Info on Walter & Irene Brooks

I am a daughter of Elder Walter & Sister Irene Brooks. Since they returned from their Costa Rica Mission, they served 3 other missions together: Spain, Texas, and California -- all Spanish Speaking. 3 months after they returned from their last mission, Dad had a stroke which robbed him of most of his speech and affected his right side. That was about 10 years ago and he has done well in spite of that. But I suspect he has had a couple of mini-strokes in the last year as he can only get out a few words now and his balance is very poor. He still remembers everyone, though, and that has been such a blessing.

Almost 2 years ago we lost Mom to cancer and Dad is very lonesome. However, he has had some awesome opportunities in the last 2 years as the new Dixie High School stadium is now named the Walt Brooks Stadium. He had the opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch, and he has won gold and silver medals in the Summer Olympics and the Senior Olympics for 15 years -- all in spite of his stroke. He has truly shown us how to live in spite of challenges. He has received many additional honors since that first mission -- such as being inducted in the Utah Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame.

I regret he will not be attending the reunion, but know that missions have been such as important part of Mom and Dad's life. They had both served a mission before their marriage - Mom to Canada and Dad to Texas and Mexico -- giving them 5 missions each. We're so proud to claim them as our parents. Do convey love to all who served with them.

Sincerely,

Lida Larkin in behalf of Walter S. Brooks.