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Bill Brookins presented Community Leader Award at annual holiday dance
Grand Canyon's Kris Kringle receives Rotary acknowledgement

Clara Beard/WGCN<br>
Bill Brookins thanks Rotary on the Rim members after being named Community Leader of the Year.

Clara Beard/WGCN<br> Bill Brookins thanks Rotary on the Rim members after being named Community Leader of the Year.

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - Through the midst of metallic Mardi Gras beads and ornately painted masks, a familiar figure to the Grand Canyon/Tusayan area was called to the El Tovar stage.

At their Dec. 11 dinner dance, the Rotary on the Rim organization presented the annual Community Leader Award, engraved with the name of William Brookins, to the man that most encompassed their famous motto, service above self.

Brookins was stunned as his name was announced and struggled to find words when given the opportunity to address the attendees.

"You could have knocked me over with a feather," Brookins said. "I don't do things to get recognition, I do things because it's fun and because I enjoy doing things for people."

Brookins, a semi-retired surveillance officer for Coconino County and Flagstaff, has called Grand Canyon National Park his home for over five years. His wife Patricia works for the Grand Canyon Association as the Director of Operations.

"My wife is fond of saying that when residents ask for my help I always answer, 'sure I have that day off,'" Brookins said.

In order to select an award recipient, Rotary Club members submit nominees with outlines of their accomplishments, which should reflect upon the betterment of the community. A selection committee then votes on a nominee to establish a winner.

According to Rotary president Brent Kok, Brookins was chosen for the award because he has always been ready and willing to help any cause within the Tusayan/Grand Canyon community.

"Bill has helped with the Toys for Tots program, and donates his time and craftsmanship to build natural wood furniture for various charities and fundraiser events," Kok said. "Not only that, he is a great Santa Claus for events and local Christmas parties."

Brookins also uses his wood crafting skills to assist the Boy Scouts when they are working on their woodworking merit badge.

Rotary member Clarinda Vail emphasized how much his devotion to the small Tusayan/Grand Canyon community has resonated with her.

"He is Patty's right hand man," Vail said. "He just shows up and helps and works just like the others. He is a really, really, really, great guy."

Vail added that , not known to many, Brookins was not the official photographer of the Rotary Dinner Dance. He was summoned to substitute for their photographer who cancelled at the last minute.

"That is another amazing example of his selflessness," Vail said. "We didn't have a photographer so he just shows up and does it with a smile on his face. That is just him, that's the kind of guy he is."

Many in the community are grateful for Brookins' selfless dedication to help others, but in the end, it is Brookins who feels lucky with his situation.

"I'm not religious, but I feel like I'm blessed to be here, and that I have the time to be able to help. I'm fairly energetic and pretty healthy so I want to,"


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