Eugene Vincent Wink

Eugene Vincent Wink was born to the Irish family of Arthur John Wink and Kathrine Elizabeth Hallerine on November 24, 1931 at 3 New Street, Oceanside, Long Island, New York. He grew up on Long Island in a three story Victorian home, the seventh of four boys and five girls: Shirley, Emily, Arthur, Thomas, Helen, George, Gene, Ann and Betty. Gene and his three older brothers were known in their Irish neighborhood, and all the surrounding neighborhoods, as "The Wink Boys". His schooling was at St. Christopher Catholic grammar school in Baldwin, Long Island where he was rapped on his knuckles many times by "the nuns". One time he took his own extended vacation from school for a month before they missed him! But he survived, and grew up to finish his schooling with graduation from Baldwin High School in 1950. Soon after graduation, Gene joined the Air Force in October 1950 and was sent to March Air Fore Base in California. He acquired his training as an Electronic Technician in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1952 and was returned to March AFB. During this time of his service career, he was married to Claudette and the following year Greggory, his first of seven children, was born. In 1954 Gene was sent to Lakenheath Base in England, being in charge of thirty aircraft on the flight line as a radar technician. During his three month tour, he was sent to North Africa on a short stint.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1954, Gene's son Wayne was born in Florida and the family later moved to Ontario, California where he started work in industry as an Electronic Technician. During this time in his life, five more children were born: Deborah, Cynthia, Derek, Michele and Theresa. Gene started his career with the federal government in August 1959, working for the Department of Defense at the Naval Ordinance Laboratory in Corona, California. He became active with his boys in Boy Scouts and was an Explorer Scout leader in the mountaineering post, climbing Mt. Whitney twice with his troop. They also received the Nine Peaks award for climbing in Southern California. In 1970 Gene transferred to Point Mugu Naval Air Station and the family relocated to Ojai, California. A divorce followed in 1972 and Gene joined a choir, at of all places, a Baptist Church in Ventura where Gene met the love of his life, Joan Carson in 1973.
On April 28, 1979 they were married and Gene became stepfather to three more children: Cindy, Diane and Greg. Over the years, Gene became a grandfather to Aimee, Sandy, Mathieu, Joe, Fern, Marlo, Dalton, Jacob, Raquele, Vincent, Keaton, and McKenna; and step-gradfather to Jeff, Heather, Kristen and Scott. Gene retired from Point Mugu on December 31, 1993 after a very successful career and 38 years total service to the federal government. He spent time with his hobbies of golfing, hiking, tinkering, traveling, cruising, gardening and spending time with family. Gene often said he worked harder after retirement than during his working years where he "got paid for it". Gene was active in the Ventura Senior Men's Group...which Gene lovingly called his "Old Men's Club"...serving in several positions including President. Joan and Gene traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. They both loved to travel, but Gene was most kind to let Joan decide where to go, make all the plans and do the navigating; while Gene did the driving and tried not to get lost. But those who wander are not always lost! Joan and Gene loved to reminisce about all their trips, sharing beautiful photographs and detailed exploits and adventures. They loved to tell the story of the old Gypsy lady in Florence who tried to pickpocket them and the sweet Geisha girl in Japan who played a table-top game with Gene, who lost. Gene and Joan always met people on their travels who were then added to their Christmas card list.
Everyone who knew Gene talks of his smile and his stories, he was a born story teller and a self proclaimed "stubborn Irishman". Everyone has heard the stories of a job from his youth where he was a manual pin-setter at a bowling alley. Gene loved food and wine...and of course Irish whiskey...and enjoyed cooking and creating recipes. He was very proud of his "hole-in-one" trophy he received from Saticoy Golf Course in 2002 and especially proud of all the awards, accolades and plaques he had received over the years as a civil servant. But he was most proud of the large family he and Joan created; consisting of 10 children, 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. The term step-father and step-grandfather became "dad" and "grandpa" to Joan's family....he became the dad they always wanted. Joan and Gene's beautiful home in Ventura is filled with family photos. Gene was a gentle, kind, happy soul with a positive nature who gave Joan a very blessed life; filled with much comfort, support and love. Gene wore many hats: counselor, advisor, banker, gardener, fix-it man, great cook, good listener, nurse, wonderful husband and friend to all he met.
Services will be held at 12:00 on April 22, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church at 196 N. Ashwood Street, Ventura, with reception following at the same location. Burial will be a private ceremony at Ivy Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Gene would appreciate any donation to one of his favorite charities: Boy's Town, St. Judes, Paralyzed Vets of America, or a charity of your choice. Gene left a legacy of love, joy and family; and will be deeply missed.
Boyko & Reardon Telegraph Road Mortuary & Cremation
15 Teloma Drive
Ventura, CA 93003 805-643-8623