A long and wonderful life ended on December 16, 2013, when Conley Brooks died peacefully at his home in Wayzata, Minnesota from natural causes at age 92. Brooks, born in St. Paul, Minnesota, worked for and led his family’s successful lumber business, Brooks Scanlon, Inc. for almost 40 years, serving as chairman, CEO and board member.
His business acumen and strong commitment to philanthropy were instilled in the Brooks Scanlon culture and carried on into Brooks Resources Corporation after Brooks Scanlon was sold in 1980. Mike Hollern, president of Brooks Resources Corporation, said, “Since Con Brooks recruited me to come to Bend more than 40 years ago, he has been my boss, mentor, role model and friend. He set a standard of ethical behavior, respect for others and supporting community that will not be matched.
We will deeply miss his guidance and leadership”.Brooks was immersed in local business and philanthropy, while following his passion for giving back to communities with diligence, persistence and care. For years he served as a board member and trustee at CarletonCollege, as chairman of the Minneapolis Foundation, and as trustee of AbbottNorthwesternHospital and affiliated organizations, including the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation.
In Bend, Brooks served as a trustee of the Bend Foundation and was a Brooks Resources Board Member from the inception of the company in 1969 until his death. Con’s influence is seen around Bend through a variety of organizations such as Art in Public Places, the Rosie Bareis campus, the Deschutes Children’s Foundation east side facility, Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon.
One of his proudest accomplishments was keeping the extended Brooks family together as engaged owners. He never formally retired, and regularly came to his office every day at Sawmill Private Management, Inc. in Minneapolis until slowed by a stroke at age 89. Having been raised to feel an obligation to give back to his country and to society, Brooks served in the Army Air Forces as a flight instructor in World War II, honing a lifelong passion for airplanes. He enjoyed a myriad of other interests, including photography, automobiles, and travel. Con and his wife of nearly 68 years, Marney, traveled the world over, but he especially thrived in the company of his family, and welcomed them to his home regularly to gather and receive his love and warm affection.
He is survived by his five children: Conley Brooks, Jr. (Carol), MarlowBrooks, SkyBrooks, Stephen B. Brooks, (Rachel), and Markell Hapka (Rick); ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Marney pre-deceased him in 2012.A service to celebrate Conley Brooks’ life was held January 6 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Memorials preferred to CarletonCollege or The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation.
