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Michael Fink Obituary
South Salem, NY
His wife, family, and friends celebrate the rich life of Michael C. Fink. Mike died May 1, 2015 at age 69 surrounded by his family at his home in South Salem, New York. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he worked as a counselor and educator in East Lansing Public Schools. Mike devoted his life to his children and the children of others. Friends and colleagues recollect his students focusing on his every word and how warm, comfortable, and genuine classroom discussions were as they evolved under his guidance. Using his keen intelligence and his inimitable and insightful sense of humor, Mike helped his students, family, and friends find their better selves.
Ever faithful to butter, Mike nurtured those he loved with versatile and adventurous meals. He delighted in casting flies on the banks of a stream, grousing at opponents over a cribbage board, and babying the Cleome in his garden. Amongst all his delights, however, his greatest joy was time spent with his daughters.
There will be a celebration of his life in South Salem in late summer held by his wife of 44 years, Susan Donnell, his three daughters, Janyce Lynn Fink, Laurel Donnell-Fink, Elizabeth Barks, his son-in-law, Daniel, his sister, Nancy "Boo" Shaw, his brother, Peter Fink, and myriad family and friends. Cards may be sent to 14 Spring Street South, South Salem, NY 10590, and donations may be made to The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation (www.carcinoid.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Fink
Bruce L. Makie
May 4, 2024
Almost 10 years, good buddy. Still missing you.
Stephen Vernon
June 17, 2017
Very sad to learn of Michael's death-- even these two years later. A friend moved backed to E. Lansing and was asking about good people to connect with. I had unsuccessfully "searched" Mike and Sue multiple times over the years since I moved to CA . I searched again only to find of his passing. Susan, I remember how much you and Michael made your home open to me and others in the early 70's. Without your warmth, I'm not sure I would have "made it." Hope this and my love reaches you.... Stephen Vernon ( and under "relationship" add coworker, student and, if I may be so bold -- family )
Susan Makie
April 7, 2016
As I visit the places Mike loved here in Northern Michigan, the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, streams and rivers Up North and flowers growing in the garden. It is with sweetness that I remember, and miss him.
Emily Dojka
October 7, 2015
Glencairen Elementary school is where I met Mike Fink. He was my very first counselor and my life improved and will always be better due to the tools Mike Fink gave me. I still use what he taught me to this day. His life will always be celebrated as far as I'm concerned.
The Mike most remember at his home with two of his three daughters!
Jeff Learned
June 5, 2015
Mike was to so many, and to me, the most amazing person, full of more love and compassion and empowerment of others than any soul I have ever been blessed to know. Mike (along with his wife Susan) have been my second parents, and my best of all friends, for more than 40 years now. The difference Michael made in countless lives is, I believe, his greatest legacy. I will heartily miss Mike and I know the hundreds of others who's lives he touched will miss him also. I would much appreciate your prayers for his wife Susan, their daughters Laurel and Elizabeth and all of their family and friends.... With deep sadness and my profound thanks for your prayers...
Robin and you are spot on that he was the most gentle of souls. He spent two summers with me and my family in Mt.Pleasant when he was obtaining his second Masters Degree. I was able to spend two whole summers with him, laughing, constantly learning and growing and just enjoying the most amazing friend I have ever had smile emoticon He and his wife Susan were so much my second parents, the most dedicated and loving of friends I have ever known and know. They both mean the world to me smile emoticon I have spent the holidays with them, visited too many weekends to count, and also as Melissa says, Mike was indeed my mentor in bringing out and really showing me the best parts of me were my outward love and compassion for others. I don't think I ever met a person that would speak to him and not leave feeling so good about themselves."What an amazing gift!" He was my highly valued friend and he and his wife were and are, my truest of blessings and have been for over forty years! I will miss him greatly but his best qualities will always live well and bright in my heart! Jeff Learned
Paul Massie
June 4, 2015
RIP Mr. Fink. Who could forget Social Studies sweepstakes. He loved camping and so did a bunch of us BSA's. I remember a separate overnight camp out on our 8th grade trip he took a bunch of us "elite" campers (Steve Wenner/Vaughn and I carried 25 lbs. of water) and climbing the ledges at Grand Ledge with him, Steve and Drew Floyd on another class outing. Probably couldn't do that today. He could also throw a mean frisbee and played frisbee at recess with us all the time.
