Maclear Brooks Kindel

Maclear Brooks Kindel, age 72, of Cascade Township, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, surrounded by his family. Brooks was born in East Grand Rapids on August 20, 1952, to Robert Tyler and Helen Joyce (Kindel) Tyler.

He graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1970 and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University in 1974. He pursued further studies toward his MBA at both the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University where he received his degree in 1989.

Brooks’ career in business took him far and wide, serving in financial roles for companies in Grand Rapids, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. He also shared his expertise as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Davenport University. His most fulfilling role was working as a Business Growth Consultant for the past twelve years with the Michigan Small Business Development Center at Grand Valley State University.

Brooks believed in giving back to the community. He served on the boards of Fountain Street Church and the Forest Hills Schools Educational Foundation. He was professionally engaged with the Association for Corporate Growth.

A lifelong lover of music, he played guitar—always for the joy of it, often around a beach fire. He was an enthusiastic fan of University of Michigan football, and found joy in woodworking, golf and fly fishing. One of his favorite traditions was the annual Trout Season opening weekend on the Pere Marquette River with the “Trout Men”.  A highlight of his travels was cycling across Ireland with friends and family as part of the “Gears and Beers” group tour in 2013.

On May 24, 1975, Brooks married Marjorie C. Hook, who survives him. Also surviving are two daughters: Sarah (Kindel) Winkel and husband Samuel of Tampa, FL, and Abigail (Kindel) Fynewever and husband Jason of Atlanta, GA. He was a devoted Papa to grandson Jack Winkel. He is survived by a sister Kate Kindel of New Hampshire. He is also lovingly remembered by his extended family, including James and Catherine (Brundidge) Hook of Kewadin, MI and William and Elizabeth (Hook) Armstrong of Dillon, MT, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family is planning a celebration of Brooks’ life in June.

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