Oh, yeah. My friend told me to tell you to tell you that she would have been there for you. I won't say goodbye, Brooks, cause you've helped me a lot, but a simple thank you, and a farewell. We'll see each other one day. 

Brooks and I first became close at sixth grade camp during the "art class." I was sitting at a table when Brooks and Trevor came up and sat across from me. We spoke and laughed as we worked on our less than brilliant salmon paintings. After camp Brooks continued to be an important part of my life. For Wednesday science I was partnered up with his brother. Brooks and I would always joke about it. Brooks was one of the best people I have ever met. I am incredibly lucky to have the pleasure to say that he was one of my dearest friends. He was the only person I felt like I didn't have to be perect around, like I didn't have to wear a mask. If he thought I was having a bad day he would do anything just to try and make me smile or let me know that things were going to get better. He protected me every single day even when I didn't realize it at the time, and for that I am eternally greatful. I will always remember him as the kind, funny boy who went out of his way to let me know it was going to be okay. He will remain in my heart forever.

Not an hour goes by that I don't think of you all.  I wish there was something I could say or do to ease your pain or bring you some comfort. I will always treasure the hug I received from Brooks just one week ago.  I am thankful for that. Prayers that your faith will give you strength to get through each day.  I am relying on mine more than ever right now. Love to all of you.  - Tina

OBITUARY

Brooks Thomas Rolfness

June 3, 2003 – December 14, 2017

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

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