Ron Cink

1951 - 2022

Obituary of Ronald Frank Cink

Ronald Frank Cink, 70, formerly of Valley City, passed away at his home in Yreka, California on May 9, 2022. Ron was born in Valley City to Frank and Clarice Miller Cink on September 30, 1951, and grew up there. When his father was injured in 1953 and passed away 4 years later, Ron was just 6 years old. At the time, his very dear Uncle Edwin Cink lived with the family while in the flying and crop spraying business with his brother Frank. Uncle Ed proved to be a wonderful role model for Ron during his childhood.

He graduated from Valley City High School in 1969, and then attended UND and NDSU. He moved to the Los Angeles area in 1975, joining his mother and sister Bonnie, and resided in California for 47 years. While in California, he obtained his Electrical Engineering degree from Long Beach State University and his Masters Degree in Engineering from Loyola University. After graduation Ron was employed at Hughes Aircraft in the Space and Communications Department in a supervisory position for 16 years.

Ron obtained his private flying license and enjoyed taking relatives and friends on trips to Catalina Island, wine country and up the California coast. He and his girlfriend Debbie also took an extended trip to the Virgin Islands. In 1992, Ron moved to Yreka, California to help his mother during her later years, which the family greatly appreciated.

He enjoyed cooking from the young age of 7, when his mom came home for lunch to find the kitchen covered with flour. He did clean up every trace of cake baking by 5:00 when Mom came home from work. Ron honed his chef skills through the years, even creating his own recipes. His lucky mom was served his delicious creations every night at dinner time. He was also a creative gardener, growing his own herbs and vegetables.

Ron was an accomplished golfer, earning many trophies in his younger years, a talent he shared with his sister Jeanie. Hiking, camping and motorcycling were also favorite pastimes. Anyone who knew Ron would agree that his most endearing quality was his sly, subtle sense of humor.

Ron was preceded in death by his father Frank who passed away at age 46, his mother Clarice who lived to be 104, and his special Uncle Edwin Cink. He is survived by two sisters, Juleen (Jeanie) Cink and Lavonne (Bonnie) Cink Ness, both of Valley City. He also leaves numerous cousins in California, Oregon, Kansas, Texas, Florida, Minnesota, Arizona, North Dakota and Toronto, Canada who will miss him dearly. His very giving cousins, David and Connie Peterson of Yreka, California kindly took care of him for the last few years.

A memorial service for Ron will be held on Saturday, July 16, at 2:00 pm at Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City. A gathering will be held in the church dining room following the service. Interment will be at Memory Gardens at a later date. Please send any flowers to the church, or donations to the Barnes County Historical Society Museum in Valley City.