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| Lewis Brooks and his wife, Mary, who died in 2011 |
Died: Boston, 3rd April 2014
Lewis Brooks died on Thursday 3rd April at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
Lewis attended Boston Grammar School from 1945-1953 and was a gifted linguist and sportsman. A powerful centre-half, he captained the school first team at football and also captained the first X1 cricket team, where he proved himself to be a hard-hitting batsman. He also represented the county at schoolboy level at both football and cricket. Lewis was Head Boy in his final year at BGS.
After completing his A’Levels, Lewis studied French and German at Leeds University and spent a year abroad in Lille in France before returning to work as a teacher in Boston. He taught at several schools including Park before working at Boston College as Head of Languages.
Lewis played local cricket for many years and represented Boston Cricket Club with distinction. A left-handed opening batsman, he is reputed to have hit the biggest six in Boston Central Park.
Having spent childhood holidays in Sheffield, Lewis was a loyal supporter of Sheffield United and a keen follower of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. He also took a strong interest in his son, Martin’s team, West Ham United and the lack of success of all three of these teams over the years was often the source of much of his wry humour.
As well as following football and cricket, Lewis was a keen fisherman and an avid reader. He was well-known at Boston library where he kept the staff busy with his frequent requests for the latest publications.
After retirement Lewis travelled extensively with his wife Mary both in Europe and further afield. They enjoyed many holidays to the United States as well as visiting close family friends in Germany. He took a great interest in Boston and events at Boston Grammar School and was actively involved in the Boston Probus Club, where he served as President from 2003-2004. He continued to serve on the committee after his year as President and was made an Honorary Member in 2012. He had many friends in the local community and was well respected and much loved.
Lewis was proud of both of his children - his son, Martin, who followed him into the teaching profession and his daughter, Vicki and his four grandchildren. It was a great source of pleasure in recent years for him to see his grandchildren’s successes -both academic and sporting.
Mary died in 2011 and Lewis is survived by his son, his daughter and his grandchildren – Louise, Philip and Nicola (Martin’s children) and Katrina (Vicki’s daughter).
A kind, caring man, Lewis will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
By Martin Brooks
A sad loss of a true gentleman. Mr Brooks, I never knew his first name as we didn't use first names in my day, was a nice person in the proper sense of the word. He was always interested and receptive to people and their experience. His legacy is his contribution to education and life but, most importantly his wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts are with all of you.
Best wishes
Paf