Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Thomas Fink, Jr.
Thomas Fink, Jr.
Obituary
Guest Book
Thomas Fink, Jr. Obituary
In 1959, after Tom and Mitchelyn moved to Phoenix, Arizona, he became a Phoenix Firefighter, a position he held for 22 years. To show his pride of being a firefighter, Tom got his first tattoo - the firefighter's insignia -at the age of 82. Towards the end of his firefighting career, Tom turned his love for golf into a business, which he ran for many years until he visited and fell in love with the White Mountains and trout fishing. After closing his golf shop, Tom and his second wife, Nancy, moved to Lakeside where he resided until his death. While living in Lakeside, one of Tom's many passions was antiquing.
Throughout the White Mountain area, Tom became known as the "birdhouse man" due to his generosity in giving his uniquely handcrafted birdhouses to local non-profit agencies, preschools, and friends. You will see Tom's birdhouses all around the White Mountains and throughout the world.
Tom, who wanted to be remembered as a "self-made man and who did things his way," was a long-time member of Community Presbyterian Church in Pinetop, AZ. Tom was a caring and giving man who loved his family, his companion of many years Martha Cyrus, his friends, his community, and his Lord.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents Tom and Emily Fink, his wife of 31 years Nancy Fink, and his grandson Ben Valero. He is survived by his son Thomas Fink, III, daughter Cindy Valero, son Charles Flachman (Kelley), daughter Lori Van Wey (Tad), 3 sisters, 3 brothers, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held at Community Presbyterian Church (CPC), 1940 S. Penrod Ln., Pinetop, AZ, 85935, on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. A reception at St. Mary's of the Angels Catholic Church will follow.
In lieu of flowers Tom has requested donations be made to CPC's Roof Fund. Donations may be sent to Community Presbyterian Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Theresa K
May 19, 2023
Sorry for your loss.
Maureen Edwards
May 18, 2023
My prayers for you today Cindi
Lana Marceaux
May 18, 2023
I never met you before, but I know you were a good man. I know your son from years ago and I´m sure you had a great father/son relationship. May you Rest In Peace.
My deepest condolences for the loss of your father, Tom.
Missy Taylor
May 16, 2023
Tom was the best friend someone could ask for. He was such a joy to be around and would come to ever estate sale I had. He loved to haggle pricing, but that is what he loved to do. I will miss him terribly. Thank you for the memories and you will be missed
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
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.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Charlotte and don allen
May 16, 2023
Tom our sincere sympathy of the passing of your dad. He was a great guy and we will miss him. Don and Charlotte Allen
Gloria sanchez
May 15, 2023
Tom, my sincere condolences to the passing of your
dad. May he rest in peace with the lord.
Sharon Siville
May 11, 2023
How we will all miss Tom's kindness, the twinkle in his eye, his great stories and amazing generosity. From donating his wonderful birdhouses all over the White Mountains, to treating the OTD group to sopapillas, he gave from his wonderful heart. May we carry on his his legacy.
Jimmy Evans
May 11, 2023
Jimmy Evans
May 11, 2023
Jimmy Evans
May 11, 2023
My Uncle Tom was an extraordinary man who led an ordinary, humble life. He was a lifelong role model and mentor for me who was always available whenever I wanted to chat about something. His door was always open to me, my family, and my friends. I will miss him greatly and remember him always.
Lynda Marble
May 10, 2023
Tom was a gentleman who had the most wonderful personality. To know Tom was to love him. His smile and laugh was contagious. I will miss him and he will always hold a special place in my heart
Kay Bailey
May 9, 2023
When I´m in the White Mountains and attend church here, I would sit next to Tom. He was always a gentleman and a kind and caring person. I was truly looking forward to seeing him again and I will truly miss him.
Judy Warner
May 9, 2023
Tom, you will be remembered for being such a wonderful friend to the community and certainly to your church. I always enjoyed talking & listening to your stories during Thursday OTD. Many blessings to you & your family. I know God will be standing next to you during this next journey.
Lynn Reed
May 9, 2023
Having Tom just once, I found him to be very generous, kind & welcoming in friendship. Deepest condolences to the family.
John Marble
May 9, 2023
I have many beautiful memories in my life. Meeting and knowing Tom throughout our many years is one of my favorite blessings. God Bless you Tom, my friend, I will miss you .
Thomas Evans
May 9, 2023
A great uncle and an all around amazing human. Always kind to me.
Georgia Merrick
May 9, 2023
Tom was such a genuine and caring person. My husband and I appreciated his friendship and contributions to our church community.
Thomas Fink III
May 9, 2023
My Dad was the greatest a kid could hope for. I have very large shoes to fill, I am sure I can't, but I am no quitter! Love you Pappy!
Diane White
May 9, 2023
Tom was a wonderful friend. I will miss chatting with him and seeing him in his "usual" seat every Sunday.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Fink, Jr.'s name
How to support Thomas'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 Thomas Fink, Jr.'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
