Memorial Created By
Liz Abel

Robert L. Brooks

December 10, 1937 - June 14, 2021

Please join us in celebrating the life of Coach Bob Brooks. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial. Heaven has a new Coach!

2,039 Visits

Posts & Photos

  • Dana Dotson
    There's a void here on earth without Bob Brooks, but there's no doubt he's already made a huge presence in heaven telling stories of all those he left behind. What an honor and privilege it has been to have shared holidays and special events in his...  more
  • Karl Ting
    When I saw the video of Bob's singing "Over the Rainbow", I am reminded of the celebration of life. I was looking to see if he would have followed with Izzy's other iconic song, "It's a Wonderful Life." Bob had the spirit in how he...  more
    05:05
    • Karl Ting
      Liz Abel Karl, you have captured the essence of my Dad, this made me laugh and cry, thank you for taking the time to post this. Coach is smiling....Liz
      • July 26, 2021
  • Karl Ting
    The express a man’s footprint in one’s life is more than experiences that are shared. Experiences become blurred as time passes, but what is remembered are the emotions of the times, the shared moments of with friends and colleagues. Bob had the...  more
  • Donald Cowan
  • Donna Lewis
  • Laurie Salter
    • Laurie Salter
      Laurie Salter I often referred to Mr. Brooks as my favorite teacher. He was definitely the teacher who influenced my career choice the most. He suggested a career in business with my strong math skills and love of accounting in high school. I did just that and...  more
      • July 18, 2021
    • Laurie Salter
      Liz Abel Thank you Laurie! I too, had my Dad for accounting and it has served me will in life and my career!
      • July 26, 2021
  • Andrea Estrela-Pecsok
    Mr. Brooks was one of my favorite high school teachers. I had him for Drivers Ed and Typing. I was a TA for him my senior year. He was always kind and cared about his students. I also remember him playing tennis with our team. You could count on him...  more
  • Venice Longinetti-Scherer
    In the summer of 1974 ~ spent in a car with Mr. Brooks and two other Live Oak High School students taking a Driver's Education class. I had been driving on the ranch for years so I was the easier student, though I had never been on a freeway. We drove...  more
  • Didi Hooper Wake
    So sorry to hear about Bobs passing. He was a wonderful man, full of life and laughter. Bob always had great stories to tell. All our love to Diane and the family💕
  • Didi Hooper Wake
  • Marc Minton
    Coach Brooks was a good guy. He taught me a number of things at Live Oak High.
  • Marc Minton
  • Pamela Dobson
    So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I'll always remember all our good times at ASU!
  • Pamela Dobson
  • Stephen Dunne
    Bob was not only our neighbor, but our friend. When Paula and I held our annual Neighborhood Christmas Holiday get-together at out home, Bob & Diane were some of our regulars to show up. We all knew where the Big Guy was in the house from his loud...  more
  • Kim Possehl
    Thanks for being the best Dad, tennis partner and coach! 💗
  • Erica Abel
  • Sally Freese
  • Scott Schilling
    I am thinking of the Brooks family at this time with warm memories of playing basketball for Bob as our High School Varsity Coach.

    Bob was the most patient head coach ever! He rarely threw his clipboard, but when he did we knew we were in deep...  more
    • Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Scott Schilling
      Kim Possehl Thank you, Scott for sharing that memory. You were so special to Dad and he loved coaching you!
      • July 2, 2021
    • Scott Schilling
      Diane Brooks Hi Scott, What great memories we all share. You and your family contributed so much to the success of the basketball team, along with everything else you chose to do. You have always been an outstanding role model for others. Bob was so proud to be your coach.
      • July 2, 2021
  • Scott Schilling
  • Laura Foreman
    Bob singing with Heidi at The Groves. We miss him tons :)
    00:48
    Bob Brooks - Singing
  • Laura Foreman
    • Liz Abel and Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Laura Foreman
      Liz Abel Thank you so much for taking such good care of my Dad!
      • July 1, 2021
    • Laura Foreman
      Kim Possehl Thank you for sharing this sweet video and for taking such loving care of our Dad!
      • July 2, 2021
    • Laura Foreman
      Diane Brooks Our entire family is grateful to your staff for taking such good care of Bob. Thank you for treating Bob with respect and for recognizing his strengths and allowing him to shine.
      • July 3, 2021
    • Laura Foreman
      Karl Ting Bob was no "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole singing my favorite song, but he caught the spirit of life in the song. I am smiling when I see Bob continuing to be a part of life.
      • July 24, 2021
  • Steve Page
    Dear Diane, Liz, Kim, Ron, Brooke, Kayla, Lauren, & extended family of Bob,

