Freedom, NH

G. Wendell Brooks, lifelong native of Freedom, died on Saturday, November 19th, 2016 after a long battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Born in Freedom on July 16, 1939, he was the fourth child of Daniel and Mildred (Strong) Brooks. He was predeceased by his siblings, Lillian (2011), Marion (2000) and Bruce (2014).

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pauline, their children, daughter Maureen and son in law, Michael;  son, Scott and daughter-in-law Rochelle; grandchildren Jennifer, Ryan, Desiree, Chelsea, Scott, Michael, and Maureen, six great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his brother, Daniel (Bud).

Of note, Ralph and Hattie Brooks (Wendell’s grandparents) had 18 children. Of those 18, 11 were boys, 7 girls. Daniel (Wendell’s father), was the first son and third child. Surviving only are spouses Gladys Osgood Brooks, wife of Amos Brooks and Dorothy Osgood Brooks, wife of John Brooks (the last son born) – sisters that married brothers. Wendell thought highly of his aunts and enjoyed playing Cribbage with Dotty.   Wendell was proud that many family members still work in or around the Town of Freedom and surrounding towns.

Wendell was very active in the community, and had recently shared that at the age of 14, as a member of Freedom Grange #139, he had been responsible for lighting and tending the wood stove for the meetings. He served on the fire department for many years, holding the positions of 2nd deputy, acting Chief, Assistant Chief and Chief. Wendell had the vision and initiated the Ossipee Valley Mutual Aid. In the town of Freedom, he founded the Firemen’s Carnival, town dances, a softball team, the Junior Firemen’s Program and he reinstated the Lobster Supper, which is still a successful fundraiser for the Fire Department. Over the years, Wendell has held the position of Freedom Road Agent, was a school bus driver for 20 years for the Freedom School District, a member of the Freedom Planning Board for five years, and the Civil Defense Director for the Town of Freedom.  Wendell loved the town of Freedom and his love led him to serve his town in many ways, either by donating time, labor, equipment or constructing the following:  Village Fire Station rear addition (1961) and later the complete rebuild of the Village Station, the Town Hall Voting Booths (1962), (still in place but not currently in use), site construction for the Fire Station and Town Highway Garage (1978), First Christian Church addition, Town Library addition, the ballfield reconstruction, the flag pole for the Freedom Elementary School,  and the clearing of trees, from the lot of land that the Town acquired after Wendell had negotiated the purchase from Chilton Thomson for the current Public Safety Building.

Wendell started out doing building construction during and after school with his father, and at some point discovered the love of earth work, not completely leaving his hammer behind.  Wendell and Pauline built G. W. Brooks & Son, Inc., which celebrated 50 years in business as of 2013. Scott’s children, Scott Jr., and Maureen continue to manage and oversee the company on Wendell’s merit, which has completed projects local and State wide.

He will always be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, community leader, and friend who met all with his special grin and a gleam in his eye.In lieu of flowers, donations to the Freedom Fire Department, Freedom Food Pantry, Freedom Historical Society or other Freedom entities of your choice.

Services: Calling hours at Lord Funeral Home in Center Ossipee, NH on Saturday, November 26, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at First Congregational Church of Center Ossipee, Old Rt. 16B, Center Ossipee, NH on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

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