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Billy Zink Obituary
ZINK, Billy D.
(Age 77)
Passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, in Phoenix AZ. January 23, 2011, due to multiple health problems. Born in Dodge WA., to Jess J. and Jessie P. Zink, he grew up in Starbuck WA., and enjoyed the Palouse area and swimming in the Tucannon River. He graduated from North Central High School where he starred in football and baseball and went on to play in the minor leagues before injuring his shoulder. He married Joan Maurer in 1954 and went to work for the family business with his father. Later he attended college at EWU and received his degree in education, and started his 30 plus year career at Rogers High School in Spokane, where he taught PE and later Drivers Education. Dad had a life long love for the game of golf and coached the Rogers golf team for many years, and enjoyed watching his sons play in local tournaments and area Pro-Ams. He liked to travel and frequently would go to Hawaii during the Christmas school break. He loved hunting, boating, playing cards and especially fishing at Pend Oreille Lake. He and mom spent the summers at Mac Donald's resort near Bayview, ID. and the winters on the golf course in Phoenix, AZ. Dad made friends easily and will be missed by his fishing, hunting and poker buddies, and most of all, by his family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Joan, his children Jerry (Tracie) Zink, and Mike (Carrie) Zink, his brother Ken (Betty) Zink, Seattle, WA., his grandchildren Jamie, Ryan and Ashley Zink and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday February 26, 2011 at the Eastpoint Church, E. 15303 Sprague Ave. Spokane WA. at 11 AM.
Per his wishes, his final resting place will be in Starbuck WA., at his favorite hunting spot. We thank all of you for your heart felt support and continued friendship during this difficult time. Donations can be sent to your local Hospice in recognition of their wonderful help in our time of need.
Dad, thanks for your guidance and for the example you set for us, and for being a wonderful husband and father. Through you we learned compassion, humor, respect, and above all love. You will be missed and in our hearts forever.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Zink
Lynn
February 14, 2024
I was a student of his in Driver's Ed.
I remember him very well. He was very kind, very respectful, and above all patient. Very patient! He had to deal with 3 girls who also were all friends and going on our little jaunts practicing our (at the time) inept driving abilities.
Because he was such a good and patient instructor the three crazy teenage girls passed the class with flying colors!
jeff inman
February 23, 2011
Mr Zink. you will not be forgotten. you were a great golf coach and even a better teacher. "91"
Gary Mills
February 23, 2011
To the family of Bill.My heartfelt sympathy to you.Bill and I started at John R the same year.A great teacher,father,husband and friend
Rusty Black
February 22, 2011
Best drivers Ed. teacher,JV. coach ever my condolences,for the family Rusty Black "73"
February 22, 2011
My condolence to the Zink family let the good memories comfort you throughout this difficult time. Mr. Zink was my golf coach for four years at Rogers. He always had patience and he supported us on and off the course. He is now playing on the most beautiful golf course in heaven.
Pat Best 86
Lynn Thomas
February 21, 2011
I too was a student of Mr. Zink. Driver's Ed was never boring with him at the helm. I don't know how he survived when we would go out and about to do our driving with 3 girls in the car making fun of each other. Lord only knows what he must've been thinking. Good times, good times.
My sincerest sympathy to his family and close friends, may you find comfort in the memories and stories that you share.
(class of '76)
February 21, 2011
My condolences to the family............... He was a fun teacher, class was never boring. Tee up with my father Bill, god speed.
Leon Laffoon (Spokane, WA.)
Dori Dietzman
February 21, 2011
He coached me in golf at Rogers for four years, we listened to Don Ho music on the way to the golf course, he will be missed.
Dori Dietzman 85
Sandi Beckley
February 21, 2011
Such a great teacher and always had a great sense of humor. You will shine in Heaven. Thank you for teaching, it truly made a difference in our lives, especially at Rogers. Dennis and Sandi Douville
February 21, 2011
Joan, I am saddened to see that you have lost your wonderful partner Bill. I too will never forget those Drivers Ed days and his never ending patience with us. My sympathies to you and your family.
Wendy Tunison Westby, Anchorage, AK (Lucile's Daughter)
February 21, 2011
Mr. Zink was the greatest driver ed teacher. He let us drive with the radio on (am only) it was great.
February 20, 2011
JERRY....OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD. HE'S NOW ON THE 1ST HOLE OF HEAVEN COUNTRY CLUB.
DOUG AND JODY CANTRELL
Kelli Vorhies-Haney
February 20, 2011
So sorry for your loss.
Mr. Zink was one of my favorite teachers. His patience when teaching a bunch of teenagers to drive was incredible. He always treated us with respect & we knew that he cared about all of his students. He was truly a great teacher & a great man. He will be missed.
February 20, 2011
As a Rogers Student I was blessed that he was a teacher and we had a part of his life, I am gratful he had his family with him and that he lived his life and shared it with so many, I am sorry for your Loss But just Maybe Heaven was needing a extra angel. May ou all find Comfort knowing he had touched so many lives in so many ways. Thank YOu for sharing him with us.
Sincerly With Much Respect
Raeanna ( Hamersky) DeSpain
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