Richard A. “Doc” Brink, 79, of Manchester, CT, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2015 at Avery Heights Nursing Home. He was born at home in Cedar Rapids, IA, son of the late Edwin F. and Nellie L. (O’Connor) Brink, Sr. on January 29, 1936. Dick was a graduate of Iowa State University and a member of the 1957 “Big 7” Baseball Championship team that went on to the NCAA College World Series. Later in life he was proud to have received the Harold “Pinky” Primrose Award in 2009 designed to honor a former Iowa high school baseball player who went on to be successful and influential in life. Prior to his retirement, he was the owner/president of two companies, BHS-Torin of Farmington, CT and currently LM Gill Welding of Manchester, CT. He loved golf and was a member for many years of The Country Club of Farmington. For the majority of his life he enjoyed relaxing at his retreat in Barnard, VT, which was his “Field of Dreams”.
Dick is survived by his two sons and his daughter, Todd Brink of Farmington, Phillip Brink of West Hartford and Julie Neistat, and her husband Mark of Newington. He also leaves five grandchildren, Avery, Paige and Mackenzie Brink and Olivia and Raymond Neistat, a sister, Jean Chorbajian and her husband Torcum of Boulder, CO, his former wife Ruth Ellis Brink of Simsbury and nieces and nephew. Dick was predeceased by his wife Gail Brink, his brother Edwin F. Brink, Jr. and his daughter-in-law Nancy Calhoun Brink.
The family would like to thank the staff of Avery Heights for their care and support during Dick’s last months.
Friends may call from 5:00-6:00pm on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Memorial Service celebrating Dick’s life will be held at 6:00pm at the funeral home. To extend online condolences, please visit www.Farleysullivan.c