Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
David Brink Obituary
A constant theme in Dave's life was to "look at life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror". He was known and loved for his heart of gold, contagious positivity, unrestrained pranks, infectious laugh and convivial sense of humor. He never hesitated to put a smile on your face.
He was born January 8, 1968, to Dr. John and Mrs. Marion Brink in St. Joseph, Michigan. He attended Lake Michigan Catholic and St. Joseph High School where he would soon become a rising baseball standout.
David went on to play baseball at Lake Michigan College and Coastal Carolina University where he still holds many pitching records. He was drafted by the MLB, Detroit Tigers in 1988 but chose to remain at Coastal Carolina University to pursue and complete his bachelor's degree.
David was kind, bright, caring and devoted to all who knew him and had a way of making everyone feel special. He worked for Southern Glazer Wine and Spirts for 15 years where he also earned many accolades of achievement over the years. With his many fulfilling accomplishments aside, his most eminent and rewarding role of all was being a father to his son, Bennett and daughter, Annelise, his children meant the world to him.
His spirit lives on in everyone he touched throughout his enriched and nurturing life, but he will be immensely missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother. Steven Brink; stepfather Thomas Preston; stepbrother, John (Janet) Preston.
He is survived by his children, mother of his children (Lisa Brink), sister, Lisa (Randy) Wolf, brother, John (Patti) Brink, Susan (Bob) Root.; Thomas (Kim) Preston, and Sarah (Rick) Linthicum; many nieces and nephews, cousins and a multitude of adoring friends.
A memorial will be held on February 17th in Naples, FL at his favorite beach and another to follow in September in his beloved town of St. Joseph, MI.
Anyone who wishes to honor David, in lieu of flowers, to make a contribution to his children's college fund via https://everloved.com/life-of/david-brink/donate/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sanjeev B. Patel
February 16, 2024
Dave was my first beloved "Brother-in-Law" when I was first welcomed into Nicole´s family of best friends, which included the fun-loving Lisa Brink. He played the role of a big brother like a champ and always treated me with love and respect, like a big brother would. Dave, with a heart of gold and a witty humor as sharp as a tack, embodied the rare combination of honesty and authenticity. His boundless generosity sometimes bordered on overwhelming, but every moment spent in his company was a treasure trove of laughter and camaraderie. From our beach strolls, where we likely appeared as an oddly matched, interracial, and vertically disparate married couple to the casual observer, to our uproarious late-night ramblings, every minute together felt fleeting yet fulfilling. Our conversations oscillated between commiserating about our wives' quirks and gushing over our deep love for them and our families. Though life had taken us on separate paths in recent years, with only sporadic messages to bridge the gap, I know that Dave missed me as much as I missed him... and I always will. Rest easy, my brother. May the four winds blow you safely home.
Billy Ross
February 14, 2024
Love you David. We met in 1st grade and we were both new. There is no way to summarize what we did and went through. You changed my childhood by having sleepovers at your house to get me out of mine. Marion made us breakfast and ordered us pizza for dinner...we went on to little league and kissed girls for the first time in the woods after games at Wells Field. We stayed up as late as we could because it was no fun to go to sleep. I went away for High School but came back for my senior year and you´re the first person I saw! I´m leaving out the wild parts cuz people might read this.
I appreciate you beyond belief and hope it´s true that we can connect in the afterlife!
Joey McDonald
February 12, 2024
I'm deeply saddened by the news about my lifelong friend. We shared countless cherished memories, from our childhood days on Park Drive through our young adult life in Chicago. David was an extraordinary individual, and I feel truly fortunate to have had him in my life. He will be deeply missed.
Nicole Patel
February 11, 2024
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Nicole Patel
February 11, 2024
Nicole Patel
February 11, 2024
Nicole Patel
February 11, 2024
Dave, you left us too soon. We have so many great memories from our visits...loads of laughs and always SO much love. We love you and you will forever be in our hearts.
Mike Pruitt
February 8, 2024
ChantsUp fellow chanticleer baseball brother
Heidi McDermott
February 7, 2024
Deepest sympathy and condolences
Stephanie Burch
February 7, 2024
Stephanie Burch
February 7, 2024
Stephanie Burch
February 7, 2024
Stephanie Burch
February 7, 2024
Stephanie Burch
February 7, 2024
Stephanie Burch
February 7, 2024
I am going to miss my happy birthday wishes and anniversary wishes and just those random hope you and the kids are doing well wishes . English class "PIP"thats where it all started ..You always made me laugh till we got in trouble but it was worth it...I would have been ok without the pinching though hahahaha.. The countless visits to Naples always filled with laughter ..Gasparilla..the birth of your children There were just so many years filled with fond memories and I will never forget one. I am thankful to have been able to spend precious time with you in the final days ....we all saw you visiting us the day you left this world outside the window dressed in a coat of red chipping away at those tasty seeds ..As we mourned together it brought Bennett ..Annalise...Lisa..Bob and I peace ..and a little smile .. love you Dave
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in David Brink's name
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Brink's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
