Sean Michael Brooks

Sean Michael Brooks, 41, died Monday, Aug. 19, at Hospice of the
Valley in Phoenix after a long illness.
Sean was born July 10, 1978, in Bozeman, Montana, to James and
Sharon Brooks, and was raised in Livingston and Glendive. After losing
his parents at the young age of 9, he went to live with his sister, Sami,
in Hanna, Wyoming, then moved back to Livingston with family friends,
Bob and Helen Wilson, while he attended high school. After graduating
from Park High School in Livingston, he enrolled at the University of
Montana in Missoula, where he earned a bachelor's degree in
psychology in 2002.
During the summers of his college years, Sean greatly enjoyed working
at Yellowstone National Park, a place that would hold special meaning
to him for the rest of his life. After graduating from the University of
Montana, Sean moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he was a member
of the guest services team at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, one of
the city's biggest luxury hotels. He held several jobs at the hotel over
the next decade, until his illness made it no longer possible for him to
work.
Sean had an abundance of friends that meant so much to him. His
longtime friends and co-workers remember him as a caring, big-hearted
man, with a wonderful sense of humor and a sincere desire to help
other people, particularly those in need.
Survivors include three siblings and their families: Sami Brodahl and her
husband, Craig, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and their children, Ashton and
Austin; a brother, Michael Brooks, and his husband, Danny Selik, of
Phoenix, Arizona and Denver, Colorado; and Sherri McWilliams and her
husband, Faron, of Missoula, Montana and their children, Kylie and
Kade.
Sean was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sharon
Brooks; his grandparents, James and Ora Brooks, Warren and
Ida Eggar; and his partner of several years, Eric Campanano. The family
plans to hold a memorial service in Livingston, Montana at a date to be
announced.
During Sean's final months, the staff and volunteers at Hospice
of the Valley were incredibly helpful, essential in ensuring his
health and happiness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests
memorials in Sean's name to the Hospice of the Valley:
1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix AZ 85014.

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