Rest in Peace: Ken Mink (1937-2007)

[paulcalloway]

Many of you know Eric Mink - a frequent contributer on these forums. His father Ken passed away this week.


LTC (Ret.) Kenneth S. Mink Sr., 69, 299 Friendship Lane, Gettysburg, died suddenly at his home Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007.

He was born July 14, 1937 in Yeadon, the son of the late Frank A. and Helen Kent Mink Sr. He is survived by his wife Ruth DeCosta Mink.

LTC Mink served in the U.S. Army from 1961 through 1989 in Germany, Vietnam and the United States retiring in 1989 as Deputy Installation Commander of Fort Ritchie. Following his retirement from the Army he worked for 13 years as a facilities director for JDSU in Germantown, Md. LTC Mink played football for the College of William & Mary and later graduated from the University of Georgia. He was a member of the Gettysburg Lions Club and was an avid Civil War and World War I reenactor.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons, Kenneth S. Mink Jr. of Raleigh, N.C. and Eric J. Mink of Fredericksburg, Va.; a brother, F. Allen Mink Jr. of North Augusta, S.C.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. from the Monahan Funeral Home, Gettysburg, with Ronald Crawford officiating. Interment will be in Arlington National Military Cemetery, Arlington, Va. on March 15 at 3 p.m. There will be a viewing at the funeral home Sunday, from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorials can be made to Adams County SPCA, 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg PA 17325 or Fisher House Foundation, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852.


This is one of the hardest things in life - burying a father.

I know you'll want to join me in giving your condolences to the Mink family.

[Ken Cornett]

Mess No.1 sends our prayers. Mr. Mink registered for Rich Mountain and I don't believe he made it there. I was hoping to meet the oldest registree on my list to go up that dang mountain. I certainly would have jawed with him at the registration booth.

From one Veteran to another; I salute you Sir.

[Rob]

This is one of the hardest things in life - burying a father.

You got that right. Here's a salute to the good colonel.

:(

[Bill Fean]

My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Mink family. Thank you Lt.Col Mink for your service to your country.


Most Respectfully



Bill Fean

[DougCooper]

If you own a copy of Gilham's or Casey's, as well as other manuals, you have Ken to thank (http://www.cjdaley.com/gilhams.htm). He and Eric set out to save us from the inadequate copies of these indespensible manuals and spent hours upon hours hand collating the copies based exactly upon originals.

The Stonewall Brigade was enriched by Ken, as was the defense of this country, his family and the comrades he touched over the years.

Well done and rest in peace comrade.

[paulcalloway]

Flowers were sent from the AC on behalf of its members. Thanks for those who donated funds to cover the costs.

[Dale Beasley]

"For they were all good Men"

[Richmond Depot]

Our prayers also go out to the Mink family during their time of loss. As many of you know, we had our own losses this past year with my wife's Mother, Grandmother and our baby, so we can fully sympathize with your pain.

Best,

[dusty27]

Members,

I think I can speak for the SWB when I say thank you for the prayers and thoughts. It came as a shock to all of us and Ken will be missed by everyone immensely.

Paul, thank you especially for sending flowers.

[Barclay]

Ken was a great friend and mentor. At my first event in the hobby,over 15 years ago, Ken took me under his wing, offered friendship and guidance, and gave me loaner gear, on a permanent basis, which was quite appreciated from the poor college student that I was.

Ken served his country well. Three tours in Vietnam. He was the most down to earth person I have ever met - fun loving, eminently practical, good natured, a great story teller around the campfire, a provider of good cigars, a true comrade, and someone always turned to for advice and insight. He labored tirelessly on countless projects on behalf of his pards always finding something new to provide, whether WW I rifles, Austrian Lorenz tools, pickelhaubs, or Civil War manuals.

Well into his 60s he participated in numerous marches and events considered to be "hardcore" or authentic - he never dropped out of a march, never complained, and always finished an event, no matter what the conditions - something that many folks half his age could not say.

A member of the Stonewall Brigade from its early days in the 1980s, he served 4th Virginia and the Brigade in just about every capacity. He always provided an even handed approach and steady leadership. A true role model and stalwart member of the Civil War reenacting community.

I still mourn, and he will be forever missed. He lived a life worthy of celebration and emulation.

Rest in Peace Ken.

your friend,
Bret

[Dignann]

Thank you all for the kind words, wishes, prayers, and the floral remembrance. The last week has been tough for our family, but the support we have received from the reenacting community has been of great comfort. This hobby is truly a brotherhood. Please know that you have our deepest appreciation.

Ruth, Kenneth, and Eric Mink

[Sgt Rob ODG]

"he never dropped out of a march, never complained, and always finished an event, no matter what the conditions" - that is quite a trubute, Bret. Well said.

Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh, Lord. May perperual light shine upon him and may he Rest in Peace.

Rob Stevenson
Chesapeake Volunter Guard

[Blackhatter1]

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Ken Mink from another friend from our old unit, the 7th Wisconsin, Company I. Eric, I am unsure if you remember me but it was you and your father who welcomed my cousin and I in the dark at my first event with the unit at Saylors Creek in (I believe) 1996. Ken was always such a friendly, helpful mess mate and mentor during my first few years and I have many fond memories of him that I will cherish and look back on for years to come. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I wish I could have made it down to be there with Davey and Jamie on the 18th.