Eric William Shink

Eric William Shink was born December 30, 1968 in Butte, Montana to proud parents William and Janelle Shink, died September 14, 2009 outside Payette, Idaho as the result of a tragic and sudden motorcycle accident. Eric grew up in St. Maries, Idaho graduating from St. Maries High School in 1987. He attended North Idaho College before joining the US Marine Corp in 1988. He served from 1988 to 1992 and was a 1st Anglico Surveillance and Reconnaissance Specialist during Desert Storm in Iraq. Eric obtained his degree in fire science in California and began his career as a firefighter and later a paramedic, after being chosen by the Kennewick Fire Department – a vocation he proudly served and was dedicated to for 15 years. In 2005, Eric was honored as Fire Officer of the Year, being recognized as "leading by example, rising above what is normally required of rank and position…always putting the safety of his crew as his first priority." At the time of his death, he was serving as Captain at Station 1. On May 14, 1999, Eric married Mary Komendera in Belize. They were blessed with their son, Christian, in August of 2000. Eric was a proud and loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family. Eric knew no stranger, especially children. People have shared many memories with the family in the past days, recounting his gentle ways, kind heart, generous attitude and friendship. Many children from local grade schools and Boy Scout troops had the good fortune of Captain Shink being their tour guide through the Fire Department. Eric was a free spirit that lived his life passionately. He was an avid recreation enthusiast and embraced his love of motorcycles, automobiles, diving, skiing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, camping, and boating with his family and friends. He was an advanced tri-mix diver and fully certified cave diver and had served as a member of the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue. Eric was exceptional in his ability to master skills quickly and proficiently. He is survived and will be forever loved and missed by his wife, Mary, son Christian, parents Bill and Janelle Shink of St. Maries, Idaho, father- and mother-in-law, Leonard and Sophie Komendera of Carleton, Michigan, sisters/brothers-in-law, niece and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins outstanding colleagues and many, many good friends including those who were like brothers. Viewing will be Sunday, September 20th from 5-7 p.m. at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union Avenue, Kennewick. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 506 S. Garfield Street, Kennewick, 2 p.m., on Monday, September 21st. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a college fund established for his son, Christian, at Kennewick Community Federal Credit Union, 2626 W. Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick, Washington.