ROBERT GERALD BROOK & DOROTHY MARCELLE ANDERSON
Robert and Dorothy Brook at Inverlea Park, Peterborough
 A young Robert paddling like a true 'Brook' |
 A young Dorothy also shows a photographic inerest |
Robert (Bob) and Dorothy met during their high school years at Peterborough Collegiate Vocational School (PCVS), but their relationship truly began after Dorothy's short-lived first marriage to a Robert Armstrong ended in divorce, and Robert and Dorothy were married on May 20, 1950. After living in both Peterborough and Bridgenorth, Ontario, they bought a new home at 807 Aylmer Street in Peterborough's North end.
Robert was best known for his career as a professional Industrial Photographer for Canadian General Electric in Peterborough. He also held the position of Manager of the Graphic & Reproduction department there. Bob and Dorothy were active in Northminster United Church and the Canadian Mental Health Association. They were avid square dancers with the Liftlock Square Dancing club, and were great lovers of the outdoors with interests in canoeing, camping, fishing, and spending time at the cottage of either Bob's brother (John) on Kasshabog Lake (north of Peterborough), or at the summer home of his Aunt Doris, Uncle Ernie and Cousin Dorothy's located on Dalhousie Lake near Perth, Ontario. Dorothy was known for her fish cleaning expertise, something she claimed was taught to her by her father-in-law Robert Goldthorpe Brook.
Bob and Dorothy found themselves expecting their first child a few years into their marriage and a son named John Alec Brook was born on December 1, 1957. Sixteen months later on March 22, 1959 their second son Robert Gerald Brook (Jr) was born. It didn't take long before Bob and Dorothy yearned to return to the town of Bridgenorth and a larger home, and in 1967 they moved to 1252 Mann Road in that little village on Chemong Lake.
Robert was best known for his career as a professional Industrial Photographer for Canadian General Electric in Peterborough. He also held the position of Manager of the Graphic & Reproduction department there. Bob and Dorothy were active in Northminster United Church and the Canadian Mental Health Association. They were avid square dancers with the Liftlock Square Dancing club, and were great lovers of the outdoors with interests in canoeing, camping, fishing, and spending time at the cottage of either Bob's brother (John) on Kasshabog Lake (north of Peterborough), or at the summer home of his Aunt Doris, Uncle Ernie and Cousin Dorothy's located on Dalhousie Lake near Perth, Ontario. Dorothy was known for her fish cleaning expertise, something she claimed was taught to her by her father-in-law Robert Goldthorpe Brook.
Bob and Dorothy found themselves expecting their first child a few years into their marriage and a son named John Alec Brook was born on December 1, 1957. Sixteen months later on March 22, 1959 their second son Robert Gerald Brook (Jr) was born. It didn't take long before Bob and Dorothy yearned to return to the town of Bridgenorth and a larger home, and in 1967 they moved to 1252 Mann Road in that little village on Chemong Lake.
 A 1958 RG Rrook photo of Robert, Dorothy and young John (who appears to be very focused on his Dad) |
 Spring 1959 in front of 807 Aylmer St. Showing (From L to R) Robert Jr., Dorothy, John and Robert Sr. |
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 Two more RG Brook photographs of Johnny and Bobby. On the left in their earlier years wearing their new blazers, and above sporting some very handsome bow ties! |
Bob was very devoted to his family. He had an incredible sense of humour, and in conjunction with his brother Doug at family gatherings (and a few alcoholic drinks thrown in) could entertain anyone. Their ability along with brother John and sister Betty to tell family stories that made most envious of their upbringing were endless it seemed. Bob suffered from severe asthma (as did his father and sister), and he had allergies to many things, most notably egg whites (which could be life threatening), hay fever, and the usual hairy pets (of which he quietly endured for the needs of his wife and two boys). He loved a cold bottle of Molson Export Ale, a tall 5-Star Rye with Coca Cola and a hot cup of coffee. Like any of the Brook boys, he loved his food and no matter how much time was on hand, he seemed to eat it as if there was no tomorrow. This man would give anyone in need the last five-spot from his wallet. His love for the canoe was at least to that of his father's. Pictures are in virtually every family album of a Brook either in a canoe, or a boat of some kind (same goes for cameras).
 Robert Gerald Brook |
 Photographer Robert Gerald Brook at Canadian General Electric in Peterborough |
A 1996 Photograph of Dorothy and son Robert (Photo by James Hockings, London)
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