    It is impossible for me to think of Bob without thinking of the team that is ‘Bob and Diane’, and smiling a big, wide grin, deep inside. That smile will never leave me, and...  more
    • Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Steve Page
      Kim Possehl Thank you, Steve. Your beautiful words captured the essence of Dad and our family. My Dad loved being around you, sharing your love of basketball and family. He is forever smiling down upon us all!
      • July 2, 2021
  • Liz Abel
  • Kim Possehl
  • Matthew Loera
    I ran into Coach a few years back at Courtside Club in Los Gatos. I was just coming out of the steam room and walking to my locker when I heard, "Hey Loera." I didn't have to turn around, I knew the voice. "Hey, coach, how you doing...  more
    • Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Matthew Loera
      Kim Possehl Thank you, Matt for your kind words and that great, funny memory of Dad. He would be so happy to know how he influenced you and so proud you are now a teacher and a coach. He is smiling down on us all.
      • June 30, 2021
    • Matthew Loera
      Liz Abel Matt, you have captured the spirit of my Dad with your heartfelt words, brings tears to my eyes knowing how many lives he has impacted. Stay well and keep up the good work for Coach Brooks!
      • June 30, 2021
  • Heidi Dukelow
    I am a caregiver and I had the honor and privilege to "hang out" with Bob a few years back. He was always so cheerful, and he loved working out at the gym with me. On one occasion, I was getting him ready to get picked up at the Y and I didn't...  more
    • Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Heidi Dukelow
      Kim Possehl Thank you Heidi for sharing these great (and funny!) memories. Dad got such a kick out of telling people the story about his eye rolling down the pew at church! You were a very kind caregiver, thank you for making a difference in Dad’s life.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Heidi Dukelow
      Diane Brooks Oh Heidi, how Bob enjoyed his time with you! He loved the lunch dates, workouts, rides in the country, walking and talking with you. You gave him just what he needed, attention and care with a personal touch. We miss seeing you Heidi. You are a beautiful angel.
      • July 3, 2021
    • Heidi Dukelow
      Heidi Dukelow Aww...thank you Diane. I enjoyed spending time with Bob and I enjoyed our visits. You two were so in love, it was beautiful to see. You were always so loving and patient with Bob. I love you guys, andI miss seeing you.
  • Connie Sachtleben Smith
    I am grateful for the many days and nights that I spent in the Brooks' home during high school. Bob and Diane created a happy, loving home for their girls, and then opened their doors wide to all the rest of us, their friends. Bob was a great example to...  more
    • Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Connie Sachtleben Smith
      Liz Abel Connite, thank you so much for your kind words. Oh so true, the doors were always open and Dad loved that.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Connie Sachtleben Smith
      Kim Possehl Thank you, Connie for sharing your beautiful and kind words. That would make Dad so happy to know he had influenced you on how you raised your own daughters.
      • June 29, 2021
  • Kathy Rogers
    I loved Bob and Diane from the first minute I met them.
    Bob and I just seemed to have a relationship that
    felt like we had known each other for years.
    He and Diane made me feel so welcome in the
    family even before I married Diane's sister Kathy.
    He was...  more
    • Kathy Rogers
      Liz Abel Uncle Terry, You and Dad (and all of us) had such a great connection, makes me smile. Be sure to scroll down and watch the video that is posted...as always Dad being a hoot!
      • June 29, 2021
    • Kathy Rogers
      Kim Possehl Thank you, Uncle Terry for your kind words. He always had so much fun being around you. He loved you and Aunt Kathy so much.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Kathy Rogers
      Diane Brooks Thank you Terry. I am so happy for the good times we have enjoyed together. You and Kathy are so important in our lives. Love you both always.
      • July 3, 2021
  • Kathy Rogers
    Bob, you were a terrific brother in law to me and I was always
    so grateful that Diane married someone that was so good to
    her. I remember when you and Diane met, courted and then
    married, it all seemed so right and you both were so in love.
    That love...  more
    • Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Kathy Rogers
      Liz Abel Thank you Aunt Kathy, love you!
      • June 29, 2021
    • Kathy Rogers
      Kim Possehl Thank you for your beautiful words, Aunt Kathy. Dad loved you and Terry and enjoyed all the special times you’ve shared together.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Kathy Rogers
      Diane Brooks Kathy, You know Bob would love your sweet words to him. I’m sure he will still find a way to add his two cents at the end of our phone calls.
      • July 3, 2021
  • Kathy Rogers
  • Derek Smith
    Bob was a great basketball coach, but he was so much more. What I remember most about Bob was him being a teacher, a devoted father and husband, a mentor and a really good friend. He enjoyed his work, his family and life. He set a good example for all...  more
    • Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Derek Smith
      Liz Abel Thank you Derek, I know Dad would love hearing your words, his basketball players were all so important to him and he had the utmost respect for you.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Derek Smith
      Kim Possehl Thank you, Derek for sharing these fun memories. He had a special place in his heart for you and the basketball team. I know he enjoyed every minute coaching you.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Derek Smith
      Kim Possehl Also be sure to scroll down to see the photos I posted of Dad, you, and the LOHS “worst to first in ‘82” basketball team. Great memories of a special season!
      • June 30, 2021
    • Derek Smith
      Diane Brooks Derek, Coach saw you as a leader and a talented player. He always felt a close relationship with you. Thank you for posting your memories.
      • July 3, 2021
  • Connie Sachtleben Smith
  • Darla  Sierras
    • Darla  Sierras
      Darla Sierras Diane, Liz, Kim and family. Al and I are heartbroken to hear the news of Bob’s passing. All our memories of your family are cherished. From my babysitting the girls when they were little and I was a teenager, our wedding and children’s births, Liz...  more
      • June 28, 2021
    • Darla  Sierras
      Liz Abel Thank you Darla, we appreciate your thoughts and yes I am sure Dad is teaching in heaven!
      • June 28, 2021
    • Darla  Sierras
      Kim Possehl Thank you, Darla for your kind words. Dad enjoyed being around you & Al so much. We have great memories of our families together on Vegas Drive.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Darla  Sierras
      Diane Brooks Hi Darla, We miss you. We all have great memories together for sure. You know Bob loved your upbeat positive personality and your sense of humor. The two of you had some good ping pong matches in the garage.
      • July 3, 2021
  • Sandy Dawson
  • Irvin Peckham
    My memories of Bob are of too many years ago to be specific. I was a new teacher in my 30s when I first met Bob at Live Oak in 1973. Many of the teachers and administrators at the time were kind -- and let me say, tolerant -- to new teachers like me. Bob...  more
    • Liz Abel and Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Irvin Peckham
      Kim Possehl Mr. Peckham, thank you for sharing your kind words about Dad. I know he enjoyed his time with you as a fellow teacher and it’s so special to hear the positive influence he had on you. You were always one of my favorite teachers as well.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Irvin Peckham
      Diane Brooks Thank you Irv. Bob would love your message. He had great respect for your ability to inspire students to become good writers and critical thinkers. And of course he enjoyed your all-around great personality. Best Wishes to you Irv.
      • July 3, 2021
  • Joyce Weary
    Ron and I were able to visit with you, Diane, and Bob many years ago when your daughters were in high school and ours in grade school. What a wonderful memory that trip held for us from cold Michigan! Bob drove us all around to see the sights. Your...  more
    • Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Joyce Weary
      Kim Possehl Thank you, Joyce for sharing that special memory of Dad and your kind words.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Joyce Weary
      Diane Brooks Joyce we share the loss of our husbands, two really good men. We can be grateful for the many years we were able to enjoy with our husbands. We both have happy memories and wonderful families to help us move forward. I will stay in touch with you.
      • July 3, 2021
  • Beverly  Mercurio
    Great memories of Bob, Robin and Richard enjoying dominoes and other activities in their later years. My condolences to the family for your loss.
    Bev Mercurio ♡
    • Diane Brooks reacted on this.
    • Beverly  Mercurio
      Kim Possehl Thank you, Bev. I’m glad my Dad, Robin and Richard were able to have those fun times together. We miss them all.
      • June 29, 2021
    • Beverly  Mercurio
      Diane Brooks Thank you Bev, Our special group of three couples was a life-line for each of the six of us. Our social activities allowed us to continue to be part of the community. The “Club” our three guys attended together for many years was another blessing. I...  more
      • July 3, 2021
  • Diane Brooks
    Bob and I have shared a wonderful life together for sixty years. I am eternally grateful for Bob’s lifetime of love for me and mine for him.

