Lafe Brooks
Lafe Brooks died July 13, 2010, in Goldendale at the age of 94.
He was the youngest of four children (Les Brooks, Bobby Kramer, and one unnamed child), all deceased. He was born in Terry, Mont., and grew up on a ranch in northern Montana. Lafe completed the eighth grade, during which he had to ride a horse to school each day.
Lafe was a member of the Operating Engineers for 52 years. He married Marguerite Martin in December 1946. They met when he was thrown from a bucking horse into her lap at the Forthy, Mont., rodeo. They were married for 61 years. She died on June 23, 2007.
He loved to dance, sing, and be with people. He always had something to share with others. He loved horses and dogs.
He is survived by his daughter, Vi Strode; granddaughter Stacy L. Detweiler and her husband Robert; sons Gray Nees and his wife Jane of Dallas, Texas; Fred Brooks and wife Janice of Spring Creek, Nev.; Bing Brooks of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Dean Nees and wife Stephanie of Katy, Texas. He has family members still living in Montana and California. He has many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
He touched many lives with his smile, kind words, and a helping hand. He was a man who could say he was sorry and a man who could love passionately. He was a member of the LDS church. Honesty was very important to him; your word was better than a contract. A memorial service will be held at Maryhill Church in Maryhill on July 24 at 12 p.m., with potluck and storytelling after.
