William T Brooks

William Thomas ""Bill"" Brooks passed away at his home in Arvada, Colorado on March 29, 2019 at the age of 81.

Bill is predeceased by his father, William V. Brooks, and his mother, Alice Vivian Brooks Kleine.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Nancy Lee Richter Brooks. They were married in Northlake, Illinois on August 22, 1964.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his sister, Betty Lynn Brooks Schaetzke (Arnie) of Seattle, Washington, daughter, Laura Lee Brooks Romig (David) of Littleton, Colorado, daughter, Ruth Ann Brooks (Alexander Kutz) of Oak Island, North Carolina, granddaughter Lindsey Ann Romig, and grandson Richard William Romig.

Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 21, 1937. He graduated from Maine Township High School in Park Ridge, Illinois, in 1955. He entered the NROTC at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, earning a Bachelor Degree in Business in 1959.

He was then commissioned in the United States Navy as an Ensign on the USS Collett (DD-730), a destroyer assigned to the Pacific Fleet. He completed tours in Japan and Southeast Asia.

Bill entered the Naval Reserves in 1962 to pursue a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) at Northwestern University, which he completed in 1965. He joined his father's law firm, practicing law for the next two years.

As a constant seeker of adventure and one with a desire to perform public service, Bill became a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1967. When he became a Special Agent with the FBI, he had to forego his affiliation with the US Navy and was honorably discharged with a rank of Lieutenant. His assignments were in New Orleans, LA, Washington, D.C., Rapid City, SD, and his final assignment took him to Denver, Colorado in 1978. In Denver, he made use of his aptitude for flying small aircraft to become a pioneer of the FBI Aviation program. A talented photographer, Bill was able to hone those skills through work. Bill continued his work with the FBI for 21 years, retiring in 1988. He never lost his passion for aviation, being a member of the Short Wing Piper Club and continuing flying for many years. He remained active in the Ex-Agents and Endless Circles associations throughout the rest of his life.

Bill's next achievement was to pass the Bar Exam in Colorado, and he ran his own law practice until finally retiring in 2017.

As a life-long learner, Bill became an active volunteer at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in the mid-1990s. He eventually completed their Certification in Paleontology Program, which allowed him to participate in digs for dinosaur bones in remote areas of Colorado and Utah. He could be seen most Tuesdays behind the glass cleaning dinosaur bones in the Fossil Preparation Lab within the Prehistoric Journey exhibit at the museum.

Bill remained busy and engaged in retirement. He and Nancy became masters in the art of winemaking. They won several awards for their wine, and generously shared with friends and family.

He was an avid reader, photographer, and an enthusiast of classical music and the arts (always a great supporter and encourager of his children's and grandchildren's participation in the arts). He loved playing Bridge.

Bill was an active member at King of Glory Lutheran Church, including singing Bass in the choir and facilitating the installation of one of his favorite musical instruments, the pipe organ.

He was actively involved with USS Collett reunions, attending numerous reunions over the years. He remained involved in competitive target shooting.

Bill delighted in going to the dog park with his best fur friend, Sparky. He took great pleasure in traveling, especially camping, throughout his life, and continued traveling with Nancy throughout recent years, including to Europe, the Southwest, the Midwest, East Coast, Hawaii, and a 2-month RV caravan to Alaska.

Bill's philosophy was carpe diem, and he lived his life to its fullest.

The visitation will be held at Horan & McConaty funeral home, 7577 W. 80th Ave. (at Wadsworth Blvd.) Arvada, CO 80003 on Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 3:00-5:00 PM.

The funeral service will be held at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 10001 W. 58th Ave. Arvada, CO 80002 on Monday, April 8, 2019 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Todd Payne officiating. A reception will take place immediately following the service.

Interment will be the following day on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave. Denver, CO 80236 at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to King of Glory Lutheran Church (Music Program), 10001 W. 58th Ave. Arvada, CO 80002, or the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Paleontology department, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205.

Please share your memories of Bill and condolences with his family by visiting the guestbook below.

Visitation: April 7, 2019 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - Northwest/Arvada
7577 W. 80th Ave.
Arvada, CO 80003

Funeral Service: April 8, 2019 11:00 am

King of Glory Lutheran Church
10001 West 58th Avenue
Arvada, Colorado 80002

Reception: April 8, 2019 12:00 pm

King of Glory Lutheran Church
10001 West 58th Avenue
Arvada, Colorado 80002

Graveside Service: April 9, 2019 11:30 am

Ft. Logan National Cemetery
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235