Sidney “Sid” Harold Brooker (1932 – 2001) - Builder is an individual who has an extraordinary ability in sportsmanship,character and contributions to the development, advancement and promotion of Deaf Golf in Canada. Sid began his passion on Golf when he was introduced in the early 1970’s to the sport by the son-in-law of Alexander M. Brodie (1903-1976), the well-respected local Deaf leader, while vacationing at the resort hamlet in Washington State, just south of Vancouver. Instantaneously, he was addicted to Golf. He managed to play every Saturday and Sunday at the local golf club adjacent to his summer hamlet residence. Being the only local Deaf golfer, he managed to play in the environs of Vancouver, whenever possible, always with hearing golfers. And won several trophies at hearing tournaments, as well. As an avid athlete, Sid was always involved in many local sports, particularly Basketball and Curling. With patience and time, Sid promoted the sport locally by teaching young Deaf men and women the basic rules with higher degrees of honesty. He was supportive for Deaf athletes participating, particularly Dale Proctor, a young player who had many successes at the tournament level across British Columbia. As a passionate fan, Sid cheered for Dale wherever he played at local tournaments.

​

Sid participated at several Deaf tournaments south of the Border, mostly with the Far West Deaf Association. Many young Deaf athletes realized how profound Brooker enjoyed this sport by playing in Texas during fall/winter sessions and in Vancouver during spring/summer sessions. They started following Sid by accompanying him to many golf courses in Metro Vancouver, and eventually to several Deaf tournaments south of the Border. As an adviser, Sid encouraged Garry Cleeve, an avid Vancouver-based athlete, to found the West Coast Deaf Golf Club in 1996. Shortly thereafter, Sid initiated a new regional tournament with the Alberta Deaf Golf Club joining. He collaborated with Rob Cundy and Terry Dlugos, both of Edmonton, in developing an annual event for the best golfers from British Columbia and Alberta. Originally named as the Ryder Cup, the first event was held in Golden, British Columbia in 1998. Diagnosed with leukemia in 1994, Sid continued playing Golf, no matter how weak he was. He managed to find strength to lift the Ryder Cup trophy after BC golfers won the first event. It was his ultimate Golf passion gave him the strength to hold the Trophy for the memorable pose (see photo). After his death in 2001, the Ryder Cup was renamed the Brooker Cup in his honour. In conclusion, Sid taught us that Golf was a mentally tough sport requiring finesse practice, patience and respect in our desire to master the majestic art of playing Golf. Without him, we might not play Golf today. Drafted by Olav Naas, March 2015 Comment from Avonne Brooker-Rutowski, daughter of Sid Brooker: I remember very clearly one afternoon my mom and I waited for Dad as he did not get home by 11am. Dad always played early in the mornings like 6am so he would not miss his time with his family. Having handicap of 15-22, I remember very clearly one afternoon my mom and I waited for Dad as he did not get home by 11am. Mom and I decided to walk over to the golf course at Birch Bay and found my dad celebrating with his golf buddies because he broke 80 that round and finished the 18th hole with a 79 and made an eagle that day.