Rodrick Ken Brooks May 15, 1960-January 31, 2025

Rodrick "Rowdy" Brooks left us peacefully and on his terms on January 31st, 2025 after battling Multi System Atrophy. He was fearless, loving, hilarious, and hated the snow!

Rowdy was born in Newburgh, NY in May of 1960 to Randall and Ila Mae Brooks. He joined 2 older siblings and was followed by 2 younger siblings. His mother would describe him as often getting into something he shouldn't be doing. Whether that be climbing the barn silo at age 6 or seeing if he or his younger brother could hold a metal shovel the longest while touching the electric fence.

In 1976 Rowdy met the love of his life, Pam (Quinn), through a mutual friend while at the movie theater watching Mother Jugs & Speed. Rowdy joined the military in November of 1978. After being stationed in Illinois for military training, he and Pam married in Illinois on December 28, 1978. While stationed in Alaska they welcomed their first-born daughter, Natasha, in December 1982 in below zero temperatures. In March 1989, they welcomed their second daughter Kaitlin. Over the course of Rowdy's career, he and his family experienced life in many states and even countries. Rowdy held many jobs during his life aside from his years of military service. These included being a taxicab driver, chef in Beverly Hills, flight mechanic, Schwan's Delivery, EMT, airplane pilot, parachute pilot, emergency dispatcher, and school instructor at survival schools. Of all his jobs, he was the happiest when he was flying an airplane and, unlike many others, looked forward to the turbulence. Rowdy could be described as an adrenaline junky and was always searching for the next wild ride.

Rowdy served in Air Force and Air National Guard for 26 years including tours in the Gulf War, Enduring Freedom, and Northern Watch.

In 2019 Rowdy and Pam moved to Florence MT as they felt MT was a beautiful place to retire with plans to Summer in warmer climates. Rowdy was always remodeling and over the years had remodeled many of their family homes. He had dreams of exploring Northern Italy in retirement and was always planning his next vacation adventure. In 2021 Rowdy began experiencing medical ailments that took many years to diagnosis, ultimately resulting in a diagnosis of Multi System Atrophy. He was brave beyond words in facing this terminal condition and did his best to bring joy and laughter every day despite the sadness he must have felt leaving behind years of adventures he and Pam had planned.

Rowdy leaves behind his loving and endlessly caring wife Pam. His children Natasha (Jason) Loman, Kaitlin (Daniel) Droughton; grandchildren Jayden, Achillea, Tule, Livi, Ilona, and Wrangell; Mother, Ila Mae Brooks; siblings, Lorrenda (Tom) Manganaro, Rhonda Dubois, Tim (Donna) Brooks, and Gordy Brooks; Multiple nieces and nephews that will forever remember their Uncle Rowdy; Grand fur-children; Nellie, Simon, Emmitt, Theo, and Duke. Despite his denial that he loved his grand-fur children, we know deep down he did! Rowdy is preceded in death by his father, Randall Brooks; and his beloved dog, Boris

A memorial will be held during the summer months as he would have never wanted anyone to have to gather in the snow.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Hestia Hospice for their dedication to patient wishes and their guidance in his journey. Most especially, Alysa for being the highlight of his week.

And in true Rowdy fashion we shall end this with.....Alright.....