FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Emery James Rink
05/28/1933 — 10/28/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Walla Walla, Washington
Emery James Rink
Emery died at age 76 in his home in Richland on Wednesday afternoon, October 28, after losing his battle with leukemia, while his wife and daughter remained at his bedside. Hospice was a godsend and assisted with his comfort. Viewing will be 5:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, November 2, at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland; and services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, in the chapel at Einan's Memories at Sunset Event Center.
Emery was born and raised in Walla Walla, graduating in 1952 from Walla Walla High School. He served in the U.S. Army 1953 to 1955, then in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1961. After his regular, full-time Army duty ended in 1955, he went to work at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, serving the cold war as a laboratory assistant, technical chemist plutonium, parachemist, senior engineering technician and plant engineer. He went to work for General Electric in 1955, Isochem in 1966, Atlantic Richfield in 1967, Rockwell in 1977, then Westinghouse 1987-1989 and 1989-1995. While working for Westinghouse, Emery designed and had built the first mobile testing labs at Hanford, which enabled testing in the field for environmental contamination.
Emery loved working out at the gym. It was a big part of his life and a practice he did on a regular basis for over 40 years. Gym memberships included European Health Spa, Columbia Basin Racquet Club, Gold's Gym and World Gym/Kia Ora Gym. He was a heavy weight lifter until over 65, when he tore his rotator cuff. He had to scale back on weights, but continued his favorite pastime until his recent illness. One of Emery's favorite hobbies was flying. He was a licensed commercial pilot of small planes and enjoyed flying to various places in Oregon and Washington, sometimes Nevada, which he did for several years. While his daughter was growing up, he enjoyed taking her camping, fishing and boating. He also was a car buff, loving to see what gadgets were new with each year's models. He always customized his vehicles with striping, chrome and other add-ons; and was very meticulous about keeping them clean and shiny.
Emery met the love of his life, Rebecca, at the gym in 1999, and they have been together ever since. They loved being together and doing things, such as going to the gym and to the coast.
Emery is survived by his wife Rebecca; his daughter Sue Hogan and husband Jim, granddaughters Jennifer Hogan and Tessa Hogan, and great grandson Shane Mykel Christian Jennifer's son, who live in Kennewick; adopted daughter Sherrie Brogan and husband Daniel, grandsons Brandon and Aiden Brogan, who live in Natick, Mass.; sister Bette Reid and husband Ray, living in Richland; and brother Harvey Rink and wife Sharon, who live in Rathdrum, Idaho. He is predeceased by his parents, Fred and Molly Gradwohl Rink. Thank you God for giving us this very special soul to share our lives with, to enjoy, love and learn from; and who has touched each of us in different, wondrous ways. Emery, we love you.
Emery's loving daughter, Sue, adds her own special note for her dad: My memory of my dad will always be these last few months where I really learned and understood who my dad was and how much he loved his wife Becky and me, and to see how happy he's been for the 10 years he's had with Becky. Dad, we will always remember you and will always love you.
To Becky and Family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one, Emery. May God give you the strength to endure this time of sorrow. Penny Gregory aka: Carol Hicks, RHS62
I’m so sorry for the tremendous loss. I wish you well, Rebecca.
May the Lord comfort you during this hard times. Becky my love goes out to you and your family. Love, Wilma
Becky, I am sooo very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose a husband. I pray I never have to find out. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know Emery, I’m sure he was a wonderful man. I’ll pray for you in this difficult time. God bless you. JoJoan TurnureMinick
Our hearts are saddened for your loss. Thank God that you were able to experience the wonderful love that you and Emery shared over the years. We are so sorry that he was taken from you so soon.
Your Friends,
Dick and Barbara Butler
My foundest memory is when my daughters Ashley and Brittany were at Emery’s house for Easter and a photo was taken near a beautiful blossum tree in their new Easter dresses and bonnets. I still have the photo and will remember that special time with Emery and my girls forever.
When God sent His angels to bring you home, He had His reasons. Someday we will be able to ask why, but for now, we offer prayers of peace and comfort to those left behind. RIP
Emery was the first person I recall that inquired about joining World Gym when we opened in 1999. In fact, he stopped by my office there weeks before we were ready to accept customers. We have enjoyed his stories and kindness at the gym all of these years since. All of our thoughts and love are with Rebecca and her family at this time.
I met Emry in 1975 when I joined the European Health Spa. We became immediate and close friends sharing our passion for fitness. Through the years Emry and I stayed close and I shared his interest in customizing vehicles. Emry was a kind, gentle soul. He was always there for support for me as I was for him. I miss my buddy but I have many precious memories to keep with me. I wish peace and strength for Becky and his family during this time.
