Richard Dick A. Brooks
Richard Dick A. Brooks 81 a long time resident of West Swanzey died unexpectedly on Wednesday April 23, 2014 at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene.
Richard was born the son of the late Mary (Young) and Gordon Brooks on April 27, 1932 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was educated in Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School class of 1951.
Dick was a co-owner and chef of the Lakeview Restaurant at Granite Lake in Munsonville for fifteen years. Later he became the chef at the McCurleys Nursing Home in Keene before retiring in 2002.
Dick had a partner. He and Francis Hank Amlaw shared a wonderful life together in business and life for fifty seven years.
He enjoyed antique shopping, travel and being with family. Dick would take trips to San Diego, California for vacations. After retirement Dick and Hank traveled the country extensively visiting family and friends with their beloved dogs.
Mr. Brooks is survived by his partner, Francis Hank Amlaw of West Swanzey. His sisters Muriel Couture of Springfield and Ruth David of San Diego, CA. Anne Amlaw of Keene, Marie Begin and her husband Joe of Keene, Mr. Brooks also had three kids that he had a big role in parenting; Bernard Sparky Amlaw and his wife Amie, LeeAnn Willette and her husband Chuck, Heidi Amlaw and her husband Gregg. Mr. Brooks was fond of all his nieces and nephews; Jim, Debbie, Don, Rebecka, Cheryl, Jerry, Micky, Barry and Sally. Two nieces; Cindy and Denise who traveled many miles to see him. Zeb Amlaw who assisted in Dicks care. Several other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his siblings; Harold Brooks, Marion Jenson, Evelyn Amlaw, William Brooks, Bernard Amlaw Sr. and his niece Wendy Brooks all passed earlier. Dick will be missed by his poodle, Victoria who gave him hope and comfort.
A Mass with Christian Burial Rights will be given on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 10am. in St. Bernards Church, 185 Main St. Burial will follow at St. Josephs Cemetery, Keene Rd. Keene, NH. 03431. In keeping with Dicks wishes there will be no calling hours. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Richard A. Brooks to: Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Rd. Swanzey, NH. 03446. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories. 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
