Judy Cunningham, who for 14 years was Oakland County’s corporation counsel before retiring, saw all sides of L. Brooks Patterson during her more than three decades of service with the county.
Here is her take on her former boss:
“Brooks Patterson was an amazing lawyer, politician, leader, boss, parent and friend. I had the distinct pleasure and privilege of knowing him in several of those contexts. The local media has covered much of Brooks’s life and legacy and quoted numerous politicians and distinguished business leaders, all of whom have testified to his many abilities. I had the privilege of knowing Brooks, not only as Oakland County prosecutor, county executive (and my boss), but also as a longtime friend and social ‘buddy.’ So I’ll share a few observations to offer another side of this larger than life icon.
“The Brooks I eventually came to know and admire was a loving father and grandfather. He adored his children and grandchildren and would do anything for them. He was a caring, thoughtful man who used his contacts, influence and fund-raising acumen to help those in need. When HAVEN (the domestic violence shelter whose acronym stands for Help Against Violence Encounters Now) suffered a tragic fire, Brooks immediately went to work raising funds to help the shelter rebuild so it could continue its essential work on behalf of women and children victims of domestic violence.
“When an Oakland County family lost their home – after losing two of their sons in Iraq or Afghanistan – Brooks put out the call to carpenters, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, appliance and furniture stores as well as everything else needed to build and furnish them with a new house.
“He made things happen, especially for those in need.
“Brooks had a fertile mind that was always thinking about the next project or program or initiative. He was a visionary who not only imagined the big ideas, but also knew how to implement them and nudge them to fruition.
“Working with Brooks was a privilege beyond belief. He appointed me as Oakland County corporation counsel in November 1999. Within a few years of working together, we developed a friendship outside of work too and sometimes attended weddings, openings, charitable functions, and other social events together. I remember the first time he called and said he was near my house and asked what I was doing. I think it was a Sunday afternoon in winter. I said I was cooking — making lentil soup. Brooks said, ‘Oh, I love lentil soup; it’s one of my favorites.’ So I invited him over. Within a minute or two, he was knocking on my front door. I said, ‘Wow, that was fast. You must have really been close by.’ He said, ‘Actually I was in your driveway when I called.’ Another time it was black bean soup, then gazpacho in the summer, and ... well, you get the drift.
“After his accident in 2012, he wasn’t able to drive himself, but he did manage to visit a few more times.
“When I told his daughter Mary Margaret and former wife Kathy the soup stories, they laughed and said it sounded just like him.
“Oakland County will miss Brooks. His family and friends will miss him. I miss him too — the quintessential politician, the exemplary lawyer, the caring family man, the generous, compassionate and thoughtful humanitarian.”
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