Barton Michael Brooks

Because of the numerous facets of Barry, it's impossible to write an accurate account of his life. Barry was his own man and marched to his unique drum beat. He was kind, generous, adventurous, loving, and free spirited. When he entered your life, his positive vibe was contagious.

Barton "Barry" Michael Brooks passed away peacefully February 4, 2021. Barry was born in New London, CT to Barton McPherson Brooks and Dorothy White Brooks. His parents and sister, Lee Brooks, preceded him in death.

He graduated from Mundelein HS in 1962. From a very young age, Barry had an itch for adventure. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 serving on the USS Wahoo and USS Will Rodgers submarines during the Vietnam and Cold War eras. He had a successful career in the Navy for 8 years. After his military service, he attended the University of Colorado in Boulder where he received his bachelor's degree in Engineering and Business, 1974.
Barry pursued a career in the oil and natural gas industry. His first job took him to Iran for 2 years and then traveled the globe by backpack for an additional year. He then settled in Denver to be close to his daughter and the mountains. Barry continued his career in sales and was extremely successful because of his integrity, honesty and love of humans. Barry never knew a stranger.

For those who knew Barry, they also knew he loved to ride his motorcycle. That passion started at a young age when he put a whizzer motor on a standard bicycle. He had an incomplete kit and rode it without an ignition switch and brakes. He had to pull a wire, getting shocked each time, to get the bike to stop. Brakes? Who needs brakes? Barry loved the feel of the wind in his hair and consistently took the roads less traveled, always up for an adventure with his friends. His motorcycle travels took him to Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and all around the US.

Another favorite hobby of Barry's was sky diving and base jumping. He started jumping in 1969 and continued into his 70's, logging well over 2000 jumps. His base jumps included El Capitan in Yosemite, CA, Royal Gorge Bridge, CO and the Republic Plaza in downtown Denver, barely escaping the police…..

He also became a pilot and loved to fly his many planes. His favorite is the Super Cub, also known as the 'stupor cub' because of its lack of speed. He loved taking his grandchildren, family and friends for rides in his plane.
Every person who met Barry loved him. His charming personality, beautiful smile, sense of humor and knack for storytelling made everyone love him. Barry crossed all boundaries whether it old or young. He touched people and was so very loved. A close friend once said "every stranger is just a friend that Barry has not met yet". Recently Barry said "I've lived a full life, I don't feel cheated. I only wish there was more time". Isn't that the truth?!

He is survived by his wife Brenda Stewart Brooks and daughter Mandy Brooks Meyer (Timothy). Surviving family includes grandsons Benjamin and Brody Meyer, Brother Brent Brooks (Sandee), their children Rebecca Brooks Goldstein, Brandon Brooks, Bill and Ellie Grischo (aunt and uncle), Brett and Vicky (cousins).


Barry lived his life to the fullest, adored his wife, daughter, grandsons, family and all of his friends. He will be greatly missed by all. But we are sure he is having a blast and partying with this family and friends who preceded him in death. We will all see you someday!

To share a memory of Barton or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.