Gary Brooks

Lakeland, FL, formerly of Gilman, VT: Gary Wayne Brooks, age 73, passed peacefully in the presence of his beloved family at his sister-in-law’s home in Lyndonville, September 29, 2025, following a short battle with cancer.

Gary was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on December 27, 1951, son to the late Emile and Joyce (Moulton) Brooks. He grew up in Lyndonville, graduating from Lyndon Institute with the Class of 1970. He started working for the Gilman Paper Mill in 1972 as a security guard. Over his 35 years at the mill, he worked his way up to shift supervisor. He worked at the mill until they closed in 2007. In 2010 he joined J.P. Sicard, Inc. where he worked for 11 years. Gary married Gail Mackay on March 7, 1975, just celebrating their 50th Anniversary. In 2021 they began snowbirding to Lakeland, Florida while keeping their Vermont status in their camper at Will-O-Wood in Brownginton. Gary enjoyed watching westerns, camping with family and friends and doing crosswords.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail, his daughter, Michelle Brault and husband, Eric, of Bloomfield, VT, his sister: Lorraine Patten of Sutton, Brother and sister-in-laws: Bruce Mackay of Missouri City, TX, Joyce Kline (Rick) of Littleton, NH, Kevin Mackay (Brenda) of Franklin, KY, Fae Brown (Brian York) of Lyndonville, Dean Shatney (Dawn) of West Burke, VT, his mother-in-law: Claire Shatney, 3 grandchildren: Adam Brooks, Cody Brooks & Caiden Brault. He was predeceased by his sons: Brian in 2021 and Richard in 2022, as well as his brothers: Lionel, Charles & Tommy Brooks.

Services will be held in the spring at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church with interment to follow at St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery. There will be no calling hours at this time.

Before passing, Gary spent several weeks at the Union House where he and his family received exceptional care. Donations would be welcomed in Gary’s name to the Union House Nursing Home, 3086 Glover Rd, Glover, VT 05839.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com