John “Brock” Bradshaw Brocklehurst, 1932-2019. was drafted from this life to work God’s gardens last Wednesday, July 24, after a sudden and painful recurrence of cancer.
Brock spent his early years in an orphanage in Great Britain and was later adopted by an English couple who ran a dairy farm. Brock decided to study horticulture at prestigious Roy Agricultural College rather than running his family’s dairy business.
Brock loved growing plants. After finishing his horticulture studies, Brock emigrated from England to the United States, where he helped to manage the gardens on the estate of tobacco heiress Doris Duke. From there, Brock moved to Colorado, where he was instrumental in planting and maintaining public gardens, including the gardens outside the Justice Center, for the city of Boulder, CO.
In his 50’s, Brock volunteered through the Peace Corps to help with the design and construction of wells and rice irrigation systems in Thailand. When his volunteer time in Thailand was over, Brock continued working for the Peace Corps as a national recruiter. While working with the Peace Corps, John fell in love with his second wife Wilma and swept her away to a new life high in the Colorado mountains.
Brock loved people almost as much as plants. Brock was well-known as the gregarious captain of the Boulder Rugby Team. In his 60’s, Brock drove the fledgling Via bus, transporting non-driving mountain seniors to their appointments. Brock was a consummate volunteer with the Nederland Area Seniors. Brock served up smiles and pancakes for many years at NAS breakfasts and holiday markets. As a final generous gift, Brock donated his body upon death for study by medical students at the University of Colorado (Denver) Medical School.
Brock will be missed for his cheery, ebullient personality, his keen wit and curiosity, his positive outlook on life, his empathy for anyone going through a ‘rough patch’ in life, his liberal political views, his athleticism in rugby, hiking, and golf, and his loyal caretaking of his beloved wife Willi. Brock recognized and deeply enjoyed the natural beauty of the mountains, as well as creating beauty in the stunning English gardens at his home in Eldora.
Brock is survived by his wife Willi, her daughter Cathy (Roger) Lipton, three grandchildren through marriage, and many lucky friends on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Willi’s daughter Dianne preceded Brock in death.
Condolences may be sent to Wilma Brocklehurst at 2800 Palo Parkway, Manor Care Apt. 311, Boulder, CO 80301. A Celebration of Life will be held in Nederland at a later time.
(Originally published in the August 1, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
