Memories of Benjamin Brink

In memory of

Benjamin Brink

Portland, OR, USA

May 30, 1954 - January 13, 2021

May 30, 1954 - Jan 13, 2021

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Tony Kiriluk

Ming and Zanzan, My condolences to you both as well as to you, brother Burton. I just learned of Ben's passing very recently. Ben was a very good friend of mine. We literally grew up across the street from one another from 7th grade through high school. Attended 1st Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach and were Confirmed together there. We stayed in contact sporadically (he was busy) but sincerely through all the years and beyond. Deep thinking was involved from both of us. If you knew Benjamin you were well aware of his quirky writing/ email style! I loved it and am thankful for all that we had to communicate to one another. His travel and photography was/is amazing. I still have many personal photos from him to me to prove it. I hope there is a way for all others to enjoy Ben's photographic art work and travels. It's a special treat to be sure. I will finish and agree with Patty Reksten's assessment of Ben: curious, loving, and caring. Thank you, Ben, for everything you gave and left to us all.

Tony Kiriluk, your old friend

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Tony Kiriluk

My condolences to Benjamin's family. I first met Benjamin when [ describe how you know each other ] and we would often [ include common activities together ].

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Greg Ferrer

Comments:

Greg Ferrer

I'd love to see more of Ben's photos. Are they viewable somewhere? Thx. Greg Ferrer I'd love to see more of Ben's photos. Are they viewable somewhere? Thx. Greg Ferrer I'd love to see more of Ben's photos. Are they viewable... Read more

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Greg Ferrer

I am so sorry to hear that Ben passed away in January. I didn't know Ben well .............but I did know him a bit. We were in Boy Scouts together. We also connected back in 2012 on Facebook when we discussed some of the health issues that he was dealing with at that time. We also connected [on FB Messenger] about a year ago when we talked about our families. He informed me that he was married and had a daughter in college. I thought that was interesting/cool since I had a son in college and a daughter still in high school which is pretty unique for guys our age. I was hoping to get an update from him on his family, but I guess that was not to be.

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Dave Bartholomew

I knew Ben from the 7th grade. We were in band together. And we only grew closer. I got into photography early in high school, and he soon did as well. I sold cameras at Penneys Northgate, and when there was an opening, I urged Ben to apply, and he got the job. We worked on the school annual together as well. I think he took the picture on the annual for our senior year.
We had other things in common as well, such as a love for the outdoors. We hiked together often.
In recent months we corresponded frequently. We last talked on December 26, just a few weeks before his death.
We also shared in that we both have diabetes, although mine is much less severe.
Lastly, we also shared our faith. I was always impressed with the actions that came from his faith, in particular, his frequent visits to Union Gospel Mission.
May his legacy go on forever!

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James Lockett

I knew Ben from elementary school in Richmond Beach, WA, and all the way through junior high and high school. We were also in Scouts together. We only in recent years reconnected via Facebook as both of us have traveled extensively. He was bright and positive always, and a great blessing to call a true friend. He had diabetes his whole life and still lived life fully and quietly, not complaining about it. Looking now at his photography reminds me of his love for nature, art and people. So sorry to hear of his passing. I just learned today as the news got to many of us Shoreline HS friends. Ongoing prayers for his family and all who loved and knew him. RIP Ben.

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Christine Lund Griffiths

Ben was a friend from Richmond Beach Elementary, Butler Junior High and Shoreline High School graduating in 1972. He was in my dad’s Boy Scout troop. He was a such a kind person. It was a privilege to grow up with him. ❤️

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Mindy Lou

Ming and Zanazan--I met Ben only a few times at a prayer gathering at Door of Hope. He told me all about you both--he loved you so much! I remember how much he talked about his days at The Oregonian. I was blown away by his optimism and travels and deep sense of hope and joy in observing and documenting the world. Sometimes old newspaper guys can get really negative about the current state of media, but Ben was all smiles. He was so peaceful. I am not sure I had ever met a gentleman like him before: he was lacking in ego and the need to impress. I am so, so sad to hear of his passing: what a bright light! I know that he had incredible hope in our Lord and the resurrection. Saying prayers of shalom and healing for you both as you face his absence.

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Matthew Dennison

This is your Neighbor, Matthew Dennison and my Collie Hamish. We miss Ben. I found out today about his passing. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Hamish loves Kona. Ben is missed. We talked about Art and and his photo work..I showed him my Art one time. ..as he walked Kona by our House I carried one of my carved heads to show him...We live in the other street...just around the block. He touched our lives and we will never forget his kindness .
Take care
Matthew Dennison.

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Margi Dechenne

What heartbreaking news this is! I knew Ben through all the years that he volunteered and recorded the lives of the youth at Greenhouse. He really SAW them-their beauty and sincerity, their joy and their sadness. Ben was a true gentleman. I’m so sorry for his loss.

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stella funk Butler

Reagan LaChapelle

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Reagan LaChapelle

1997, Portland, OR, USA

I met Ben during his time volunteering at Salvation Army Greenhouse. He was always so kind and friendly to us kids. I remember he was taking photos at one of our events. To this day I still cherish the images he caught of us. Thank you, Ben. You were always one of my favorite staff

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Comments:

stella funk Butler

That's where I met Ben too. He was amazing, fun to be around, and what great stories he captured with photos... Read more That's where I met Ben too. He was amazing, fun to be around, and what great stories he captured with photos and words he published... Read more That's where I met Ben too. He was amazing, fun to... Read more

Reagan LaChapelle

He really had such a brightness and love about him that many of us kids didn't know growing up. He found ... Read more He really had such a brightness and love about him that many of us kids didn't know growing up. He found the beauty in us that... Read more He really had such a brightness and love about him ... Read more

Cindy Barshay

What a joy it was to know Benjamin Brink! I appreciated his curiosity, sense of humor and playfulness. I remember the many photographs from around the world that he took - we'd see them in the Oregonian and on the walls of his home. Through his photos he captured so much of life, expanding our world through his lens. Thank you, Ben, for sharing your talents and passion with all of us. I miss you, Ben!
May your family be comforted in their memories of you. I am glad you are free of your earthly body, and able to finally ask God all your questions about life here on earth.
Blessings to the Brinks,
Cindy

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stella funk Butler

Miriam Rhew

Hi Ming and Zanzan. I am so sorry for your loss. Ben was an outstanding human being and our world was a better place with his presence. He will be missed greatly.

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Julie M Elman

Ming and Zanzan, I am so sorry for your loss. Ben was an amazing person — always seeking, wondering, spreading light and kindness. He will be missed.
Julie

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Comments:

Bob Lynn

The dying of Ben Brink was like a bright light of joy being snuffed out. Very sad. I hired Ben at the Virginian-Pilot... Read more The dying of Ben Brink was like a bright light of joy being snuffed out. Very sad. I hired Ben at the Virginian-Pilot as a picture... Read more The dying of Ben Brink was like a bright light of joy... Read more

Patty Reksten

Ming and Zanzan, sending you love and condolences. Ben was a special human being, curious, loving, caring. We are all richer because we were able to know him. Patty

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