We gather with hearts heavy and hearts full, to honor Dave Brook — a man who didn’t just serve our community but lived it. Dave passed in comfort last week, surrounded by family and friends. And while we mourn his absence, we celebrate the indelible mark he left on our shared streets, trails, and lives.

Dave was a true neighborhood connector — not just in title, but in spirit. As SGNA’s longtime Communication Director, he was instrumental in launching the SGNA website and GulchNET, two places where he shared stories of our Gulch, our history, and our hopes. More recently, Dave served as the SGNA Chair and Treasurer, mentoring a new group of volunteers who have joined the board in the post-pandemic years. But his legacy runs deeper than meetings and newsletters. He was a pioneer. A builder. A believer.

He launched Portland Car Share — the first car-sharing company in the U.S. — here in our city. Later, he helped guide it into the hands of Flexcar and Zipcar, ensuring that his vision of accessible, affordable mobility would reach more of us. He didn’t just talk about change — he built it. And he did it with a quiet humility that made him beloved.

Dave was also a champion of the outdoors — of hiking, of skiing, of being present in nature. His passion for the trails was unshakable — even as his chronic respiratory condition slowed him, he never let it dim his joy. He taught us that “living in the moment” doesn’t mean ignoring limits — it means finding wonder in what you can still do and appreciating the time you’re given. He set a standard that we all strive to follow.

Dave’s life was lived with purpose — and it was lived for all of us. He was a neighbor, a mentor, and a friend. He believed in community. He believed in connection. And he believed that open conversation — honest, grounded, neighbor-to-neighbor — is how we build better places.

We miss him. We honor him. And we carry his spirit forward — not just in memory, but in action.

With deep respect,

Basics to remember:

• One day before. Rake loose leaves you want picked up into the street one day before your scheduled Leaf Day pickup.
• Gather loose tree leaves only. Pine and fir needles from evergreen street trees are okay. DO NOT place other yard debris in the street. NO twigs, NO branches, NO pinecones, NO grass clippings, NO other yard debris.
• Keep one foot of space between your pile and the curb for storm runoff and to make it easier for our sweepers. Also allow plenty of clearance between your pile and any vehicle left parked on the street.