Joe S Brooks, 77, passed away on May 10, 2024 of causes incidental to age.

Joe was born October 30, 1946 in Colville, Washington to William C Brooks and Edith L Brooks.  He grew up on the family farm just east of Arden, Washington. He attended the one room Arden elementary grade school and then graduated from the Colville High School system.

When Joe was 11 his father died, forcing him to grow up fast during austere times, taking care of the farm. While continuing to manage farm operations with his mother, Joe served in the National Guard for 4 years and attended Spokane Community College.  He graduated with a certificate in electronics.

He met Peggy Fife while attending college.  They were married in Spokane on  March 24, 1973.   They made a life together working on the family farm.  To make ends meet, Joe took a job at the Arden Lumber mill as a millwright.  Joe was strong as an ox, had great work ethic, and had the skills/aptitude for maintaining/upgrading the mill.  His brothers  often chided him about how unfair it was that he had so many more hand tools than they did.   It paid the bills and dovetailed with being able to work the farm and care for his family.

Family meant everything to Joe.  He had a keen interest in genealogy.  He became the family central point for keeping all informed of the whereabouts and exploits of extended family.  He was a bit mischievous around family and friends, especially during hunting and fishing season outings.  Some of the pranks he came up with were ingenious and have become classic stories during family gatherings.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and wife Peggy.  The sudden loss of his wife in July, 2022 was devastating to him.  Family and friends will sorely miss him but take solace in knowing he will now be able to rejoin Peggy and other family members who preceded him in death.

Joe is survived by two brothers, William J Brooks (Barbara) of Deer Park, WA, Charles D Brooks (Vicki) of Idaho Falls, ID, three nieces, and three nephews.  As a brother, uncle, friend and neighbor, Joe was a keeper.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 pm on May 31st at the Arden Community Hall.