Great Living Cincinnatians: Honorees

Sanford Brooks blended a successful business career with a host of community service activities and artistic endeavors.

He attended Yale University, then began working for the Tool Steel Gear and Pinion Co. (now Xtek) in 1936. He served as executive vice president for 20 years and became president in 1961.

His involvement in the community included directorships with the Greater Cincinnati Center for Economic Education and Junior Achievement, and officerships with the Cincinnati Council on World Affairs, Cincinnati Art Academy Committee, Ohio Information Committee and the Cincinnati Art Museum Association.

Brooks also gained fame as an artist, taking up water color painting in the 1950s. Today his paintings are included in collections of private individuals and corporations around the country. He was a member of the Cincinnati Art Club and American Water Color Society and Ohio Water Color Society.

Brooks died August 14, 1994.