Becky, Paul & I were so saddened by the loss of your dear husband. Barbara Butler shared your e-mail with us. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies and know you are certainly not alone in your grief. We had never met him but if you loved him we all would have done so as well.
I first met Emery in October of 1962 when I worked at the Plutonium Finishing Plant Laboratory at Hanford. Emery was a hard worker and an excellent technician. We didn’t socialize after work at this time but became closer friends in the early 70s when he talked me into joining the European Health Spa. In August 1972 Emery, Walt Steel, and I went on a plane trip to the primitive area of Idaho called Branson Meadows. Of course, Emery was the pilot and we rented a low wing 4-passenger piper. We stayed there one night and flew back early the next day because Emery was worried the warmer air would affect the plane’s lift off. He was very, very careful. I wish the best for his family. I know Emery will be dearly missed. He was a gem of a person.
Sue and family – I am so sorry for the loss of Emery. I will keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time. God bless you all.
Dad, I will always remember you as a loving, caring, gentle person who loved life. You loved going on trips, and spending time with loved ones. I will never forget our trips to Priest Lake. Those years were very special to me. I will always be grateful for your unconditional love. You were always there when I needed you even when time had gone by and the miles were between us. I will always remember you, and I look forward to seeing you again one day, in a better place.
With love,
Sherrie
I first met Emery at the European Health Spa in the mid-1970’s. Gradually a group including Emery, Tim Burdine, Dick Winship, myself and others started working out together on an informal schedule. Later we started having group dinners every couple of months or so. We became friends and kept in touch after the Spa closed down.
Emery got me interested in flying. My first flight in a light aircraft was with Emery as pilot. Later Emery, Tim, and I flew to Oregon. The weather got rough so we decided to land in Redmond. Emery landed the Cessna dispite a severe cross wind. I was glad to be on the ground. Emery remained composed. On the way back we found out the wind had taken out the Pendelton control tower! Emery have a safe flight and a smooth landing. Your friend, Tom
Thank you, Emery, for being such a kind and loving companion to my mother all these years. She is blessed to have experienced the love you shared. May God Bless you and keep you.
Love, The Pena Family
Thank you, Emery, for the years of happiness you have brought to my sister, Becky. I am thankful that God brought you together. May you find rest in the arms of the Savior. I pray for comfort and peace to all those who knew and loved Emery.
I was very saddened to see the notice of Emery’s death. He was an exceptional person, both personnally and professionally. While in the workgroup, he designed and oversaw building a tractor mounted radiation detection/monitoring system, and the first mobile laboratories in trucks and trailers. He found the appropriate contractor to build the units and monitored the construction to the satisfactory conclusion. He performed many hours of analyses in these units. He was also instrumental in trasferring the californium source into the activation system in the laboratory. As manager, I would see him at meetings and consultations but knew he was working hard at other times. You could always pick out his personal car in the parking lot by the polish – I don’t think a bird or bug would have dared mark the finish. I will miss seeing him on the infrequent occassions when he visited in my neighborhood.
I was Emery’s manager for a number of years at Hanford. He was a very resourceful man who could be trusted completely. He put together a whole fleet of mobile labs and support equipment. I respected him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
We both truly appreciate that we were able to meet and visit with both Becky and Emery just prior to his passing. Clearly, Emery was a special human being and we will always hold a warm memory in our minds and a special place in our hearts for him. Sending love and prayers…
I had few occasions meeting with Emery at Toastmasters related events. I was very impressed with his integrity and honesty. Many will miss his cheerful personality and calm nature that we all need now a days. May God grant him peace.
Emery was a very kind-hearted, wonderful man. Sometimes he would show us what new accessories he’d gotten for his Chevy truck. He was very proud of that truck. He will be missed so very much.
Emery was not only my cousin, but very best friend. We talked to each other almost evey day. We had exciting times when we took flying lessons together and enjoyed each others friendship. Emery was always ready to give a helping hand and would get upset with me when he found out that I had someone do something that he thought he should have done. I really miss him and he was a special person. Becky – may God’s love be your strength and comfort.
We are very sad at the passing of my cousin Emery. I haven’t been able to see Emery in many years but remember him fondly as someone who was always washing his cars and working out at the gym.
It is a sad time for the family and we feel deeply for them.
May God give them the strength to accept his passing.
During my time at Hanford Emery was one of the most dedicated – if not the “most” dedicated person – I had the pleasure of working with. He was directly responsible for the design and building of the Sampling and Mobile Laboratory units used throughout the site. It is with much sadness we hear of his passing. I’m sure Emery is just as dedicated today – working on some interesting projects with some very influential people – in a better place.
Guestbook for
Emery James Rink