Captain Alan James Fink

Dear Linda and family,
Ive only just learned of Al's passing.
He was larger than life. I so enjoyed spending time with him talking Century boats, politics, Corvettes and Vietnam. His expertise on wooden boats helped me restore mine albeit only to a solid user condition. When I brought down an Arabian I found, you two were such gracious hosts. I regret falling out of touch. On that trip he insisted I take the yellow car for a drive! Man, what fun! He said "When you get it to 65, stand...

Alan sr was indeed one of my favorite people of all time. I grew up with Alan jr, and even though our paths have diverged, he too, remains very high on my list of extraordinary people who I have been fortunate enough to have known. Alan sr's subdued personality contained a world class sense of humor that I won't ever forget. Whenever I had the good fortune to catch Al at home, or when he would come into the place of business where I used to work, we would invariably share some really good...

I loved Alan from the moment he came into this world. I am his second cousin and knew and loved his parents very much. He and his parents and siblings are always in my heart. Not only was Alan an American hero but he is my hero. One great American family!!

I am saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend Al. We served together in Vietnam, I was his platoon leader. Al never refused a mission right up until he was scheduled to return home. He was a good guy and a professional. I will miss him a lot.

The Century Boat Club thanks Al for all his service to the hobby. Al was a Thoroughbred.

Pylon Inner/Middle One at Stead will be much more sedate this year. Al provided humor and history to his fellow pylon judges at Reno. He also gave me my most recent Flight Review, and was a great member of QB. Al was eloquent, jocular, salacious and reverent. He awakened every crowd, and was a compassionate veteran. I miss him and wish him clear skies and limitless Jet A.

My Father, United Captain Bob Schwab, flew with Capt. Fink, was a fellow Quiet Birdmen & had the highest regard for him. My sincerest condolences on the loss of your Father & this very fine man and friend.

I will go to Reno this this year knowing that our Saturday afternoons of critiquing the world in general are over. This was one of my high points!
Strange words to a chopper pilot, but: "Gate climb, Al!! All the way up!!