    Bob’s booming voice and laughter let you know he was in the room. He was on the go most of the time. His...  more
  • Diane Brooks
  • John Loy
    Robert Brooks, Big Kahuna, Bob, Coach Bob, Dad and Grandpa have been a few of the names I heard Bob called over the years. I’ve had the highest admiration for Bob since the first night we met, when we both learned that Bob and I shared a lot of similar...  more
  • Lauren Possehl
    To the best grandpa there ever was, you were always the one to make everyone in the room smile. Your always positive attitude was contagious. You knew how to make everyone laugh. I’ll never forget our endless memories. Our trips to the boardwalk and...  more
  • Brooke Abel
  • Brooke Abel
  • Brooke Abel
    My favorite memories with grandpa will always be the time we spent together in Hawaii (his happy place), in Morgan Hill at his favorite donut shop, and our tradition of going berry picking and getting Ollalie berry pie and ice cream. The “Big Kahuna”...  more
  • Brooke Abel
  • Kim Possehl
    Coach Brooks and his Live Oak High School Varsity Basketball team. He took his team from worst to first in 1982 to become the league champions!!!
  • Liz Abel
    In loving memory of my Dad, mentor, coach, accounting teacher, tennis partner, role model and overall great guy. Your legacy lives on in the wonderful family you have created, which has always been what you valued most in life. Your positive outlook,...  more
  • Ron Possehl
    Loved this special moment with Bob and Russ❤️