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Alan Fink Obituary
Al retired as a 747 Captain with United Airlines after 32 years of service. He was an active member of the United Airlines Retired Pilots Association (RUPA).
He served in South Vietnam with the 195th Assault Helicopter Co and was awarded 12 Air Medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism during combat. At the end of his active duty, he served in the US Army Reserves. Prior to his service in the military he flew air ambulance from San Carlos and was a helicopter and fixed wing aircraft flight instructor.
Al's passion was restoring classic Century wood boats and many of his restorations were shown and received awards at boat shows. He served as a past president of the Century Boat Club. He was an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA). He was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen-Sacramento Hanger, a distinguished group of airmen founded in 1921 by World War I pilots.
For the past several years Al served as a pylon judge at the Reno National Championship Air Races.
Alan is survived by his former wife, Linda, two sons Alan Jr. and George, and his grandchildren, Ethan, Hans, Ryan and Aerowyn. He has two sisters, Rita Graham of Lockeford and Janet Crusenberry of Lodi.
A Military tribute and Celebration of Life will be held at Vineyard Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd., Lodi CA. on Saturday, June 3 at 10am. Followed by a luncheon reception at Lockeford Community Center, 19258 Jack Tone Rd in Lockeford.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.cherokeememorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Fink
Peter Huckle
October 6, 2018
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 on it!" I did!
An American hero, patriot and an exceptionally gracious friend
Clint Worland
July 24, 2018
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 laughs that stick with me to this day.Linda, Alan, and George; it has been many years since I have seen you folks, but I think of you often. And now that this sad news has found me, I mourn with you over the loss of this great man, and send you my sincere condolences and pray over your collective healing.Clint Worland
Maxine Byrd
March 31, 2018
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!!
Bud Sizemore
January 12, 2018
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.
Tommy Holm
October 9, 2017
The Century Boat Club thanks Al for all his service to the hobby. Al was a Thoroughbred.
Ken Whittall-Scherfee
September 8, 2017
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.
Helen Schwab
July 17, 2017
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.
June 20, 2017
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!!
Jeff Bell
June 5, 2017
Al, I'll always remember that voice (would have been great for radio...) and the great stories from our times at the races. You were always so kind and generous to me, perhaps because we both were recovering rotor heads. However, I think it was in reverence to my father, a fellow PAA alum, which by itself was very moving. Safe journey to your next destination. It's been an honor...Jeff Bell
Ed smith
June 4, 2017
AL,It was a pleasure to know you from the QB'S and to listen to your wonderful stories
Ed W Smith
June 3, 2017
Al,
Even though we never met in person, I corresponded by email with you for the past 12 years. I always thought that you were one of the most talented people I had ever known. After all, how many people can fly a helicopter, which most of us fixed-wing pilots know are not designed to fly. And flying them in combat?
As a fellow Vietnam combat veteran, and Navy pilot, I was amazed by some of the heroic flying you did
Your other rare talents, such as judging at the prestigious Reno Air Races, and restoring boats are also unique.
You left us suddenly, and too soon.
You will be sadly missed, Brother.
Jim Arthur
United Airlines (RET)
U.S.Navy
Ford 8N
Muriah Grabner
June 3, 2017
just wanted to add pic with our similar tractors. my neighbor, fellow retiree, friend. RIP buddy.
Muriah Grabner
June 3, 2017
Even though you were a pilot, we became friends. Fellow Army Reserve Retiree, still ticking Ford 9N Commandeer, less than 20/who are we kidding 40 club, and newcomer to Lodi (before 50 yrs ago) thanks for being my friend.
Clearly, your distinguished career speaks for itself. But, thank you, not just for your service in the military, but also as a United Airlines pilot that safely transported me and countless others as we explored the world.
Thank you for your many years of selfless service. I wish you were still here. Rest in well deserved peace, my friend.
Alvin Hopkins
May 31, 2017
Al you'll be missed. Thanks for all the good times when you kept us laughing. May God Bless your family and love ones
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