Obituary of Milton K. Brooks

Milton K. Brooks, 82, of Bleecker, NY passed away on Thursday, October 21, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born September 9, 1928 in the Town of Glen to George and Mildred Hagadorn Brooks. The family moved to Bleecker in 1936. He married Eleanor Bleyl Brooks of Bleecker on May 11, 1951. From a young age, he worked in the logging industry under the guidance of his employer, Julius Bleyl. He served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952. He was employed by the Fulton County Highway Department from 1961 until 1965. He became an independent contractor; summers he worked in excavating, making many friends throughout the country, and winters he continued in the logging industry. The family acquired a sugar bush adjacent to their home and he spent many happy hours making maple syrup in the springtime. In 2000, he retired from many years of hard work. He was a leader in the Northern Stars 4-H Club in Bleecker, teaching woodworking. He served on the Board of Directors of the 4-H Camp Sacandaga in Speculator, serving a term as chairman. As an "adopted native" of Bleecker, Milt served the Town in several capacities including Town Clerk, Councilman, and Assessor and on various advisory boards. Milt was a charter member of the Bleecker Grange where he filled several offices including Master. Milt was a pillar of the Bleecker Community Church of which he was a charter member. He sang in the youth choir in his younger years and in the senior choir in later years. He served many years as usher and bell-ringer as well as trustee. He volunteered his services at fund-raisers, church repairs and was active in building and improving the church parking lot. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing and telling stories in camp. Other interests were gardening and square dancing. In addition to his wife Eleanor of Bleecker, he is survived by his children, Joyce Brooks Edward Pohl of Latham, Betty Bruce Petkovsek of Salisbury and John Deena Brooks of Rexford and five grandchildren, James and Emily Pohl, Donald Gardner, Mitchell and Morgan Brooks. Also surviving are his sisters, Lorraine Bleyl, Marilyn Goodwin, Gladys Winkler and his brother, George S. Brooks. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Douglas Brooks. Milt's ready smile and sense of humor endeared him to old friends and soon won new acquaintances as friends also. Cremation will take place at Parkview Crematory, Schenectady. A memorial gathering to receive relatives and friends will be held Monday, October 25, 2010 at Kobuskie-Konik Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville from 2-4 pm and from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. A Memorial Funeral Service will be held 2 pm Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the Bleecker Community Church, Bleecker. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Bleecker Community Church, C/O Mr. Robert Bleyl, 209 County Highway 125, Gloversville, NY 12078, or to a charity of choice.