Irwin Brink ’52
Irwin Brink ’52 of Holland, Michigan, not only was a graduate of the college’s chemistry program but spent his career contributing to its success.
Brink, who died on Friday, June 23, 2017, at age 86, was a member of the
chemistry faculty from 1957 until retiring in 1996. In addition to receiving multiple research awards and mentoring students, he chaired of the department and was dean of natural sciences. His service also included having written a history of science at Hope that served as a major
source for the 2009 book A Century of Science: Excellence at Hope College.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Barbara Lowing ’56 Brink; children,
Jeanne Brink ’83 (Jay ’81) Lindell, Anne Brink ’85, Robert (Karine Renard)
Brink ’88 and Mary Brink ’89 VanKula; four grandchildren; and brother,
Kenneth Brink
Holland Sentinel Obituary
Irwin was born August 10, 1930 in Hudsonville to John and Jennie (Elzinga) Brink. He graduated from Hudsonville High in 1948. After graduating from Hope College in 1952 with an A.B. in Chemistry, he went on to receive his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Illinois. Irwin returned to Hope College to teach in the Chemistry department, retiring in 1996, after 39 years. During his tenure he served as Chair of the department and Dean of Natural Sciences.
Irwin was a member of Third Reformed Church serving as an elder, Sunday school teacher, choir member and Stephen Minister. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed bird watching, and played clarinet in the American Legion and Zeeland Community bands.
He was preceded in death by sister-in-law, Janice Brink.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara of 63 years; children, Jeanne (Jay) Lindell, Anne Brink, Robert (Karine Renard) Brink, and Mary VanKula; grandchildren, Zack (Allie) Lindell, Katie Lindell, Jacob Lindell, Ian VanKula; and brother, Kenneth Brink.
Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Third Reformed Church, 111 West 13th St. Holland, MI, 49423. A memorial service to honor Irwin’s life and faith will be at 11 a.m., at church on Friday, June 30.
Memorial contributions are to Hope College-Irwin Brink Scholarship fund, Third Reformed Church or Hospice of Holland. The family is being served by the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. langelandsterenberg. com.