Sean Michael Brooks

Sean Michael Brooks, 41, died Monday, Aug. 19, at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix after a long illness. Sean was born July 10, 1978, in Bozeman, Montana, to James and Sharon Brooks, and was raised in Livingston and Glendive. After losing his parents at the young age of 9, he went to live with his sister, Sami, in Hanna, Wyoming, then moved back to Livingston with family friends, Bob and Helen Wilson, while he attended high school. After graduating from Park High School in Livingston, he enrolled at the University of Montana in Missoula, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2002. During the summers of his college years, Sean greatly enjoyed working at Yellowstone National Park, a place that would hold special meaning to him for the rest of his life. After graduating from the University of Montana, Sean moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he was a member of the guest services team at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, one of the city's biggest luxury hotels. He held several jobs at the hotel over the next decade, until his illness made it no longer possible for him to work. Sean had an abundance of friends that meant so much to him. His longtime friends and co-work...[more]

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remember him as a caring, big-hearted man, with a wonderful sense of humor and a sincere desire to help other people, particularly those in need. Survivors include three siblings and their families: Sami Brodahl and her husband, Craig, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and their children, Ashton and Austin; a brother, Michael Brooks, and his husband, Danny Selik, of Phoenix, Arizona and Denver, Colorado; and Sherri McWilliams and her husband, Faron, of Missoula, Montana and their children, Kylie and Kade. Sean was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sharon Brooks; his grandparents, James and Ora Brooks, Warren and Ida Eggar; and his partner of several years, Eric Campanano. The family plans to hold a memorial service in Livingston, Montana at a date to be announced. During Sean's final months, the staff and volunteers at Hospice of the Valley were incredibly helpful, essential in ensuring his health and happiness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Sean's name to the Hospice of the Valley: 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix AZ 85014.