Arvi Sinka

Arvi Sinka, 86, of Troy, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Dr. Arvi Sinka along with parents and sister narrowly escaped illegal Soviet occupation of Estonia by fleeing to refugee camp in Germany in 1944 where they lived for 5 years (and despite obstacles even began piano lessons) until the family was able to attain a sponsor (that had a job to fill) and emigrate overseas to USA in 1949. In graduate school he met his wife, mother of his sons, partner in everything, and love of his life, Brenda Sinka, who became an accomplished operatic soprano, and together raised two sons.
Arvi was a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music, went on to receive his Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance from Indiana University. While attending college and graduate school, Arvi enlisted with the National Guard and served up until 1964. He was stationed at Camp Grayling in Michigan. He was a professor at Mankato State University, professor and chairman of the piano department at Bradley University. Young Artist Award in Chicago in 1967, orchestra pianist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under conductor Antal Dorati in the 1970's-80's and the Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony. He was featured on classical recordings with horn virtuoso Lowell Greer and with the DSO and had articles published by the American Music Teacher and the Piano Quarterly. Eventually he opened his own private piano studio in Troy in 1969, certified by the Music Teachers National Association as Master Teacher and was an active member and past president of the Metropolitan Detroit Musicians League. During a teaching career spanning more than 50 years taught over 2000 students and was still teaching right up until his recent illness.
Since approximately 1970, he was a fixture at Church of the Redeemer in Southfield, Michigan, where he was organist and choir master right up until September 2024. He wrote countless skits and plays that were performed at the Fall Harvest event at the church. He made an excellent Santa and hosted Christmas Eve festivities for more than 50 years always giving some readings from Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol and leading the family in singing Christmas carols always highlighted by dance of the sugarplum fairy.
Arvi often spoke of his immense gratitude: to the United States for accepting his family as war refugees and providing unparalleled opportunities, and to Brenda, his devoted wife of 42 years. He often retold the story of being a hungry street urchin in the refugee camp in Germany when he encountered a group of generous American GIs Who gave him their rations.
A significant figure in the community, he delivered Meals on Wheels up until his early 80s. With great integrity and an incredible work ethic, guided thousands of students through the study of piano, and imparting a deeper appreciation of music; he always looked at the big picture and considered the virtues of musical training to give a strong boost to one's overall education. Up until his last days he was actively brainstorming how and when he would be able to teach again despite his condition so that his students could continue to learn.
Beloved husband of the late Brenda. Loving father of Erik Sinka (Amanda) and Aaron Sinka (Melanie). Proud "Gramps" of Brayden, Damon, Sebrina, Everett, and Scarlett. Dear brother of Ulle-Mai Ruben (the late Tonu). Caring uncle of Riina Ruben and Tiiu Ruben.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 12:00pm-5:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple & Big Beaver) Troy, MI 48084.
A funeral service will be celebrated on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:00am at Church of the Redeemer 18140 Cornell Rd. Southfield, MI 48075.
Burial will take place next to his beloved Brenda at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the church in Arvi's memory at Church of the Redeemer 18140 Cornell Rd. Southfield, MI 48075.