June 8, 1929 - February 3, 2021

Ralph John Brooks of Downey, passed away early Wednesday morning, February 3rd at the age of 91. His strong Christian faith gave him courage to endure serious medical issues over these past few years.

Ralph was born on June 8, 1929 in Niagara Falls, Ontario to Roland and Eva Brooks. Working alongside his father from an early age, Ralph learned farming and carpentry. He was a foreman on the construction of the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls and Superintendent on several churches in upstate New York. He started Signal Construction in Long Beach in the late 70s and continued to work in construction until his retirement. Ralph also volunteered for church mission trips to Africa, using his construction skills to build a hospital and Guatemala City to help build a student’s residence for a seminary.

Ralph was a longtime member of Downey First Baptist Church. He loved all kinds of music and was known for his booming bass voice. He sang in several choirs and quartets over the years, but enjoyed Southern Gospel music the most, even forming his own quartet in the 90s.

He is survived by his wife Olivia, brother Ken, and children Richard and Deborah Brooks of Menifee, Peter Brooks of Menifee, Brian and April Brooks of Orange, Josh and Salita Elizalde of Anaheim, and Miriam and Todd Lomelino of Paso Robles, and dozens of grandchildren and great-grand children.