Obituary of Max Brooks
R Max Brooks
94 years well lived. Ronald Maxwell 'Max' Brooks passed away August 9 at the Niagara Hospital.
The end of an era, Max was born in St. Catharines on June 4, 1923, to Minnie and Charles Brooks. He was the youngest and longest surviving of 5 siblings; William (Bill) Irwin, Harold, Frances (Nichols) and Thomas Brooks. He grew up at 247 Lake St, attended Alexandra School and the St. Catharines Collegiate. Hired by Lightning Fastener Zipper Company as a tool and die apprentice in 1940, he remained employed by them until 1976 when he went to work at General Motors and retired in 1988. Living all his life in St. Catharines, Max was actively involved in many sports. Throughout his youth he played baseball, hockey, lacrosse and rowing. He spent many years coaching minor hockey (Bisons) for the St. Catharines Legion, Branch 24 and was an executive member of the St. Catharines Jr. B Falcons, including president and past president. He was awarded Lifetime Memberships in both the St. Catharines Jr. B Hockey Club and The Old Boys Lacrosse Association.
Predeceased by Jean (Webb) the love of his life for 65 plus years, Max’s legacy lives on through his precious daughters, Stephanie (Dave Derry), Tracy (Hayden Brown), Leslie (Wayne Dick) and his 5 beloved grandchildren Maggie, Sydney, Maxwell Dick, Lauren and Ian Brown, as well as his nieces and nephews. Winnie, his faithful 4-legged companion misses him dearly.
The family will receive guests at the George Darte Funeral Chapel on Friday, September 1, 6-9 p.m. A service to celebrate the life of Max will take place in the chapel Saturday, September 2, at 11 a.m. followed by a big do (reception). Any donations can be made to The Falcons Foundations or a charity of choice.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thank you to his dedicated helpers Elizabeth Medland, Karen Kremble, physician Dr. J Schultz, special neighbours the Monaco and Van Pagee families as well, the team of 4A at the Niagara Hospital. We will miss you Dad. Give Mom a hug for all of us.