Marion W. "Bill" Brooks, 82, of Union Vale, and formerly of Florida and Alaska, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 22, 2009.

Born in Evergreen, AL in October 1927, he was the son of James and Myrtle Brooks. A veteran of the Korean War, Bill had deep love for his country.  As a young man with a pioneering spirit, he traveled the country with his parents and brother, Jim, as a gospel family quartet.  He had a deep faith in God and was extremely devoted to his family.  His love of beauty and fine things brought a dimension of comfort to the residents of the California oil barges and remote Alaskan Pipeline camps that he managed.  His gentle spirit, sense of humor and polite manner endeared him to all he met from Alaska to New York.  His friendliness and outgoing manner made him loved by everyone who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Suzanne.  He is survived by his brother Jim, and two sons, Randy and his wife Edie, and Michael and his wife, Christine; his grandchildren, Naomi and her husband, Ruben, Jesse, Matthew, Jennifer and her husband, Rick, Michelle and Stacey.  He was lovingly referred to as "Grandpa the Great" by his three great-grandchildren, Cole, Skye and Drew.  He leaves behind many friends who took him into their hearts as he took them into his own.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.  The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.