Douglas M. Brooks

WILMINGTON- Douglas Michael Brooks, 70, died in comfort on Wednesday, December 5, in the care of hospice and surrounded by the love and support of his family and friends, both near and far.  He is now at peace and at last relieved of the challenges that he endured with his decades-long struggle with COPD.
Mr. Brooks was born on May 25, 1948, in Bennington, and lived most of his life in Wilmington.  In his later years he retired to Florida, but was always a true Vermonter at heart.  He was preceded in death by his father Frank W. Brooks, of Wilmington, and is survived by his mother, Elaine M. Brooks, of Brattleboro; his daughter Stacie L. Brooks, of Wilmington;  and son Shawn K. Brooks and his wife Jennie, of Auburn, WA; and their mother, Joyce J Brooks, of Titusville, FL.  He leaves two grandchildren, Sailor Caleb S Brooks and Pylette L. Brooks, of Auburn, WA;  and one grand-dog, Sandy Brooks, of Wilmington;  sisters Linda Bernard and her husband Arnold, of Wilmington, and Eileen Walnum and her husband Jared, of Homosassa, FL; brother-in-law Doug Baker and his wife Nancy, of Wilmington; and sister-in-law Barbara Cummings and her partner Tim Wessels, of Harlan, IA.  He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and will be greatly missed by all.
Mr. Brooks graduated from Wilmington High School in 1966 and attended Lyndon State College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education.  After a few years of searching, he found his calling owning his painting business which he operated for several decades, and in that time became well known and respected throughout the valley for his fine craftsmanship.  A man of few words, with a dry wit, he was an avid New England sports fan, lover of children and animals, and Facebook friend to many.  
Details regarding a graveside service in the spring, open to all who would like to attend a celebration of his life, will be forthcoming.  In lieu of flowers the family knows how much that any donations in his memory to a local humane society or hospice organization would mean to him.