Raymond Brooker, Mounds View High volunteer, booster

When Raymond Brooker retired from his job as a construction foreman, he became a dedicated volunteer groundskeeper at Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, as well as a loyal fan of the Mustangs' sports teams.

For 24 years, he served at the high school.

"He was like a grandfather to so many," said Jim Galvin, the high school's head football coach. "He met a lot of kids, and affected a lot of lives," Galvin said.

Brooker, who had been a star football and track star at North Branch High School, died Oct. 13 at his home in New Brighton.

He was 84.

Four days after he graduated from high school, he entered the Navy, serving as a gunner's mate in combat during World War II.

After the war, he served a stint in the Coast Guard, and when he returned to Minnesota, he became a construction worker.

Brooker created his own volunteer job at the high school, applying his mechanical and construction skills to improving the school.

He repaired maintenance vehicles and blocking sleds, even making needed equipment. He ensured that the grounds were neat and that the color guard was on hand at game time.

"No matter what he did, he put his heart and soul into it," said his niece, Ruby Benson of Andover.

Brooker helped out with several sports, but especially with football.

When not mowing, repairing or cleaning, he could usually be found helping in the cafeteria or looking after special needs students, who served as student managers.

"He was such a great example for all of us to live by: Do the little things well," said Madison.

Alumni made a special point to find him when they would visit the school.

Adam Weber, now the Gophers quarterback, recalled Brooker being a friend to students, with interesting stories to tell.

"You just wanted to talk with him," said Weber, adding that he was a tough guy.

"If you got hurt, he would tell you just to rub dirt in it," he said.

He retired from the Sheehy Construction Co. of St. Paul in the 1980s.

His wife, Shirley, died in 1976.

He is survived by his stepson, Dennis Sandquist of Fridley, and his sister, Marge Nolan of Loomis, Calif.