Obituary of David Rink

A message from Dave…

Almost 20 years ago, Dave picked up a book Donna was reading, The Notebook, by Nickolas Sparks. Dave told Donna, “This is what I want said when I die.”

“I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul. And to me this has always been enough.”

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David L. Rink. Dave was a beloved Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and friend to many. He was born on July 20, 1953, to Jean & Leo Rink. He was the oldest of four and spent his entire life living in the area he loved. Dave grew up in Parkland and was part of the first graduating class of Washington High School in 1971. He was still friends with those he went to school with and cherished his memories there, so much so that he was instrumental in planning reunions throughout the years and bringing everyone together.

Dave was a kind and caring person who put others before himself. He could be found volunteering with the Sea Scouts, Tacoma Youth Marine Center, and on the Doolin-Rogers with his brother Paul taking Marine Biology students from the Tacoma Public Schools out on the water. He was known for his warm smile and infectious laugh, which could light up any room. His smile and laugh were why “standing in for Santa” every year was such a treat, both for Dave and those around him. He was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was a solution orientated guy that found pleasure in fixing things for those around him. If you had an issue with your septic, pool, car, or anything really, he’d find a way to fix it.

Whenever he had the chance to spend time with his grandkids, Wyatt & Natalie those were the times he smiled the most. This summer he taught Wyatt to drive a manual transmission in the Dune Buggy and even gave Natalie lessons on how to drive the golf cart. Both kids know their way around the kitchen to make French Toast and cookies because of Papa Dave.

In his free time, Dave enjoyed spending time tinkering in his shop, hanging out with his brothers, BBQ-ing for the masses, volunteering with the Propeller Club, buying tools and machinery to loan to friends, and traveling with Donna. Just last month they returned from a repositioning cruise that took them from Seattle to Miami through the Panama Canal. They even spent Halloween in South Beach, which checked off one of his “bucket list” items. He was an avid sports fan, and could often be found watching Wyatt play baseball, basketball, and football, and Natalie swim. If he wasn’t watching the grandkids compete, then it was NASCAR hands down, unless you consider collecting random artifacts for all kinds of sports because they were “cool”. He loved going to Vegas or Phoenix for the NASCAR races with the same crew that has been going for years and he always had a great time.

Dave was preceded in death by his son Mike, his Mom and Dad, and his brother John (Shirley). He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years Donna, daughter Jenny (Chris), Grandkids Wyatt and Natalie, and brothers Paul (Shelley) and Bruce. He will be dearly missed by his entire family and the friends he made throughout his 69 years, all of whom he considered part of his extended family.

Please check back here for service information. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Sea Scouts

We love you and will miss you, Dave. Give Mikie a big hug and tell him we said hi. Rest in peace.