John Leslie Brooke

21.8.29 to 27.12.11

On the 10th January 2012 many of John's family and friends came together to celebrate his life.  At the packed Funeral Service, conducted by County Chaplain Captain Don Woodhouse OBE we heard from a former 3rd Chiswick Patrol Leader of John's influence on the Troop and from a family friend of the fun of life with the Brooke family at Christmas; further memories were shared afterwards with the many people who came back to Paccar Scout Camp.   A photo montage showed John having fun and revealed his early blond curls.

John had a long career in Scouting in GLMW, joining 3rd Chiswick in 1944 and within two years was a First Class Scout.  After the Rovers he became an Assistant Scout Master in 1950.  He had a huge influence on the many boys who passed through the Troop, evidenced by the six parents of boys who were in the Troop in the 70/80s who came.   The time running the Troop was the time John enjoyed the most.

During a lifetime devoted to Scouting he fulfilled many roles including  GSL, District Commissioner, County Commissioner, and County Chairman.   He was awarded the Medal of Merit & Bar, Silver Acorn, and in 1991 the Silver Wolf; in 2010 he completed 60 Years of Adult Service.  Until very recently he was Chairman of the Friends of Chalfont where he was instrumental in raising much needed funds for the campsite and was the source of much encouragement and advice.     

If you want to make a donation in John's memory to Macmillan Cancer Nurses, which he and Phyll spent so much time in supporting, the justgivingpage is www.justgiving.com/john-brooke0  It was fitting that he should recieve the loving care of Macmillan nurses during his last days.