John Brooks ʼ71 lives in Wayzata with Joan, his high school sweetheart and wife of 44 years. The couple is very proud of their children, Christine Brooks White ʼ01 and Mitch Brooks ʼ03, and happy that two of their five grandchildren are enrolled at Blake. Now retired, John enjoyed working in the food business and serving on the board of the family business, MOM brands (Malt-O-Meal).
Q: Name five things that make you happy.
A: Not in any order: Fishing for big northern pike in Canada with family and friends. The view over Lake Minnetonka that I’ve enjoyed and appreciated every day for 27 years. Accomplishing something—“happiness” that sticks with you. Conversation over dinner with my children and their spouses. Playing with my five grandchildren and returning them to their parents when needed.
Q: What did you want to be when you were small?
A: Well, I’m 6’6”, so I don’t remember being small. But I do remember wanting to be a pitcher. With many evenings of practice with my dad (Blake ’44) I could throw an accurate fastball that was pretty good for Little League. My interest was fueled by the arrival of the Twins and pitchers Jim Kaat and Camilo Pascual.
Q: What are the three values you treasure most in a friend?
A: Probably nothing new here, but if only three I’d go with trustworthy, humble and authentic. I’ve been fortunate to have a number of friends going back to my Blake days over 50 years ago.
Q: What is the most surprising thing about you?
A: When I’m in my car or working out, I’m listening to pop/club/dance music. My playlist includes selections from Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Inna, Bruno Mars, etc. Gets me energized! I like Billie Eilish too.
Q: If your pet could talk, what would they say?
A: Joan and I had a black lab (Colby) and a bichon frise (Jack). Joan would take Jack on miles long walks every day, even on snowy winter days. Jack would like to say to her, “I refuse to wear these booties. They’re humiliating.” When duck hunting, Colby would like to say to me, “You’ve shot at a lot of ducks. I’m freezing here. Please hit one.”
Q: If you could live inside any sitcom, which one would it be?
A: The American version of “The Office.” It’s hilarious. Steve Carell plays Michael Scott, the regional manager. He is well-intentioned but lacks common sense, particularly when he is working with his employees.
Q: It has been said that everyone gets 15 minutes of fame. What happened during your 15 minutes?
A: Twenty years ago I was invited to a weekend of golf at Pine Valley. At the time (and maybe still today), Golf Digest rated Pine Valley the number one golf course in the world. Yep, the world. I was excited about playing there but also a bit nervous. I’m an average golfer on a good day. Well, on the first day I got a hole-in-one on the third hole. My foursome and the caddies went nuts. We had a fun celebration that night. The next day I aced the 14th hole. What?! A hole-in-one on consecutive days at the top-rated course in the world. Crazy. I sensed I had a shot at fame when the Pine Valley chef came out of the kitchen to get a photo with me. Word got back to amazed friends at home—“Brooks, really?!” The Star Tribune and MGA wrote about it. Note: I’m available for an hour-long call to share every detail, such as the wind direction.
Q: What’s the weirdest talent you have?
A: I am an excellent whistler, specializing in “Climb Every Mountain” from “The Sound of Music.” Do I sound old or what?
Q: What teacher inspired you the most?
A: There were several, but I’ll go with Blake teacher/coach Don Mezzenga. He was an engaging teacher making biology one of my favorite courses. He was also the football coach, and he was tough! He worked us hard. Really hard. I learned I could take it. I’ll never forget him riding the blocking sled and yelling at us, “C’mon! What is this?! Sounds like a bunch of marshmallows hitting a pillow!”