John Elliott Brooks, BEM, was the first son of ten siblings of Mrs Inez Winifred Brooks and Mr. Ernest Adalbert Brooks (all deceased) of The Valley, Anguilla. He peacefully passed away at the age of 84 years old on Saturday 1st February 2020, at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, The Valley Anguilla.
He is survived by his wife Audrey Brooks, son Andrew, and daughters Christine and Jacqueline, sisters Audrey Brooks and Anita Franklyn, sisters-in-law, Shirley and Gertrude Brooks, a great uncle Earl Brooks, and the entire family of the descendants of Morsa Brooks. Family members include the entire island of Anguilla.
John, known at home as Elliott, attended the only high school on the island, The Valley Secondary School. He quickly realized his interest and ambition: “…I had more fun doing things with my hands” (quotation from his book Finding my way in a Strange Land) to learn a trade as a builder, a carpenter and other skill sets common to construction work in Anguilla. One of his earliest and proud demonstration of working with his hands was the construction of the Ebenezer Methodist Church wall in The Valley.
In September of 1955, with the support of his family, John left Anguilla for England by boat, a journey that took twelve days, an unknown destination, where the culture and the weather proved to be a challenging experience – but a worthwhile personal decision.
In 1958, three years after arriving in England, John was called up to do compulsory British National Service beginning a military career that lasted twenty-six years.
His military travel allowed him the opportunity to travel to many foreign countries, meet and become acquainted with many different cultures, teaching him some hard facts of life that served to his best interest as he got older. In his book he described his military years as, “they transformed my life”.
In the military, John, young, energetic and athletic, became interested in long distance walking and received the honor as the British, European and Commonwealth endurance walking record holder in 1974 – followed by being listed in the Guinness Book of Records as a champion of endurance walking. His outstanding military service earned him an award – the British Empire Medal (BEM).
The life of a soldier is very challenging. However, John met and fell in love with the woman of his life, Audrey Arrindell, and from that union they have three children, Jackie, Christine and Andrew. In his book he said, “it was love at first sight……life for me without Audrey Arrindell would not be complete”. They both were married in June 1960.
In March 1984 the illustrious military career of John Brooks ended, staring a new chapter of civilian life. He became a businessman, owned and managed two nursing homes Following his business venture, he became a magistrate in 1986 and was nominated to serve as Mayor of Banbury (2005 to 2006).
His life has been littered with merits and awards including a special award from the government of Anguilla in 2004, for contributions to the social development of Anguillians and the advancement of all mankind. In 2009, he received an Award from the Anguilla Progressive Association for his achievements in the UK and in Anguilla.
The passage of hurricane Irma in 2017 destroyed many buildings including the roof of the church he attended as a child, the Ebenezer Methodist Church in the Valley. His skills as a fundraiser were put to good use and he raised many thousand of dollars for the rebuilding of the chapel.
His passion and love to serve and help others will always be remembered.
The family would like to specially thank Dr. Sherlon(Lanny) Richardson. The doctors and nurses at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, the doctors and staff at Hughes Medical Centre – and the officiating ministers, Rev. Joseph Lloyd, Rev. E Dunstan Richardson and the Superintendent minister Rev. Dr. Wycherley V. Gumbs. Also Moran’s Funeral Services – and Dr. Lindel H Brookes for his assistance.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
The family.
