Robert Marvin Brooks

Robert M. Brooks Eulogy June 27, 2024 Ladies and Gentlemen, Today, as we come together to celebrate the remarkable life of my father, Robert, I find myself reflecting on the many incredible moments and lessons he shared with me. My dad was a man of many wonderful traits — caring, inclusive, loving, kind, friendly, funny, smart, energetic, thoughtful, adventurous, loyal. But to me, he was simply Dad. One memory that truly encapsulates who my dad was involves our time volunteering together. Growing up, my dad always made sure that we volunteered at least a couple times a year. Usually around the holidays, we would go to homeless shelters to lend a hand. He never saw giving back as an obligation but as a privilege, an opportunity to spread kindness and hope. He was always about giving, not just in material ways, but in spirit, in time, and in heart. He carried that same spirit into his professional life. At Evergreen Associates, his company, my dad made it his mission to help people grow and realize their potential. He created opportunities for individuals like Ohm and Tirmira, who were unsure of their paths. For Ohm, he fashioned a job that taught him about politics and advocacy, leading to a successful career in politics. For Tirmira, he offered not just a job but extended financial support and mentorship, guiding her through college. She now enjoys a thriving career in government and often spoke of my dad as a father figure. Family time with Dad was always filled with adventure and joy. He took the family to countless baseball games, concerts, and IndyCar races. Each year, the highlight of the month of May was our trip to the Indianapolis 500. There are so many cherished memories of those days, from the roar of the engines to the excitement in the air. We would sit in the stands, our eyes wide and hearts pounding, experiencing each race as though it were our first. It was in these moments, filled with laughter and shared enthusiasm, that I felt the deepest connection to my dad. A memory from his brother Tim: “Well, there we were, Robert, Marianne, and me, in a car going thru a parking lot at our uncles apt. building. Robert was driving, Marianne was in the passenger seat, and I was in the back, running interference between them. This was normal. As we sped thru the parking lot, we hit a speed bump which caused the car to leave the ground. In her usual critical voice Mab said "Robert, those are called speed bumps!" Without missing a beat, he replied, "this is called a rent a car!"” A memory from his sister Marianne: “For the past 71 years, I have been in the shadow of an extraordinary person. I am lucky to have called him, my brother. Life with Robert has never been boring and he always did everything with gusto. He was always my moral compass whatever he said I did the opposite I remember when he had his jaw wired shut all he wanted was a steak. I was about 19 and wanted to help so I puréed a steak for him only he got the end of the wooden spoon with it. He never knew. In the past six years, I have made several trips to see him my favorite being when he was in John Hopkins, Baltimore. I spent every day with him in the hospital and it brought us so much closer. The nurses comments were “ah siblings” as we were napping me in the chair and Robert in his bed. I will always cherish this time we spent. I love to hear his ringtone the Rolling Stones. I can’t get no satisfaction and when I answered, he would say, Sis Boom Ba how’s it going? Tim Robert and I would zoom call every Friday for an hour or two. We talked about politics baseball, the Rolling Stones and of course IndyCar versus Formula One. Robert, I am lost without you and that charismatic smile that lit up your face. Till we meet again. I love you, Mab.“ Beyond the incredible shared experiences, my dad's greatest achievements lie in what he did for others. He wanted every child to have an opportunity for a good education and worked tirelessly with Congress to secure appropriations for federally impacted schools across the country. His dedication was recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools. He played a crucial role in the Choctaw Code-talkers Recognition Act, further illustrating his passion for justice and inclusivity. On a more personal note, my dad was always there to support me during my struggle with addiction. His unwavering support and belief in my ability to overcome my challenges showcased his undying loyalty and love for his family. What I will miss most about my dad is undoubtedly our conversations. No matter what he was doing, he would put it aside to talk to me. In good times and bad, happy times and sad, he was always there, ready to listen and offer comfort. I loved our talks about IndyCar, the Rolling Stones, and baseball, but more than that, I loved how he made me feel like everything would be okay, no matter the situation. His laugh, his reassuring presence, his devotion — these are the things I will miss the most. As I reflect on his life and the many lessons he taught me, I am comforted by the thought of how he would want to be remembered. He was a friend and mentor to so many—a man who embodied inclusivity, always living life to the fullest. He exemplified the words of Abraham Lincoln: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” So, today, I celebrate my dad’s life—a life lived with purpose, love, and an unwavering commitment to those around him. His legacy is not just in the accomplishments listed on a piece of paper but in the hearts and lives he touched. And though he may no longer be with us physically, his spirit lives on in every act of kindness, every opportunity given, and every life transformed by his guidance and love. Thank you, Dad, for everything. You will be forever missed and never forgotten. - Robert W. Brooks

Bob Brooks was special - he enjoyed life to the fullest and worked to improve those otherwise that represented in the US Congress. Enjoy your special place in Heaven Bob!

