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El Cerrito High School University of San Francisco

Erich Fink Obituary

Erich Fink Born in Yugoslavia (Gottschee) in 1938, he passed away January 4th, 2009. Survived by his best friend and companion Drea Ball; son Hans; daughter Maria; granddaughters Mia, Ellen, Zoe and Phoebe; brothers Gus and Herbert; sister Maria Erker; and many nieces and nephews. A teacher of art at El Cerrito High School for 30 years, he attended USF and earned a master's degree in political science. He was an art aficionado, historian, youth soccer coach and member of the Nature Friends Tourist Club. To learn more about our kind and generous dad, visit www.erichfink.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Erich Fink

23 Entries

Yukie Goto

February 26, 2025

Mr.Fink was a kind and caring teacher who took time with his students .He was my art teacher in high school. I always think of him when I paint. He was my confidence builder then ,and I felt seen when I was in his class. I am sad to see he passed on, and never got to tell him how he was such a special teacher who not only taught me art but helped me as a person. Rest in love and peace, Mr.Fink.

Gary Schwaegerle

January 4, 2024

Wow 15 years already gone Bye. It is with fond memories we think of & miss Erich. Sincerely, Gary, Phoebe Schwaegerle & Family

My art teacher Erich Fink from my 1974 El Cerrito High yearbook. He was extremely influential in my future as a became an Art Director and now have my own graphic design studio.

Steve Garson

October 7, 2018

Erich Fink was my art teacher 1972-74 at El Cerrito High School. Along with fellow art teacher, Evelyn Loring, he was extremely influential in my future as I eventually became an Art Director and have had my own graphic design studio since 1992. I also went to the USF as he did - never knew!

mike kaelin

July 9, 2009

I called Erich several times, including recently, to find out when the next Cajun dance woud be at Naturfreunde Club, Oakland.!!
So sorry, he was a bit too young to go.

Bodo Rosin

February 16, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dave Schmitz

February 12, 2009

I played for Erich on the Bay Oaks and I had great respect and affection for him. Decades later as a coach myself I use his conduct as my standard. I thought he was a wonderful human being. Drea, Hansie and Maria, I'm extremely sorry for your loss.

Steve Haderle

February 11, 2009

Hi
I love the website and the art and miss Erich. Our prayers are with him - will check back periodically for additions and hope to see you in the meantime!

Constantine Bogios

February 5, 2009

My personal favorite memory of Erich is as a kid. I broke my arm and had the old style plaster cast. Erich was kind enough to indulge me by painting on it – all the kids thought it was “cool.” I will always remember that it was very generous of him - not too many people will take time out of their day like that for anything, let alone some kid.

Dugan Carlson Slovenski

January 25, 2009

Erich was my Art and German teacher at El Cerrito High School as well as long time family friend at the Nature Friends. He brought creativity, humor and kindness to every person and every place. He will be missed. His art and legacy live on.

Gary Schwaegerle

January 23, 2009

Erich was not only a Friend to a few of Us but the Entire Community at Large. We 1st meet in 1980 at The Nature Friends. A wonderful Artist who contributed a lot; wonderful back drops used by many Organizations, Soccer Coach, Father, Brother, Friend.. He will be missed, Gary Schwaegerle

Debbie Lewis

January 23, 2009

Berg Frei, Erich!

January 23, 2009

We met Erich through my sister, Drea. He was a great soul, artist, independent thinker, and magician extraordinaire who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

With all our love and compassion for your loss,
The Henning Family

Ernie & Erma Hufschmidt

January 22, 2009

We were so sorry to hear that such a talented man left us.
We saw him last at the Oakland Club house for Ernie's 60 year membership at Nuture Friends.
We will miss him.
Love to all the family

Sue Fink-Cofer

January 21, 2009

Dear Maria & Hans,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad, our Onkel Erich. He will be missed very much but you will always have his memories.

Barbara (Hoch) Yuki

January 20, 2009

I had the privilege of dancing with Erich at the Heimatabend celebration at the Oakland Clubhouse in November 2005. He will be missed by many. Thank you, Erich, for the dance.

jim broshar

January 19, 2009

I knew Erich Fink as a coach at Cal and an art teacher in his high school. He was a rare gentleman and a good man, and I am the better for having known him.

Mona Lalchandani

January 19, 2009

Dear Drea,
My deepest condolences on this tremendous loss of Erich (the love of your life). No words can describe the sadness I feel at his sudden passing away.
I'm so lucky to have met this great man and his brillant and creative collages of my three beautiful children will always be a reminder of Erich.
My heartfelt sympathy.
Mona

Peter Hoch

January 19, 2009

We are so shocked and saddened to learn of Erich's death. He was truly a wonderful member of the Nature Friends and such a good person. Please accept out condolences.
Linda and Peter Hoch
Please let us know when the service is for Erich.

erik visser

January 18, 2009

Dear Family Fink,

On behalf of the University of San Francisco men's soccer team, I would like to express my sincere condolences for the passing away of Erich.

His kindness and generosity was exemplified when after our Play off game with Cal Berkeley, Erich passed on his USF letterman jacket to Kyle Schlumpf, one of our senior student athletes.

Erich will be very proud of Kyle as he embodies the mission of our University and continues the rich tradition of outstanding student athletes.

Erik Visser
Head Men's Soccer Coach
U of San Francisco

Susan Melin

January 15, 2009

I knew Erich, from my friend Drea. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Carol (Carlson) Cunningham

January 14, 2009

Erich will be long remembered and deeply missed as a beloved member of the Naturefriends. He was always present and involved in every event. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Gregory Savella

January 12, 2009

I remember Erich while I was growing up. He was so nice to me. I met him at Parkway Quality Bakery in Oakland. He worked there sometimes. My Mother, Rose, also worked there. Erich was a good man. I'm sorry for your losss.

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