For most of Cecil Brook adult life it was all about giving. He never sought anything in return nor any recognition.
He was an elementary and high school teacher and administrator in Central Alberta and Calgary for 35 years until retiring in 1986.
Brook is 79-years-old now and has been a resident at Innisfail Country Manor since 2008. A widower since 1999 and father to three boys and one girl, he has not stopped giving in his retirement years. But this kind and warm gentleman’s gratitude for the life he has lived and for the life he is now living is so profoundly ingrained today he feels it is he who still owes.
“It’s payback time now,” he said. “I have had a very rewarding life. I was in good school systems with good administrators. It is a real honour and pleasure to be here (Manor) to help these people.”
However, staff at the Manor, along with officials with the Alberta Senior Citizens Housing Association (ASCHA), insists it is they who should give a little back to Brook.
The ASCHA has rewarded Brook with its 2011 Resident/Tenant of the Year Award, the only one handed out annually in the province. Last month the Manor also gave Brook its own Resident of the Year Award.
“I’m just thrilled for him,’ said Connie Smith, the Manor’s activity coordinator. “I can’ think of anyone who deserves it more.”
To win the ASCHA award it must be shown that a nominee has worked volunteer hours, made a significant contribution to the community, inspired and encouraged other to contribute, championed social responsibility and created a positive difference in the quality of life of others in the community.
Manor staff eagerly wrote letters of support to the ASCHA to show that Brook met the criteria
Rose McKnight, an activities aid at the Manor, said Brook is an “amazing individual who cares about everyone around him, whether or not he knows him or her personally.”
She said Brook is always supporting and promoting the Manor to the community, regularly brings community citizens in for tours and information, puts up posters around town for special events at the Manor, and is a constant volunteer with a number of different tasks.
As well, Brook is committed to helping other seniors at tax time, and applies for programs and funds for low-income seniors.
“Cecil will drive you anywhere, from doctors’ appointments to airports, in and out of town,” said McKnight, adding Brook has also driven many residents to and from the Innisfail Hospital, to Red Deer and back and has visited many residents who required treatment or hospitalization.
“If you want to come and listen to the music at the Manor and Cecil catches wind of it you can be sure that if you are unable to make it because of transportation Cecil will be there to pick you up.”
And Cecil does love to dance. Manor staff officials said Brook would make sure that when the facility has a dance no lady who wants to kick up her heels would be left out. He goes out of his way to make sure every lady feels special.
“One day one of our lady residents had just gotten her hair done and wasn’t sure if she liked it,” said McKnight. “Cecil over hears me talking to her and reassures her that it looks fine, and comes over and puts his arms around her and gives her a big hug and says she looks beautiful. He really knows how to put a smile on someone’s face.”
But the smiles are always with Brook. His gratitude for life and the people around him never wanes.
“It is an overwhelming tribute to what I am doing,” said Brook of his provincial award. “It (his volunteer work) came naturally. There is a nice bunch of people here.”
