Obituaries

NORMAN “CLARE” BROOKS
July 16, 1929 – August 14, 2021

Peacefully on August 14, 2021, at the age of 92, Clare passed away at home with his wife Cecile and his son Dan both holding his hands.

Clare was predeceased by his first wife Esther; brothers Ron and Del. Clare will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his wife Cecile; children Dan, Jon (Lori), and Marie (Chris); grandchildren Hannah, Carter, and Rebecca; brother Barrie (Joanne); nieces and nephews Derrick, Diane, Dawn, Deidry, Deanne, Gord, Sharon, Sean, and Kirsten; Cecile’s children Kelly (Linda), Wade (Donna), Ivy (Tom) and their families; Esther’s surviving family including his brother-in-law Don; his nieces Barb, Dorothy, Sheri, Donna, Laurie, Debbie, Jackie, and Robin; as well as numerous other relatives, friends, and neighbours.

It’s difficult to use one word to describe Clare. His children might use words such as mentor, counsellor, father, supporter, and confidant. Others might use words like manager, advisor, artist, and analyst. And a few might choose words like husband, big-hearted, kind, and affectionate. But no one would describe him as athletic even though he was a pretty good bowler. He was also a skilled dancer who enjoyed a good turn around a dance floor at a social or with his ballroom dance club. Those who really knew Clare would say that he had a great sense of humor.

As a young teen, Clare worked as a railroad cook’s assistant, peeling potatoes, and washing dishes – Dad used to say that he broke more dishes than he washed. Later, he took pride in designing and sewing fur coats. Clare had an appreciation for perspective drawing and for numbers, so he moved from the fur machine to the drafting table and then to cost estimating. As an estimator he was known to create scale models of architecturally complex buildings.

Clare was blessed with the gift of woodworking. He spent countless hours in his workshop designing and creating everything from furniture to Christmas ornaments to miniatures. He was a very generous person, always willing to share his creations which are displayed in churches and in many homes.

Clare was active in the Lutheran Church where he willingly volunteered his time to serve on the Church Council and on the Church Property Committee. He taught Sunday School to children and youth and enhanced the biblical literacy of adults using the Bethel Bible Series.

Clare thought he was the luckiest man in the world when he met Cecile, “the woman of his dreams”. After a whirlwind romance the two were married in July 2006. Cecile lovingly referred to Clare as her “Sunshine” and Clare would affectionately refer to Cecile as his “Cutie Patootie”. Clare shared the last 16 years of his life with Cecile. During that time, he experienced a deeper type of love than he had ever known before.

The family extends a special thank you to all of Clare’s caregivers and especially to the staff at Brightwater Senior Living for their excellent care and compassion over the last several months.

As per Clare’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 400 Rouge Road, Winnipeg, MB, with interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, officiated by Rev. Courtenay Reedman Parker.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.