Dr. Richard Brink

Hastings resident, Dr. Richard L. Brink, 74, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings, Nebraska due to complications of multiple sclerosis.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, April 17, 2012; 2:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings with The Rev. Dr. David B. McCarthy officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation as Richard was cremated. Book signing will be held Saturday, April 14, 2012; 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., Monday, April 16, 2012; 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., and one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Society or Nebraska Public Radio.

Dick was born October 24th 1937 in Odell Nebraska to Eugene and Hazel (Barada) Brink. He graduated from Pender High School and went on to earn a BA from Dana College, a Masters of Art Education from Colorado State Teachers College, and his PHD in Art Education from the University of Nebraska. He was united in marriage to Lois Jeanne Streck in 1962 in Mapleton, Iowa, and to this union four children were born. He taught art in Omaha public schools, Hastings High school, and Hastings College where he was chairman of the Art Department. He retired as a professor Emeritus in 1984. Dick was an extraordinary teacher and mentor to many. He painted throughout his life, exhibiting in local, state, and national shows. Dick was very proud of his Native American heritage. He was an avid trapper, hunter, guide, fisherman, artist, and sports enthusiast. He remained a teacher until the day he died. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all whom he touched, taught, inspired and loved.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

Dick is survived by his devoted, loving, wife, Lois; children, R. Scott Brink, Los Angeles, CA, Michele M. Brink, St Paul, MN, Shane M. Brink Denver CO, and Shannon J. (Mark) Hajny, Clay Center NE; grandchildren, Garrett and Devin Calhoun, Emmie Hajny, Sabina and Micheal Brink, Evan and Ella Brink, and Danya Griffler-Brink; brothers, Joel (Jonie) Brink and Jim (Claudia) Brink.