John D. Brink

John Brink, born September 2, 1918, the oldest of 7 children and a man of many careers, died on March 3, 2015 at his home at Fredericka Manor, Chula Vista, California after a full 96 years of life. John was a decorated Naval Officer who during his 30 years of service to his country, received numerous combat and service awards. During his naval career, he served his country during WWII and the Korean war. He also served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon during the Vietnam war and at the Amphibious Training Command Center in Coronado, California. After retiring from the navy, and not one "to let dust collect under his feet", he went to work for the Children's Hospital in San Diego as an Administrator of the program for the developmentally disabled, a job he truly enjoyed. He retired from there in 1980...when computers were introduced....after 12 years. Still wanting to give back, he also served on the San Diego Grand Jury and was appointed County Flood Commissioner for three years.

Marrying the love of his life, Georgia Alice Dye, in 1942, they spent 58 wonderful years together and had 4 children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. After Alice's passing in 1999, John at the young age of 80 met his second love, Alfrina Shaver while both were residents of Fredericka Manor. Alfrina brought with her 7 grown children. A special bond instantly developed between John and her children and only continued to grow over the years.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Georgia Alice, their 2 sons (John and Robert) and his second wife, Alfrina, Also preceding him in death are 3 sisters, Jean, Katherine and Ruth and 1 brother, Bill.

He is survived by 2 daughters, Janet (Jerry) Breitenwischer and Mary Helen (Sam) Hall, 4 grandchildren (John, Daniel, Jon and Deborah) and 3 great grandchildren (Christopher, Emily and Erin) and 7 adult step children.

John loved life to the fullest and could bring a smile to all who knew him. That "twinkle in his eye" will never be forgotten and will forever by missed. To all who knew him well, if he were here today, you could hear him say..."It's time to shove off".