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John “Brooke” Pruden III, 75, passed away on October 13, 2024 with his beloved wife and their two daughters by his side. He was born in Portsmouth, Va. and was the son of John Brooke Pruden Jr. and Margaret Wright Pruden.

Brooke met his true love and wife of 55 years, Susan Gambill Pruden, while attending Forestry School in Lake City, Florida. Brooke and Susan raised their two cherished daughters in their home on the edge of Lake Cohoon in Suffolk, Va.

In 1970 Brooke entered his family’s business, Pruden Hardware, Inc., alongside his father. When Brooke retired as owner and operator in 2009, he had amassed dozens of treasured friends amongst his dedicated employees and loyal customers. He considered a person of status to be one with integrity, a solid work ethic, and/or a good story to share at the Friday morning coffee gatherings that were commonplace at “The Hardware Store.” Stereotypical social status and bank accounts were never prioritized in his estimation.

Not one to conform, Brooke forged his own path without concern of others’ judgement. He would fall to his knees in a field of wildflowers, arms raised to Heaven in gratitude and awe of the Lord, but would not be found in a Scripture Study. His preferred attire was a flannel shirt and Levi’s over a golf shirt or suit. Oysters roasted over a backyard fire were fine dining, and a big, burly, unkempt moustache was always in style. On occasions when conformity was encouraged by others, he would find creative ways to highlight his individuality, usually resulting in humorous stories shared for years to come.

Brooke found the Glory of his Creator through the study of natural world. His studies resulted in activities such as injured bird sanctuaries (inside the house!), capturing and observing insects and reptiles (rattlers preferred!), talking to owls, transplanting native plant species to his property, and searching for arrow heads and pre-historic fossils. Other hobbies included self-taught blacksmithing, woodworking, and when forced inside by inclement weather, he was a talented watercolor artist with far more requests for paintings than he had willingness to sit inside and paint. While he was not one to impose his knowledge on others, he was always happy to teach and share about his explorations, particularly with the children in his life. He was a snake charmer, star-gazer, and gee-haw maker with comments from many people admiring his qualities and referencing him as “The Coolest Guy Ever.”

With all his interests, Brooke’s most cherished time was that spent with his wife, children, and his three grandchildren. To each of them, he was their biggest supporter, the best hug giver, beloved storyteller, art-teacher, friend, advocate, mentor, pen-pal, Sweetie Pie, Dad, Grandpa, Pada, and Friend.

Brooke was diagnosed with progressive MS around 2007. While many of his hobbies and activities were restricted over time, his warm, witty, laid-back charm was not. Despite increasing physical limitations, he persevered beyond what most seemed possible, and without ever complaining. That isn’t to say he didn’t fight his diagnosis, because even on his last Earthly day, medical professionals were astounded by the tenacity of his spirit.

In addition to his wife Susan, Brooke will continue to be remembered with love and admiration by his daughter Dana Miller, her husband Tom, and their children Alexandra and Aidan; his daughter Beth Hayes, her husband Brian and their son Sean; his sister Johanna Covel and her husband Jerry; special Brother-in-law and friend Bill Kinard, ever loyal friend Bill Grigg, and many other nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and caregivers.

A memorial service will be held on October 18th at 2:00pm at Main Street United Methodist Church (202 N. Main Street Suffolk, VA 23434) with reception to follow. To honor Brooke’s preference for non-conformity, attendees are requested to dress for their comfort. A private interment will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Brooke’s honor to The National MS Society or The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund at Main Street United Methodist Church in Suffolk.