Brenda RIP

I only knew Brenda for a few years. I wish I'd known her longer. She attended the local UCC church we are visiting. My daughter thought that she was great--Brenda helped out in Children's Church. I thought she was one of the bravest and most courageous people I have ever known.

My sister is the first truly courageous person I've known--not just rolling with the punches life gives out, but rising above the water. She fought and won a very serious case of colon cancer. Pretty brave stuff.

Brenda was the next brave person I've met. She was transitioning from being a male to being what she felt herself to be--a female. Not a cross-dresser as some called her. She was a female 24/7. I will really miss her. She fought a whole bunch of things, social stigma, and a lot of terrible stuff any poor soul in her situation has to endure to just be themself.

So here's to you Brenda. I'll never forget you. Neither will my daughter, who you blessed with the love and kindness you gave freely to everyone. You and my sister have given my daughter great role models. You show that women can be brave, courageous, and kick butt just like the boys. That's a precious gift in this time of renewed misogny.
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Feb. 26, 1958 — March 15, 2005
Thomas RobertBROCKISH of Longmont, formerly of Boulder, died Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at his home. He was 47.

He was born Feb. 26, 1958, in Denver to Robert F. and Carol M. (Scott) Brockish. He was raised in Brigham City, Utah, and the Boulder area and graduated from Fairview High School in 1977. He moved to Longmont in 1980.

He married Linda Conlin in 1982 in Longmont. They divorced in 1984.

Mr. Brockish had worked for nearly 25 years at King Soopers. He later worked as a caregiver at Cinnamon Park in Longmont, and until his death at the Mary Sandoe House in Boulder.

He was a member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Mead and had been involved in the Knights of Columbus and the Legion of Mary. He also attended First Congregational United Church of Christ in Longmont.

Mr. Brockish was also known as “Brenda” by some in the community. He will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, love and compassion for his family, the elderly and the disadvantaged. He volunteered for The Center for People With Disabilities. He greatly enjoyed following local sports teams.

He is survived by his parents of Lafayette; two brothers, Tim and his wife Wendy of Idaho and Ted and his wife Julie of Saudi Arabia; five sisters, Mary Dravis-Parrish and her husband Steve Parrish of Fort Collins, Margie Padron and her husband Balt of California, Madeline Brockish of Lafayette, Milissa Brockish of California and Amy Kenney and her husband Jeff of Lafayette; seven nephews; four nieces; and a host of friends.

Mr. Brockish was preceded in death by his grandparents; and by a nephew, Ben Dravis.

Cremation arrangements have been handled by Howe Mortuary of Longmont. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 21, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 323 Collyer St., with the Rev. Robert Whipkey as celebrant and will be preceded by a rosary at 9 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Imagine! Foundation, Attn: Susan LaHoda, 1400 Dixon Ave., Lafayette 80026-2790.