Marcus Lee Brockman

1996 ~ 2018

Dear Marcus,

For the last few days, we've sat together as a family, trying to write something that fully described your life. Like typical Brockman family discussions, we argued over details that later on we don't remember. We hugged and then sat in silence searching for the perfect words to describe who you were and who you are in our hearts.

Consistent in all of our memories of you was your unwavering ability to love. Your Love was unique, one that we understand more now than we ever have before.

You showed love by pushing us out of our comfort zone. You made us try the things we wanted, but were too afraid to attempt on our own. Sometimes you pushed us to a point where out of frustration we pushed back, forgetting that your stubborn insistence that we challenge ourselves was a loving gesture. Though we often resisted your coaching, you always returned to challenge us into experiencing some of the happiest moments of our lives.

Your passion and stubbornness were another way we know you showed love. From the time you were young, you felt such confidence in all of your decisions and would make sure everyone knew it. Your tenacity and pride kept you from giving up, whether in a small argument or when making a major life decision. Minor consequences were never a concern to you; when you had your mind set, a few speeding tickets never deterred you from reaching your goals at a hundred miles an hour. Your passion drove you to accomplish incredible things and inspired us and so many others to take risks that have made our lives more meaningful. As a powerful role model, you gave love.

More than anything, your physical and mental strength were the most selfless acts of love. Whenever you entered a room your giant stature caught the attention of all, but your warmth and indiscriminate personality forced people into your life. Just like being in one of your famous headlocks, you found a moment where we didn't expect it, and then you held us in your life whether we deserved it or not.

You were so strong, that we often overlooked the pain you were experiencing. Every day of your life, you struggled with Perthes, a disease that brought you agonizing physical pain in your hip. Your ability to thrive as an athlete, a mentor, a massage therapist and as a puppy dad was astonishing and led us all to forget that you were hurting.You, more than anyone, understood what it meant to be resilient; you endured constant pain in order to experience the extraordinary beauty that is life. All of the years you spent celebrating your life with us through your pain is some of the purest love we will ever receive.

Marcus, you are and forever will be our symbol of Love. We will never be the same because we loved and were loved by you.

With all the love in the world,
Mom, Dad, Rya, Jordie, Narnia, Sophie, Ween, Mel and Juni.

Marcus Lee Brockman: January 13, 1996 - April 15, 2018.

The Memorial Service will be Monday, April 23, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. at Chase Mill in the Tracy Aviary.