Edwin H. Klink

Edwin H. Klink 65, Phoenix, Ariz., a passionate husband, father, businessman, artist and student of life, passed away peacefully at his home June 24, 2008. Ed's journey began in Albany, N.Y., where he was born to Irving Charles Klink and Virginia Hilton. He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon returning from Vietnam, Ed entered the next phase of his life in graduating Harvard Business School as a Baker Scholar. He took what he learned in Cambridge and put it to work in co-founding, with Al Hubbard, E&A Industries in 1977. E&A (Ed & Al), based in Indianapolis, has owned or continues to own a number of companies including Car Brite, Gilchrist&Soames, Con-tech and Dynalloy. "Klink" and "Hubbs" (which they called each other) were wonderful business partners and close personal friends for more than 30 years. Continuing his own quest in personal growth, which became a top priority in his time here, Ed discovered great joy and satisfaction in the world of art. After taking a drawing course at the Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis with wife, Sheila, he began the challenge of developing the right side of his brain as well as he had conquered the left. Showing the same dedicated drive and steadfast focus that made him such a success in business, Ed studied and practiced his craft to become a renowned painter. His creations have been on display and have been sold in galleries across the country, including Santa Fe, Sedona, Aspen, Maui and Indianapolis. When he would take a break from his art studios in the Southwest, it was frequently to enjoy another of his life's passions in fly fishing. He made numerous fishing trips across the country and around the world, but none of which cherished more than those he shared with his son, Doug. Ed lives on through those he touched along the way, including his wife, best friend and soul mate in his journey, Sheila Klink of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother, Irving (Butch) Klink, Jr. and wife, Dee, of Clarksville, N.Y.; son, Douglas Klink and wife, Cathy, of Fishers, Ind.; daughter, Ginger Hamilton and husband, Steve, of Fishers, Ind.; daughter, Betsy Hamilton and husband, Brian, of Grass Valley, Calif.; and six grandchildren, Tyler, Matthew and Andrew Klink of Fishers, Ind., Holly Hamilton of Fishers, Ind., Vivian Eldridge and Ana Hamilton of Grass Valley, Calif; and several nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Timothy Klink of Cleveland, Ohio. Ed's life will be celebrated 3 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at the Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis, IN, 46220. Another of the top items of Ed's "to-do" list was giving back to the community, which he did frequently and anonymously to many charitable organizations. In that spirit, memorial contributions may be made to the Turn the Corner Foundation, the Fight against Lyme Disease, at: www.TurnTheCorner.org