"Sorry to learn of Dr. Brooks passing. I was not a student, but his teaching of how to be a steward of the land was a great gift that he shared with all. Sincerely, Bill Werch Vancouver, WA and Ripon, WI"
In loving memory of
William S Brooks
October 19, 1938 - March 8, 2017
Madison- William S. Brooks, 78, of Madison, passed away Wednesday, March 8th, 2017, after a brief illness. He was born October 19th, 1938 in Rockford, Illinois.
Bill dedicated his life to studying and protecting the environment, and teaching others how to do the same. After graduating from Ripon College with a bachelor's degree in Biology, he continued his schooling, earning a master's degree as well as his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Upon completing his education, he returned to Ripon College and began a 40-year career as a beloved Professor of Biology, specializing in Ornithology and Ecology, sharing his vast knowledge and experience. His greatest passion, though, was studying birds, and he continued to do so long after his retirement, participating in numerous bird counts as an active member and former President of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. He also devoted countless hours to a 10-year wetland restoration project on Rush Lake, further demonstrating his commitment to preserving our natural environment. Additionally, he spent numerous summers teaching at the Associated Colleges of the Midwest's Wilderness Field Station, developing a deep love and respect for northern Minnesota's Boundary Waters.
He is survived by his son, David (Trish) Brooks; brother, Thomas (Dodee) Brooks; sister, Catherine (Albert) Emerson; grandsons, Tyler, Logan and Jacob; granddaughters, Hollie, Aubrey, and Kenna; numerous nephews and nieces; and his companion, Jane Dennis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Levis and Nina Brooks and his son, Daniel Brooks.
May he rest in peace, knowing that he was respected and loved by so many.
Tributes
"Dr. Brooks had a significant influence on who I am and the choices I have made. As an educator, he always had the highest of expectations, combined with kindness and support. He taught me the skills to interpret and appreciate the natural world. Whether it was stopping for roadkill, or taking bird walks in south woods, Dr. Brooks was always observing, full of insight and enthusiasm. I can recall drinking beers on his back porch and laughing at the Tom Turkeys strutting their stuff or talking about Redpoll metabolism. I have adopted many of these ways into my own teaching profession and the way I live my life. I strive to give my students the same role model of a persistent scientist, a guide to the natural world, and a good friend."
"Bill was a wonderful mentor and teacher, but most importantly - neighbor and friend. We shared many, many adventures together as well as dinners at local restaurants and our respective homes. He was always a joy to be with and forever teaching during our conversations that often went long into the night. Occasionally, after a long visit that often put our spouses to sleep, we would steal away into the night and drive to Comstock Bog to listen for peenting woodcocks or to click quarters together hoping to illicit a response from a love-struck yellow rail. My list of memories with Bill are endless but will always be in my mind and on my heart. Thank you my dear friend for a rare and wonderful friendship."
"I remember Dr. Brooks as a dedicated and enthusiastic professor whose field trips are the stuff of legend. His ability to identify birds from a mere flitting glance, his zeal for rapid erratic driving down marginal roads, and his interest in providing up close lessons with prized roadkill discoveries meant you never knew what surprising adventure or fascinating piece of knowledge lay around the next bend. My favorite trip was to the woodcock peenting grounds - the gift of a twilight glimpse into another world. My heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Brooks' family and to all who loved and learned from him."
"Rest in Peace Professor Brooks. Thank you for making the world a better place. "
"Dr. Brooks was one of my favorite professors while in attendance at Ripon College. He was more than an educator for me as he was a mentor. He always made himself available for questions about anything whether it be school-related or just guidance in general. I will miss him and I'm fortunate and thankful to have known such a great human being. I know for a fact many of my college classmates in Farr Hall feel the same way. Edward G. Stewart"
"We became good friends with Bill after meeting him at our son Greg's wrestling matches for Ripon which Bill always attended. He was very influential in giving good advice and directing Greg towards his ultimate goal of medical school. Our family grew to know Bill well, and we enjoyed many great meals, fishing trips, and hunting trips in and around Bill's backyard near Princeton. He was a wonderful human being and will be missed."
"Bill Brooks had a profound impact on my life and the life of my wife, Cynthia. His expansive knowledge of ornithology and ecology was only exceeded by his concern for his students. We were privileged to be in some of the first classes he taught at Ripon College. We got to know him well and were honored to be asked to babysit his children a couple of times. I was lucky enough to serve as a teaching assistant to Dr. B and the other biology professors. When Cynthia and I would return to Ripon for an event we would always have a delightful visit with him. The year he retired, Bill received an award for teaching from the Ripon College Alumni Association. Students from classes in the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's showed up to wish him well and congratulate him. During our conversations we all discovered we'd had the same enlightening and enjoyable experience in his classes. He will be missed but will always be remembered when we think of Ripon College. Scott Nyquist '69"