Carl B. Brink

Carl B. Brinkof Newark ValleyCarl B. Brink, 80, lifelong resident, respected pillar of the farming community, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend died suddenly as a result of a tragic farming accident at the Century Family Farm on June 19, 2010. Carl was born on Jan 10, 1930 in Newark Valley a son of the late Harry and Julia (Palmer) Brink. As a youngster, his work ethics were developed as he assisted his parents with chores. Realizing early on that Carl was a gifted vocalist, his parents provided him with voice lessons and while a student at Newark Valley High School, he performed in several musicals. His leadership skills were evident as he served as president of The Future Farmers of America. In 1948 he graduated and several years later married the former Lorrie Greene. Together they raised their family, farmed and traveled for 40 years until her untimely passing in 1990. Carl is survived by his wife Doris (Parker) Brink, his children and their spouses; Yvonne and Brian Benjamin, David Brink, Ruth and Jack Manzer, Lorrie and Matthew Russo, Rebecca and Timothy Quinlan, Yvette and Bryan Lewis. Also surviving are his brother Richard (Patricia) Brink and sisters Pricilla Smith and Ella (Robert) Brown, 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 5 step-children, Tish and Gene Evans, Rick and Polly Tetrault, Ray and Robin Tetrault, Roger and Tina Tetrault, Tami and Peter Magnus, 13 step grandchildren, one step great- grandson, nieces, nephews and cousins. Carl has been a long-time member of Lakeview Chapel, Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Owego. His memberships included, Tioga County Farm Bureau, NYS Farm Bureau, presently serving as a State Director, and for 20 years, he served as a member of the Newark Valley Board of Education.Never content with simply being a member of any organization, Carl was a 'do-er' and an achiever for each organization. His contributions to the people of NYS and the farming community were invaluable. He was active in lobbying for rural school programs and funding. One of his greatest accomplishments, achieved by his relentless work, was the elimination of the unincorporated business tax and inheritance tax for farms. While on his personal travels, he would frequently visit other farmers to receive their input. He also hosted many state officials and legislators on their visits to his own as well as other area farms as a means of educating them about farming life and industry. Carl farmed over 1,000 acres but also realized the importance of family time. He was an adventurous Captain at Sea, boating as far west as the Mississippi and loved motorcycling and RVing. His family and the farming community will miss him greatly. Friends are invited to a period of visitation on Friday at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley from 1-4 and 7-9 PM. A Celebration of Carl's Life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday at the Lakeview Chapel, 185 Day Hollow Rd., Owego. Pastor Todd Wolfe and Pastor Kenneth Lindsey will officiate. Burial will follow in West Newark Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Carl with a memorial donation are asked to kindly consider The National Downs Syndrome Society c/o Madeline Alemar, 666 Broadway, 8th Floor, NY, NY 10012 or at secure website www.ndss.org in memory of Carl B. Brink or NY Farm Bureau Foundation, c/o Sandy Prokop, PO Box 5330 Albany, NY 12205-5330