592 THE ADVOCATE
VOL. 80 PART 4 JULY 2022
Dick loved the wines and thought no less of his faithful dog. The evening
was pronounced a success by all. It was a Dick Brooke kind of evening.
In 1989, Dick was appointed Queen’s Counsel, a distinction not shared by
any other lawyers in the South Okanagan at the time. In 1995, he took a sabbatical
year and took a teaching position at the law school at the University
of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. His cheerful disposition and accessibility
made him a great favorite with the students. He tutored a group of
students and then took them to the Jessup International Moot Competition
in Philadelphia, the world’s largest moot competition, where the teams
debate a fictional issue between states before a panel of judges simulating a
proceeding before the International Court of Justice.
After his appointment to the bench in 2000, Dick became a favorite
among members of the Kelowna bar. He was always himself: cheerful and
engaged. His colleagues, Justices Beames, Barrow and Metzger, instantly
bonded into a happy group who revelled in Dick’s stories and expressions.
He was never mean or sharp. During those years, Dick reprised with a
growing number of grandchildren his role when his boys were growing up.
He was proud of each one and created nicknames for them all. He fell easily
into the role of grandfather and took enormous and genuine joy in watching
a new generation of Brookes grow up. Dick retired from the court in 2011.
Dick will be greatly missed by all who were touched by him. He was
always energetic, positive and happy. His massive memory and creative
mind were unique and charming. He shone a light on the world. Brian,
David and Christopher and his grandchildren are Dick and Sandra’s legacy.
The Honourable Bruce Preston