Sarah Berwald
June 4, 2015
I met Mr. Fink at Glencairn Elementary School where he was a counselor. I have a very clear memory of his kindness and humor all those years ago. He was a fantastic individual.
Jon Rundquist
June 4, 2015
At a very pivotal time in my young life Mr. Fink, who was one of my eighth grade teachers at the time, used his tremendous skills as a counselor and teacher to help me through it all. He never waivered and never left my side. He was so much more than a teacher, he was my friend. Later, I learned that he had left the classroom to become a counselor, an area for which he had an enormous gift. How fitting. His always calm demeanor, laid back methods and style with his ability to reach kids like no other. To this day when I drive on Park Lake Road I acknowledge the house and the great man who once lived there with his family. Rest peacefully my friend. I will see you again...
Stephanie Burgis
June 4, 2015
I am so very sorry to read this news. Mr. Fink was such a wonderful man and made such a difference to so many children, including me and one of my younger brothers. He was so kind and so genuinely warm, and he treated every child with gentleness and respect. I loved him as a kid, and when I met him again as an adult, 15 years later, I was amazed that he remembered both me and my brother in so much detail and took the time to say some truly kind and inspiring things to me about moments he remembered from our childhood. I will always be so grateful that he worked for the East Lansing schools when I was a student there.
Melissa Blair
June 4, 2015
Mr. Fink was a teacher who rests in your heart for a lifetime. He was my teacher in 1977 at Mac Donald Middle School. He loved us. He loved teaching. One funny story I remember from my time there was when a kid had been teasing me, he had been working me over for awhile. After lunch this by boy kept at it, we went outside after lunch and the kid followed me. At one point during the nagging, I whirled around and socked him very soundly in the stomach. Mr Fink's big blue eyes bugged out and he smiled and led the boy away very quietly saying, ' I think you better leave her alone.' I thought I would get in trouble but I never did. Another thing I remember him telling us about was the Fink Reunion of all the Fink families in the United States. I thought that was so cool. Mr Fink taught us about interesting and unusual things beyond our life experience. He always extended himself to us. He was a great gift to his students. His family was so lucky to have him as a husband and father. I know you'll miss him.
Candace Munroe
June 4, 2015
Mr. Fink was an amazing teacher: caring, warm and funny! He helped nurture my love for history by making it exciting and relevant. His middle school class encouraged me to go on and major in US History at Harvard. I am also so grateful for his involvement with Dimensions, one of my most rewarding educational experiences. I'll never forget seeing him cycle through MSU 's campus, greeting former students and making sure the program was running smoothly. He is missed but I know all his former students appreciated the time we had with him.
Bruce L. Makie
May 25, 2015
Mike was one of the most influential and significant persons in my life. A great friend, supporter and role model, as a man, a parent, and simply, what it means to be human. He is so missed.
May 17, 2015
Susan; so sorry for your loss. Julie and I remember you two from years ago. My son had Mike as his teacher and like him very much. Our condolences go out to you and your family. Jerry and Julie Nash
Norm Scott
May 13, 2015
Mike was a true hero. Thanks for all the lives you made better by your caring and gentle way. We'll miss you!
Mary Nelson
May 11, 2015
A great teacher and a great man.
Peter Root-Wiley
May 11, 2015
Mr. Fink was my favorite teacher in middle school and always made me laugh. He will be missed.
May 11, 2015
What a loss, Mr. Fink was a fantastic teacher. He will be remembered and missed. My condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Jane Ventsias
May 11, 2015
We are feeling your loss in East Lansing. Mike was a tremendous person and teacher. He was always ready with a kind word or gesture, finding the best in each student or co-worker. I am so happy he spent his retirement doing what he loved, and sad time was so short. My deepest sympathy to all of you as you find a way to work through your loss.
Stephanie Peck
May 11, 2015
Fly high Finkster. Love and think of you often.
Stephanie Peck
May 11, 2015
The "Finkster" had a huge impact on my life as a youth. I lived in a home where life was not very happy. Mr. Fink made sure that all of his students felt loved and appreciated. He was the reason I stayed in school and worked hard. Thank you for the your gifts of happiness and education. You are truly loved.
May 10, 2015
Dear Susan; I am so sad to hear this news. I have many deeply felt memories of the early days with you and Mike, and the laughter we shared as we grew, Please let me know when the memorial service is. I will make an effort to be there. Kathy and I mourn along with you.
Tom
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