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David Wayne Brooks of Cobourg, Ontario passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 31, 2020 in his 80th year following a courageous battle & short illness. Taken from us far too soon, Wayne was the cherished, beloved & devoted husband of Merete (pre-deceased) for 54 years. Their deep mutual love & respect for each other was an inspiration to us all. Wayne provided exceptional primary care for Merete for a number of years. “Only with our Dad’s extraordinary care of our Mom were we blessed to have her many more years following her illness”.
Born & raised in Claremont, Ontario the son of Andrew & Mary Irene (Pearse) he later made the Town of Cobourg, Ontario his home.
Precious father of Ann, Andrew, Catherine (Bruce), Irene (Dennis), Alex, Jason (Ally), Chantelle (Aaron), Bob, Kim, Jordie, Richard & Jennifer.
Adored grandfather of Justin, Owen, Connor, Taylor, Erica, Brooke, Braydon, Chloe, Dylan, Sophia, Paige & Mason.
Wayne was so proud of his children and grandchildren, he took great joy & pride in their life accomplishments.
Loving brother of Harold, Elmer (pre-deceased), Lyall (pre-deceased), Dorothy McClurg (pre-deceased), and Glenn (Gail).
Wayne was an accomplished athlete excelling in football, wrestling, basketball and swimming. Obtaining the Canadian Life Saving Bronze Cross in swimming at an early age, he worked summers as a life guard and swim instructor.
After graduating from Whitby High School in 1960 Wayne attended Trent University obtaining his Bachelor of Education.
A respected and innovative educator, Wayne taught with the Northumberland & Newcastle Board of Education for 32 years starting at MJ Hobbs for 2 years, moving to Dale Road Public School for his final 30 years.
Always attentive and engaging Wayne had a way of simplifying life’s challenges and was a great source of reason & counsel for many.
Wayne was a long-time resident of Cobourg and heavily involved with numerous local organizations volunteering his time in particular with youth baseball.
Known for his distinctive ‘Tilley Hat’ he was always up for an engaging conversation, over coffee or a cold beer. He always saw the good in people & they in turn saw it clearly in him.
The family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care of Dr. Francesco Mulé with palliative care in Cobourg, Ontario along with St. Elizabeth nurses Melanie, Victoria and Minke. Your visits were often a highlight of our Dad’s day.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial donation to a charity of choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St. E., Cobourg on Saturday April 23, 2022 from 1 to 4 pm.
So sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man. I would see him and his wife come into the store and he would include her in our conversation, which I thought was great.
He sounds like he was a wonderful man. We can all learn something from someone such as this. I’m sorry for your loss, thinking of you.
Very sorry to hear your dad has passed away and your sister. Im sure they are with your mum now.
To all of Wayne's children & families. I send prayers for you with the loss of your father. I know Wayne was the glue & centre for each of you. The strength & example of your parents will be a source inspiration as each of you carry forward the family connection & traditions. The Legacy of your parents, is the love & devotion they had for each other and their children. The love of nurturing & caring for young bodies & mind's led every action &` involvement for their entire lives. Parents of 12 children they loved, cherished, supported & fiercely advocated for. Wayne & Merete also had busy, involved lives with teaching careers & front line leaders for many community , provincial, federal organizations focused on adoption & children's rights. They were an exceptional couple devoted to each other and the protection & rights of children. They are back together just one year after loosing Merete. I spoke with Wayne at that time & his whole conversation was all about Merete & her accomplishments. Back together again you know they will always be looking over each of you as you go forward in life with all the strength they gave you.
Dear family, I am sorry for your loss. As a young teacher and coach, I was fortunate enough to spend some time between basketball games talking to Wayne and I enjoyed the chats. He shared helpful information to me and always welcomed me in a warm manner. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Dear Brook Family, It was sad to learn of your Dads passing. He will be sadly missed by all those that he him as father, grandfather, many students over the many years of service to the teaching profession. Remembering him as a generous helper with the Junior Youth Group at St Peter's Church so many years ago now. I would like his family to know that he was appreciated and remembered fondly for his reliability and contributions of care to children at that time so long ago. Sincere wishes to all his family. Hilda Bryan-Seet.
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Brooks passing. I will never forget how he welcomed me to Dale Rd PS. as I entered grade 8 in the late 70’s. Moving to Cobourg from Toronto, he was a true blessing as the transition from the city to the country was very difficult- he was always there to listen - He was truly a great man and hands down the most memorable teacher I had. Condolences to the Family
I am so sorry to hear this. This amazing man was my math teacher at Dale Road PS over 30 years ago. One of my favourites without a doubt. He will forever be fondly remembered. My deepest sympathy to his friends and family.
I always enjoyed talking to Wayne especially when we taught summer school together.He certainly will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Dear Brooks Family, I was saddened to learn of your father's passing. I would often see Wayne downtown helping your mom along. I remember him being a fine teacher at Dale Road School for many years. I had no idea of his athletic prowess! You just never know what people have accomplished in their lifetime! Please know that I am thinking of your family during this difficult time. Hopefully fond memories of your dad will ease your period of mourning. Sincerely, Bryan Marjoram ~REST IN PEACE~
Dear Ann, Andrew, Catherine, Irene, Alex, Jason, Chantelle, Bob, Jordie, Richard, Jennifer and family, We have just returned home from looking after grandsons and were deeply sadden by the news of your Dad's passing and Kimberlina's. We are sure that you are in as much shock as we are feeling. Reading Wayne's obituary, you definitely hit the nail on the head, by him simplifying challenges and by Wayne always seeing the good in people. He will be holding Merete's hand as they walk to the coffee shop in heaven. Kim was always a sweetheart and was always able to get her wants across to others. We are sad for all of you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Patricia and Mark Perkin
Chantelle, I am so sorry to read that your Dad has passed away. Although my memories a few of him - some class memories from Dale Road School, also I remember how much you adored him and the wonderful life he gave you and your siblings. Please accept my condolences, and know prayers are going out for your family.
Dear Ann, Andrew, Catherine, Irene & extended Families, So saddened to learn of your Dads passing. I know he will be missed by many who knew him. Please accept our condolences to you at this very difficult time. Sincerely, Michelle Diminie & Family
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
Dear Catherine, Erica, Brooke, Braydon and Chloe - my deepest condolences to all of you! With Much Love ❤
My heart is heavy with the news of his passing. Mr. Brooks had taught me at Dale Road School in late 70's. I respected him and loved his cool demeanor when dealing with the youth. I will forever hold a special spot in my life for him.. He will be missed.
Am sending deepest condolences to the family & friends ?❤?
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He and your mom were regulars at the Dutch Oven prior to her passing, and we missed them both greatly. Much to my delight I was working the one day he stopped in months later, and I was able to have a quick chat with him. Such a lovely, warm gentleman, who showed his devotion to your mom everyday. Rejoice in the knowledge that they are together again.
So sorry about Wayne's passing, a truly great neighbor,will miss our talks over the fence , my sincere condolences to Wayne's family Neighbour Bill
My condolences go out to the Brooks family. I have known Merete and Wayne for a number of years. The fact they helped so many children in need speaks volumes. They always were very friendly and caring. They were certainly pillars of the community. They will be missed immensely. I know I will miss see their smiling faces and friendly voices. Lisa Morse
Jenny: I was saddened to hear about the passing of your Dad. Over the coming days, I’m sure family and friends will share with you many wonderful stories about your Dad. I hope these memories bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Much love, -Stacey