Brooksby Ernest Hafen, 92, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at his home in Santa Clara, Utah, with his beloved wife of 51 years, Darrylin, and family by his side. He was born just 15 yards away in his Grandmother Selina Hafen's home on July 1, 1933, the firstborn of Preston Ernest Hafen and Vella Ruth Morris.

From boyhood, Brooks worked alongside his parents in farming, ranching, and trucking, developing a tireless work ethic that would shape the rest of his life. He attended Dixie High School, where he excelled in both sports and mischief. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and, drafted during the Korean War, proudly served his country stateside as a paratrooper in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division.

Following his military service, Brooks attended Dixie College, Brigham Young University, and Utah State University, earning a master's degree in education and counseling. During that time he married Alice "Ali" Tenney, and the couple settled in Las Vegas, where Brooks began a 30- year career with the Clark County School District--teaching high school science for 10 years before serving as a middle school counselor for 20 additional years. He and Ali had four children: William Brooks (Theresa), Brenda Ruth (who did not survive), Trisha Lyn (Ray) Lopez, and David Quinn.

In Las Vegas, Brooks later met Darrylin Rae O'Dell, the love of his life, and they were married in 1974. Together they had two sons, Collin Brooksby (Katherine Judith Anderson) and Brant Barr (Amy Sue) Hafen. Brooks was a devoted father who encouraged each of his children to dream boldly and pursue every opportunity.

Upon retirement, Brooks and Darrylin returned to his beloved Santa Clara, where he drove a school bus for 12 cherished years. He delighted in tending his garden, boating, and exploring trails by UTV--most often with his brother Lonny and as much family as he could gather. Friday nights frequently found him at the crab and seafood buffet in Mesquite. He treasured family cruises and the travels that came with visiting his sons during their university and medical school years, and he was a faithful Utah Jazz fan through every season.

Following his second retirement, Brooks attended the temple every weekday and served at the baptistry one day a week--time he held especially sacred. He had a steadfast testimony of the Gospel and was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Brooks is survived by his wife, Darrylin Rae; his sons William Brooks (Theresa), Collin Brooksb (Katherine Judith Anderson), and Brant Barry (Amy Sue); his daughter, Trisha Lyn (Ray) Lopez; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Penny (Gordon) Barben, Janet Dix, Ruby Heaton, and Dorothy Hafen; his brother- and sister-in-law Barry and Donna O'Dell; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; his brother Preston Lon Hafen; his daughter Brenda Ruth; his son David Quinn; and his brother-in-law John S. O'Dell Jr.