Obituary of Adrian Brooks

Adrian Clifton Brooks

December 27, 1944 – February 11, 2026

Adrian Brooks was born in Pewsey, Wiltshire, England on December 27, 1944, elder son of Audrey (Spackman) Brooks and Clifton Brooks. He grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick and graduated from the University of New Brunswick (1967) and Ontario Teachers’ College (1968). He went on to teach math at Confederation High School, Ottawa, from 1968-1999. Following his retirement, he continued to keep busy through substitute teaching and working with Canada Post. In his later years, he volunteered for Kemptville Seniors’ Community Services, driving clients to medical appointments near and far. The role suited him perfectly, combining his love for driving with his natural gift for conversation.

Adrian was one of a kind. He had infinite interest in anyone and everything. Most people smiled when they thought of him. He had so many friends, and especially Mike and Peter Cummings whom he considered his other brothers (the Three Musketeers). He loved complicated crossword puzzles, travel, music, the Maritimes, hockey and the Sens, driving any car, swimming, cards, bowling, discussions and mathematics. There are so many stories we will share about Adrian.

Adrian died February 11, 2026, from an autoimmune lung disease at the age of 81 at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital. He was loved by his wife Beth Bresee, his daughter Christianna Brooks (Julien Wu) and his son Ryan Brooks (Donna Sheehan); by his sister Barbara Jeffrey (Patrick d.) and his brother Martin (Gail). He was predeceased by his sister Pamela Brooks in January 2026. He was loved by Beth’s family, Robert (Judy), Ken, Valerie, Doug (Johanne) and Linda (Bruce Dempsey). Adrian will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews (and their families), six on the Brooks side: Stephen Jeffrey (Kelly), Laura (Greg Heck), Marilyn, Rachel (Rob Darling), Allen (1996 d.) and Jeffrey, and eight on the Bresee side: Heather (Glenn Nixon), Jeff, Erin, Jessica (Fraser Mahon), Derek (Melissa), Melynda (Jamie Ribey), William Dempsey and Julia Dempsey, and many grand nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Queensway Carleton Hospital’s entire ICU staff for their exceptional care. Adrian acknowledged this by saying, “who wouldn’t like to be in this hospital?”

Final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the

Pilon Family Funeral Home in Arnprior.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John’s United Church Hall in Kemptville, ON, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11:00am - 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The House of Lazarus, Mountain, ON, Kemptville Seniors’ Community Services, Kemptville, ON, or the charity of your choice in memory of Adrian are greatly appreciated.