Neil Wayne Zink
January 04, 1953 - August 10, 2022
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Neil Wayne Zink
January 04, 1953 - August 10, 2022
Obituary
Neil Wayne Zink, aged 69, residing in Blaine, Washington passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2022.
Neil, born on January 4, 1953, grew up in Wells, Nevada and later enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was commended as the Top Airman in his unit. After his discharge from the service, he embarked on a life-long career in the aviation industry working as a pilot, mechanic, and dismantled nuclear missiles under the INF Treaty. Subsequently he worked in the civil service, ultimately retiring while working at the FAA to ensure air safety as an inspector of airway facilities.
At the age of 24, he married Michelle Annette Mayne in Parker, Idaho. The couple celebrated 45 years of marriage this June. Neil and Michelle went on to have two children and four grandchildren. Neil lived a full life and enjoyed nothing more than spending time outdoors with his family and friends. Neil was fiercely self-reliant and could fix nearly anything electrical, mechanical….you name it – he delighted in sharing his gift and never turned down anyone who needed help. Neil’s wealth was measured by the friends he kept; the number which continued to grow until his final day. His quick wit and wry sense of humor has been passed on to his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. As long-term illness increasingly limited his mobility over the second half of his life, his diesel pickup took him where his body couldn’t, and he could usually be found “bouncing around in the woods” exploring a new part of the western US or having a conversation from the cab with one of his many friends. Though, he was happiest when his grandkids rode along.
Although he will be greatly missed by his family and friends, there is comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace and free from the confines of his illness. Neil once again has the freedom to fish for trout in a mountain stream with his grandparents and father in-law and to share a tall tale or two with the good friends that have passed before him. Neil faced his death and mortality with a firm faith noting that “I’m not afraid of dying, but I really don’t want to leave everybody”; so, it was fitting that in his last days he asked that Just Beyond the Moon be played at his graveside. The lyrics of the song say “I’ll walk just beyond the moon then I’ll stop to wait for you” – his family will reflect fondly on his life and the lessons he shared until the day of that joyous celestial reunion.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle; son, Keith Zink (Ellen); daughter, Amber Clark (Joe); four grandchildren, and his older sister, Roseanna Wigle. Neil is preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Myrle Zink, his younger brother Dale Zink, and his wife’s parents, Milo and Glenda Mayne.
Neil will be laid to rest in the Veteran’s Garden at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, Washington.
3 responses to Neil Wayne Zink
Mike Field says:
August 17, 2022
Michelle, Amber, and Keith,
Big hugs to you all and your families.
Because of who he was, you guys can ask anything, and I will try a get it for you.
You all are a huge blessing to me, I appreciate meeting you all, even if it seemed on the way to some place else or super short. I appreciate being able to share a small part of our lives. I appreciate even more the time Neil took to introduce us. In all our travels together, He was super proud of you all… all the time.
My heart aches with you all,
please let me know how I might help.
Bryan Fitzgerald says:
August 17, 2022
I always enjoyed working with Neil, he was a wealth of knowledge! Prayers to the family.
Julie Kemp says:
August 22, 2022
I love Neil so much! He made me laugh – he and Shelly made my time spent at Rick’s College so fun. We had so much fun taking car rides and airplane rides. Playing with Keith and Amber. Coming over and having to step over the dead duck on the porch to get into the house and Neil laughing thinking it was so funny. He always stopped to visit when he was in town and we would pick right back up harassing each other. I know he is embracing everyone on the other side and we will see him soon. I will run up and hug him as soon as I get there. All my love to Shelly and the kids. He will be truly missed.