Serving West Michigan Since 1899
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Larry Brink

August 17, 1957 - September 2, 2016
Holland, MI

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Visitation

Tuesday, September 6, 2016
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Christ Memorial Reformed Church
595 Graafschap Rd.
Holland, MI 49423
1 (616) 396-2305
Map
Web Site

Service

Wednesday, September 7, 2016
11:00 AM EDT
Christ Memorial Church
595 Graafschap Rd
Holland, MI 49423
1 (616) 396-2305
Map
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Strong, hardworking, and generous, Larry Brink was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was well known in the community he called home, and he loved sharing his passions with those around him. A devoted husband and father, Larry was so proud to welcome the grandchildren he adored into his family. He was a savvy business owner known for his love for hauling anything and everything, and his passion for the outdoors was his constant companion. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, Larry was a humble man whose greatest joy was found in helping others. Deeply loved, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.

The 1950s were an exciting time in America. Elvis Presley and James Dean became household names while shows like I Love Lucy and Father Knows Best entertained us in our own homes. This was also the decade that witnessed Rosa Parks refuse to give up her seat on an Alabama bus while Alaska and Hawaii became our 49th and 50th states. Amidst this eventful time was a time of great anticipation for Jerry and Gladys Brink as they were awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer covered the city of Holland, Michigan, in 1957. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Larry Alan drew his first breath. He was the middle of three children to be raised in the family home in East Saugatuck as he was joined in the Brink clan by his older sister, Marcia, and his brother, Leslie. Larry’s father was a farmer while his mother was a bus driver.

In many ways Larry was a typical young boy of his generation. He was an animal lover who liked catching chickens, and he also spent plenty of time water skiing at Hutchins Lake. It was while growing up that Larry established the strong work ethic that he was known for as he built grain bins and coops, and he also did some well drilling. He attended local schools and went on to graduate from high school.

New and exciting changes were in store for Larry when he met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart in 1978. Her name was Dawn, and their first date was spent enjoying pizza at the Salad Bowl. It wasn't long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Larry and Dawn were married on December 5, 1980, marking a new chapter in a love story that would span 36 years. Together they welcomed three children including Jeremy, Jason, and Jenna into their hearts and home. To support his family, Larry did a variety of things as he was a truck driver and a farmer who raised beef cows, chickens, and even ducks. Farming was in his blood, and the work around the farm often kept him busy. Larry helped with the local 4-H and showed steers, and he was also very knowledgeable about tractors. Always willing to work hard, Larry owned and operated Brink-O Transportation. With the company beginning in 2000, it has now grown to now employ both of his sons.

A man of many interests, Larry was always a bustle of activity. He was a man of faith, and it was his faith that served as the compass he used to direct his steps. Larry was an active member of Christ Memorial Church who was involved with cadets, young peoples, and small groups, and he also served as both an elder and a deacon. He played volleyball on a church team and also with his family, and Larry enjoyed ping pong, too. He loved vacations, and over the years he went to Costa Rica, Binaha Cayman, Aruba, Mexico, as well as Florida and California. Larry enjoyed vacationing with the Brink families, and time spent at their place on the golf course at Sandy Pines was priceless. He bought show steers in West Virginia, Ohio, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and he also made many semi trips to Florida, stopping at truck stops along the way.

With a never-ending spirit of generosity, Larry Brink was the sort of person everyone seemed to know. He wasn’t afraid to get dirty while working and was known for his strong work ethic as he was a firm believer in working hard and playing hard, too. It was easy to see that he treasured his family, and whether they were traveling, celebrating Christmas, or just relaxing at their place in the summer, it was all special to Larry. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will forever treasure.

Larry Alan Brink, of Holland, went to join his Heavenly Father on September 2nd, 2016. Larry’s family includes his wife, Dawn (De Frell) Brink; children, Jeremy (Brooke) Brink, Jason (Michelle) Brink, Jenna (Kyle) Nagelkirk; 3 grandchildren; Lyla, Kaleb, and Case; mother, Gladys Brink; sister, Marcia VanRhee; brother, Les (Deb) Brink; brother and sister in-laws Don and Diane Baker, Jan De Frell, Jerry and Susan De Frell, Cal and Ruby De Frell along with many nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Gerry Brink, along with his father and mother in-law, Chester and Dorthy De Frell.

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