Robert "Bob" Brink

With a sharp wit and a generous spirit, Robert "Bob" Brink built a remarkable life rooted in hard work and shaped by grit, humor, service, and a deep devotion to family. A selfless, loving, and unmistakably candid man, Bob never hesitated to provide for and support others. He was always kind and genuinely enjoyed creating meaningful connections with others. Whether conversing with a store clerk, attending a special event, taking a trip, or serving his community with honesty and integrity, Bob welcomed each day and every person as a gift. A devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Bob will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved.

1947 proved to be a year of continued celebration of the nation's momentous victory in World War II. America's heroes eagerly returned home to a country filled with renewed spirit and hope. As American prosperity grew like never before in our history, hope sprang eternal, and the Greatest Generation soon flourished, ushering in the Baby Boomer era. The cause for celebration grew even greater for Eugene and Jean (Summerville) Brink as they welcomed their son, Bob, to their family on December 21 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The oldest of the three Brink boys, Bob learned the value of hard work from his mother, who worked as a secretary for the Kalamazoo Gazette, and his father, an entrepreneur who owned Knollwood Tavern. He and his brothers were close and enjoyed many good times together over the years, some even bordering on the mischievous. Bob's time at Hackett Catholic Prep was cut short when he was kicked out for fighting, and he transferred to Loy Norrix High School without informing his parents. There was also talk among the family that Bob had driven a car into the Kalamazoo River.

Bob was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and served as an infantryman. Though he never spoke about it, his daughter, Bethany, discovered a poem Bob wrote reflecting on the war, and his family learned that he received many medals, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, a Sharpshooter Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Bob's children, JD and Bethany, were born after he returned home from Vietnam. Despite it being a tumultuous time for the family, Bob made sure to create fond memories with his kids. Once, when he took the kids to Great America outside of Chicago, his car broke down in the heart of the city on the way there. While they waited for hours, he did all he could to keep everything together, promising they would return and go to the park another time. Although they were disappointed, Bob was true to his word. He fulfilled his promise, and their second trip was a great time. He took them to many adventure parks and sports events and “ate his way through everything.”

He'd drive anywhere for food; travel "eats" were a bonus, and Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Indiana was a favorite restaurant. Not much of a cook, he did make burgers and BLTs when the kids were young. Certain tomatoes remind Bethany of her dad's BLTs to this day. The family also enjoyed their golden retriever, Shawnee's, wonderful companionship.

More good times were had while swimming at Bob’s parents’ house with Bob's brothers and their families, and the kids fondly remember skiing trips at Crystal Mountain with the Brinks and Milroy’s. Uncle Ken had a little cabin in the area, and the families stayed in a cabin nearby, where they enjoyed snowmobiling.

A very supportive parent, Bob encouraged his kids' efforts and dreams, proudly attended their special events, including daddy-daughter dances and sporting events, and helped them out of several sticky situations. As his moods were easy to read, they always knew when they'd gone too far, as well as that he'd always have their backs. As they grew into adulthood, he regularly shared with JD and Bethany that, "I did the best I could do. I probably gave you a hug when I needed to kick you in the butt, and I probably kicked you in the butt when I needed to give you a hug."

From childhood on, Bob loved music. He played many records as a kid and attended countless concerts throughout his life. With his unwavering love of both sports and radio, he worked his way into the radio business and enjoyed a long career that started in sales for Forum Communications. Over the years, he worked in pretty much every possible position at the station. Eventually, he became the owner of WZZU, with its mainstream rock format, and Cool FM WQXC, a music-and-sports format where he would regularly cut from music to Western Michigan University Sports coverage.

Bob loved baseball and golf and spent years cheering on Western Michigan University sports, keeping stats, driving the bus, supporting his son, who was a backup kicker for the university, and becoming friends with the coaches. He also had a passion for gambling and enjoyed many, many trips to the casinos.

In addition to his career, Bob was an active Rotarian and a proud member of the Kalamazoo VFW Post 827. He also served as a Republican Kalamazoo County Commissioner for four years, holding office until approximately 2006, during which time he served as board chairman. He was an incumbent commissioner in the 12th District during the 2004 election cycle.

Becoming a grandfather proved to be one of Bob's greatest joys. He was very involved with his granddaughter, Cosima, and spent as much time with her as he could. Sadly, COVID had a big impact on their time together, and when they were able to visit again, he wasn't in the best of health. No doubt had he been feeling better, he would have been more engaged.

As we celebrate Bob's life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in carrying Bob's legacy of loyalty, laughter, and the steady reliability of someone you could always count on, forward. In each moment we choose to lead and listen with our hearts, share our gifts and talents in the service of others, consciously create memorable adventures with loved ones, place a bet at the casino, take in a ball game, hit the greens, and cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, we keep Bob's memory alive and inspiring others to live each moment to the fullest.

Robert “Bob” Brink age 78, died on April 6, 2026. Bob was born December 21, 1947 in Kalamazoo to Eugene and Jean (Summerville) Brink. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David (Marcie) Brink. Surviving are his children: Justin David Brink (Sarah Brininger) and Bethany Brink (Zendra MacLeod); granddaughter Cosima Caccamo; brother Ken (Jeanne) Brink; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on April 28th at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Private burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery with full military honors.

Celebrate Bob’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to https://purpleheartfoundation.org/ways-to-give/ or the https://westmichiganveterans.org/get-involved/donate/.