Brenda I once again want to pass on my sorrow for Bob's passing. I am so sorry I wasn't able to attend this morning's service, it was excellent. I thought Bobby's comments were right on and it gave me pause once again to remember all who Bob was. The priest's prayers and remarks on Bob's life both here and now in the Heavenly Kingdom were excellent. As I said in my note to you earlier, Bob will be with me everyday for the rest of my life. We had a very special relationship and will recall the many chats we had over the years. Again, please know I am so sorry I wasn't able to travel back to VA for the service, but with my wife's health issues and the need to take her to appointments at the University of Iowa Hospital I felt uneasy in leaving her even for a day or two. She is getting stronger and hopefully she will be able to get more back into the swing of things in the days ahead. But the bottomline is that although I wasn't there with you and your family this morning - I was there in spirit and I know Bob knows I was there too - he gave me a call! John

On behalf of myself, my daughter, Shama, and my wife, Mukta, I offer my sincerest condolences to Bob's family. He was one of the very best people we have the honor of knowing and befriending, and we will miss him dearly. May his soul be at peace.

Daddy Bob, as he was known in our home, was a force. His son, Bobby, married my daughter, Laura. He became a second time grandfather to their daughter, Lucy. Living in the South, I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know him well. But through the years, I witnessed his love for family & friends. On one occasion, he took me to his office & I was overwhelmed with his past connections to folks in all walks of life. Apparently he had connections around the world & enjoyed the “celebrity” which came with that. His close friends & family knew him as a HUGE fan of The Rolling Stones & he had pictures with Mick & Keith to prove it. As well as TONGUES! He was also a regular at the Indycar races, with pictures as well. I was asked to help with a collage, which I will attempt to post. Actually I have no pictures of my own to supplement the others already posted. But this last Father’s Day, Bobby took Lucy to the annual pilgrimage to Indianapolis & I felt it important to show that Daddy Bob’s influence was on full display. He loved his grandkids & they loved him back. He stayed in close touch. I always found Bob to be a very special guy. He was easy to talk to and a very sweet guy. He will truly be missed. But I have no doubts that his kids will keep him alive for the grands and great grands. He will always be in the hearts of this family. I hope they have races in heaven and Stones music forever more. Rest in peace, my good man, and know that you will always be loved. Mike

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln

From Ohm : "Next to my dad, Bob was a towering figure in my life—a mix of boss, buddy, and mentor. He shaped me into the man I am today, pulling me out of a dead-end job and giving me a real shot at a career. For nearly three decades, I've been part of his exciting world of politics and advocacy, thanks to him taking a chance on me. We first crossed paths at one of the bars on Capitol Hill, where I bartended. Bob needed someone to help him with his business, I needed to get the fuck out of that bar. Little did I know that chance meeting would set the stage for a successful career, a lifelong friendship, and a lot of learning. Under Bob's wing, I didn't just learn about politics and advocacy; I learned about life. He showed me that in a city like DC, where ambition runs wild, loyalty is worth its weight in gold. I'll never forget the time Bob dropped everything to pay his respects to the late Governor George Wallace. He asked me to cancel all his meetings and arrange for him to be in Montgomery, Alabama so that he could be where the late Governor lay in state at the rotunda of the Alabama Capitol. Bob was there the whole night, remembering his old boss. Now, as I sit here thousands of miles away, my old boss is gone. It pains me that I can't be with Bobby, Brenda, and Brent in DC to bid farewell to Bob. Regret fills me, but amid it all, I find solace in our shared memories, especially our recent lunch together a few weeks ago. Despite Bob's frailty, he remained cheerful. We enjoyed each other's company, and we even split a cinnamon roll. Bobby's message this morning confirmed what I already knew—that Bob was gone. We said goodbye on that Saturday, I didn't know that it was our farewell. I know that you know how much I appreciate you guidance and friendship. Until we meet again, Bob, thanks for everything. I hope I've made you proud. Robert M. Brooks—the man, the myth, the legend."