Kirk-Brink-Obituary

Dr. Kirk Brink

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Jul 30, 1949 – Dec 8, 2025 (Age 76)

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BORN
July 30, 1949
DIED
December 8, 2025
AGE
76
LOCATION
Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Dr. Kirk Lynn Brink, age 76, of Grand Rapids passed away unexpectedly on December 8, 2025. He was born July 30, 1949 and grew up in Grant, MI. He graduated from Hope College and completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology from DePaul University in Chicago. He deeply loved his life's work as a...

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Dr. Brink literally changed the course of the rest of my life. He helped me learn what is important about this life we all share. I will carry on his spirit by continuing to practice the lessons he thought me. He not only impacted me, he changed how I show up to others. It is trully impossible to say in words how greatful I am to Dr. Brink.

Kirk was my friend for 44 years. He advised me, wept with me, always encouraged me. We shared a love of poetry, and on day when we were chatting he was talking about the beauty of trees... That compelled me to write this hastily written poem. I am not a professional writer, but, in the context of that discussion, these words spilled out, quickly... about my friend Kirk... I do miss him Such dignity caring heart deeply shared Brilliant and wise with no disguise devoting so much of his...

Dr. Brink, I am so filled with grief that you have died and are no longer in this world. How can this possibly be? You came into my life over twelve years ago when my family did an intervention with me and told me I needed help. Thank God for Dr. Bodley for referring me to you. It has been an incredible journey with you. You were instrumental in my getting sober but more importantly in beginning to be open, honest and willing to look at myself. Your compassionate, loving and skilled...

Dear Catharine and Family, I am writing to express my deepest condolences for the passing of Dr. Kirk Brink. I was heartbroken to learn of this news, and it has taken me time to process the profound impact he had on my life. Dr. Brink was not only a vibrant and thoughtful colleague but also a remarkable mentor and advisor. His ability to understand human motivation and behavior was astonishing - it was both a gift and the result of his intense dedication to his studies and observations. I...

My heart grieves with all who are stunned by the death our beloved Dr. Kirk Brink. I spent 25 years with him, from age 25 to 50. He allowed for thousands of tears, words of rage and a place of safety. He lives on in my heart and in all the lives he has touched. I thank God for Dr. Brink's life.

I talk to you every day. You tell me you are outside of time now, that you can feel all of the love I have ever or will ever feel for you. I often hear your laughter, which helps me see the ridiculousness of every day life. It hurts so bad that youre gone, but I feel deeply grateful to have known you and been loved by you.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I loved Dr. Brink. I worked with him twice, the first time for about 10 years, and just recently since June. He helped me live in reality instead of living out of a sense of scarcity. As a result, my wife and I enjoyed 7 overseas trips and I got over a chronic depression. He also helped me learn to enjoy contact with strangers. Thank you so much. I will miss you.