John Brinkworth Obituary

John was a true force in high school gymnastics. He was the creator of the HS National Championships and creating HS gymnastic athletes to aspire to achieve All American honors. His legacy continues to live on. We miss you John.

To my old friend Sue Brinkworth: I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. He certainly grew up to be a fine man. I lived down the street from you in Franklin Park (when we were 10 or 11 years old!) and have thought about you often through the years. I've lived here in Minnesota for 40 years but my mother still lives in Downers Grove and let me know when your parents passed away also. Please send me a note, I'd love to hear from you again.

I was saddened to learn of Coach Brinkworth's recent passing. He was my gymnastics coach at Lake Forest HS (1968 - 1971). He shared with me his love for gymnastics and coaching that allowed me to compete at a higher level during high school, that led to a college gymnastics scholarship that we “earned” together and eventually taking the reins of a youth gymnastics program. Your first coach always remains your “coach” and I will never forget John's commitment to providing support to me during college and his driving all over the Midwest to see our team compete.



I was proud to have been a part of his early post-competitive gymnastics career and so proud of his accomplishments in the sport and the great things he did for it after our time together.

We were very saddened to learn of John's passing. The travel agents at Windows of the World Travel all enjoyed working with John for the gymnastics tournaments. We know he will be sorely missed.

Carol Levin, for the ladies at Windows of the World Travel

To the Brinkworth Family;



I had the privilege of having Mr. Brinkworth as a teacher at ETHS. He was a kind and genuine man, and I am so sorry for your loss.



Sincerely,

Tracy Carlson-Hall

John was a great friend-Family. He was a loyal gymnastics judge, coach and supporter all the time. We will all miss him! In my heart and in gymnastics he will always be around.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss. I never had Mr. Brinkworth for Driver's Ed or as a judge or any of that. I only saw him all the time in the halls during passing periods. He was a wonderful and friendly man. One of the nicest! He will forever be remembered!

Mr. Brinkworth's words of wisdom and encouragement will be with me forever. He was a wonderful, caring person and always a pleasure to have in the gym. He will truly be missed.

High School gymnastics will never be the same without the "Green Flag Judge" My sister and I had the pleasure of having Mr. Brinkworth as a judge for 7 years between us and his sincere kindness and passion for the sport will never be forgotten.

Our deepest sympathies to the entire Brinkworth family. During my husbands' gymnastic coaching career of 30+ years, John judged many, many many meets. We are saddened to hear of his death but are comforted knowing he is at peace. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.



The Kordewick Family

Mr. Brinkworth was a good man. I always respected him and thought very highly of him. My heart and prayes are you with you, especially my long time friend, Brian

John was a good friend and colleague for many years. He touched my life and helped me to touch the lives of many others. We are all better people from knowing him. His courage, devotion, and passion for our sport was unmatched. May his family find comfort in his legacy.

The measure of a coach is not just whether he won or lost, but rather what he imparted to his athletes. The lessons he taught, commitment, effort, perseverence, teamwork, motivation, dedication, and good humor, honor his life's work and lives on in those of us fortunate enough to have had him as a coach and teacher.

It has been an extreme honor to have known John for many years. If we weren't talking about family we were talking about gymnastics and if we weren't talking about gymnastics we were talking about flying. One of the nicest and most courageous people I have ever known has left many of us with the greatest gift of all..........being able to call him "friend".

John, you will really be missed.

To the family of John Brinkworth,

We had the honor of knowing John through our many years of being associated with Niles West Boys and Girls Gymnastics. He was a wonderful individual who always had a smile on his face and handstand in his heart. He will be truly missed by all. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

I was on the 1974-1978 ETHS Boy's Gymnastics team that John (Coach B) coached. His enthusiasm and positive mental attitude kept us all on the right track. I'm deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

Mr. Brinkworth made every moment of GBN gymnastics a brighter one. I have extremely fond memories of his smile, his hugs, his support and his dedication. He was truly part of our gymnastics "family" and will be greatly missed!



Sincerely,

Kristin Vasilenko

GBN Gymnast & 1998 GBN Graduate

Deb,.

I am so sorry about John he was a great guy

Gary Mack

The world was a better place because of John. The High School gymnastics world, in particular, will miss its biggest fan, cheerleader, and leader. He certainly held a very special place in our hearts and will be missed dearly. Our heartfeld condolences to you, Deb, Brian and Neal.

With Love

There are no words to adequately express the sadness that ripples across our country. We are saddened by the loss of our friend. John was a loyal, hardworking servant to all of us. THANKS JOHN, for the years and years of service. Thanks to his family for sharing him with us. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

John was a good friend to me for many years while I was going through some tough times.But thats how John was, a good friend to many.Many will miss him.There are no words to soften the pain.

Dear Deb,

I hurt for you but as you have heard 1000 times John is in peace now.Take care. Love Aunt Dottie

Dear Debbie, Brian and Neil:

John was a fighter! He really wanted to live. How sad that his life journey had to end at age 57, and after so much suffering!

After all your family has been through, on top of the horrendous loss of Laura, to now have to endure the loss of your dear husband and father, it's just not fair!

His example of courage and the will to live was inspirational. We are deeply saddened by his passing, but now at least his suffering is over.

Our hearts go out to all of you.

He is at peace with his and your beloved Laura.



Love, Bev and Shelly

The flame may have gone out but the memories and the legacy will glow forever! With sincere sympathy to Debbie and family, our thought are with you. The Tackes-Sokol Family

John will definately be missed. He was a great man that made a difference in a LOT of peoples lives. We love you John.