Former supervisor Van Brook passes away at age 85

Arthur Van Brook, a former Highland Township supervisor and long-time resident of the township, died Sunday, Nov. 18 at the age of 85.

Van Brook, who ran for Highland Township supervisor as a Democrat and won the position in 1974, held that post for four years. During his campaign, he told the Spinal Column Newsweekly that he wanted to see a stronger rapport between the township Board of Trustees and Highland residents. He left the position in 1978 after being defeated by Republican Tom Dunleavy.

“We need stronger communication to keep the citizens aware,” Van Brook told the Spinal Column Newsweekly in 1974.

A printer by trade, Van Brook was the owner of an independent print shop near Oxbow Lake. It was there that he helped the Spinal Column Newsweekly produce its first papers.

The following was provided by the family:

Van Brook was a Deacon at Church of the Holy Spirit Parish in Highland Township for over 15 years, and also enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing poker. A World War II Navy veteran, he was known to be a great storyteller. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Van Brook was born Feb. 3, 1927 in Detroit, to John and Harmena Van Brook. He was the husband of the late Jeanne, who passed away in 2004; loving father of Diane Koenig, Laura (Dr. Thomas) Sherwood, and the late Jo Anne Van Brook, who passed away in 1993. He was the grandfather of Brittney, Fallon, Daniel David, and Hope.

Funeral Mass at Church of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3700 Harvey Lake Road, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23 (in state 9 a.m.), with interment at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

Friends may visit Lynch and Sons Funeral Home, 340 N. Pontiac Trail, in Walled Lake, from 3 to 9 p.m. today, Wednesday, Nov. 21.

Memorials may be sent to Angela Hospice or Church of the Holy Spirit.