Brooks Cowles Michael

Published 4:08 pm Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Brooks Cowles Michael, 78, of Asheville, NC, passed away on May 16, 2025.

Brooks Michael was born in Tryon NC. He was the second born of three boys to Robert and Patricia Michael. He attended Tryon Schools and graduated from Polk County High School, after which he then joined the US Air Force.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gayle Vivian Michael; his children, Ryan Cowles Michael (Jackie Granelli) and Leah Deanna Michael (Michael Godey); his granddaughters, Cora and Wren Michael; and his brothers, Robin Michael of Tryon NC and Richard Michael (Debbie) of Denver NC.

Brooks was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran. He earned a Masters of Education from NC State University. He then spent 30 years teaching vocational education at Erwin HS, the Career Education Center, and McDowell HS.

Brooks found joy in family, scouts, traveling, hiking, camping, and motorcycles. He became a master of many trades, such as gardening, building, and problem solving of all kinds. He was always accepting of and interested in people; he was a good human being.

Brooks was buried in Asheville’s historic Riverside Cemetery with his wife, children and grandchildren in attendance.

His family would like to thank the Asheville VA Medical Center doctors, nurses, and staff for their generous and compassionate care of Brooks.

A celebration of his life will be held on June 14 2025, 2:00~4:00 pm at their home in Asheville NC. Memorial donations may be made to Conserving Carolina.

Submitted by Robin Michael