John M. Brooks: A deer whisperer, a millwright, ‘taking care of himself into his 80’s’

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John M. Brooks

John M. Brooks

John was the true meaning of the word MAN. He worked hard, provided for his family, hunted, fished and was still cutting his own firewood, tending to his garden and taking care of himself into his 80’s.He moved his family to Trinity County in 1965 and loved every day living in the mountains. John could always be found fixing something or modifying something to make it work better. He worked as a millwright for 30+ years starting at Twin Harbors Lumber Company and ending at The Pacific Lumber Company retiring in 2004. Everyone knew that if John was on the job, it would get done and be done right. He was well known for getting the heaviest load of firewood he could. If he broke down and had to call the local tow truck driver, he was told he had to unload the wood first.

John was known as the deer whisperer. He could be seen in his yard surrounded by deer as each one got an oatmeal cookie and a pat on the head.

The last few years he kept himself busy collecting eagle quarters. All the clerks at the stores knew if he was getting change to look for an eagle quarter. It seems he must have had every eagle quarter ever minted.

John is survived by his children Susan Pryor (Dave) and John A. Brooks (Erica); grandchildren Justin Pryor (Jenna), John Brooks (Natasha), Makhila Downs (Shayne), Dakota Brooks (Hailee) and Miranda Lemke (Daniel), as well as 12 great-grandchildren whom he cherished dearly: Aiden and Colton Pryor; Kellan, Kinzley, Korbyn and Kamdyn Brooks; Addilyn and Madisyn Downs; Kaden and Bristol Brooks; Elizabeth and Vito Lemke. He is also survived by his sisters Linda Hubocan and Marie Morrow, his brother Joe Etcheberry and sister-in-law Betty Brooks.

He was predeceased by the love of his life for 62 years, Pearl, daughter Margaret Ann Brooks, son Don Brooks and brother Warren Brooks. John missed his wife so deeply that we all know he is so happy to be with her again.

There will be a gathering at Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 10 a.m.

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Jim Brickley
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Jim Brickley
1 year ago

Love that last line about rejoining his wife, Susan. Our condolences. Jim & Angie –

farfromputin
Member
farfromputin
1 year ago

I’m sorry to hear of John’s passing. I worked with John at Palco on the swing shift at mill B. A story of his struggle with PG&E and keeping his family warm during the winter says it all about John’s grit. As he recalled the incident, he climbed the power pole serving the family home to turn on the electricity after PG&E had shut it off during a financially difficult time for the Brooks family. That was a 10,000-volt line and the task had to be done carefully wearing special insulated gloves that he borrowed from the mill. He said the family had to keep the lights off at night so the power company wouldn’t know what he’d accomplished. John Brooks was one of a kind and I am proud to say I knew him.

Joe
Member
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  farfromputin

That’s a cool story! Good for him! Sounds like he trusted you!👍

DELLIB
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DELLIB
1 year ago

My first impression of John was that he was the Clint Eastwood of man. He did not put up with any crap, and he was straight forward. My sincere respects. I remember working with him, after my fears wore off he showed me how to vertical weld using the “j hook” method. The guy in my eyes was a legend. He always got the job done. I remember 25 years ago he used to drive a vw beetle all the way down from dinsmore to the carlotta P.L. mill to work. Smart man doing whatever it took! I was a newbee working at the carlotta mill, and he didn’t play any games just a straight shooter. My life has been well affected by him, living on he will be greatly remembered.

Prometheus
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Prometheus
1 year ago
Reply to  DELLIB

One of a kind…

Rest in peace-16.jpg