View Obituaries

Remembering Lives, Celebrating Legacies

Remembering those who have left us. This obituaries page is a simple tribute to individuals who touched our lives. May their legacies endure in our memories.

Douglas Dale Brink

11/2/1958 - 3/6/2025

...
Text:

Obituary For Douglas Dale Brink

Douglas Dale Brink, Rapid City, SD, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at his home in Rapid Valley at the age of 66. He was born November 2, 1958, in Rapid City, to loving parents Betty Jean (Chapman) Brink and James Melvin Brink.

He was the oldest of four siblings including James Jr., Jenny and Michele. Being the oldest, he was extremely competitive at an early age. So, as you can imagine, there was never a dull moment. We grew up very close to where the hospital and 5th Street now exist but when we were kids, there were only woods, fields and hills. It was a place to hike, bike, sled and explore. This instilled Doug’s love of the great outdoors. He excelled in any sport or activity he tried. He loved the many years playing baseball and was proud to be on the Harney Little League Allstars. As an adult, he played softball, volleyball, golfed and played in the outdoors on many a 3 wheeler trip with friends, paddling in Jenny Gulch and canoed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

He graduated from Rapid City Central in 1977. Shortly afterwards, he was accepted into local union #698’s Plumbers and Pipefitters apprenticeship program, following in his dad’s footsteps and his own son followed a similar path focused on HVAC systems. Doug worked many years for various mechanical contractors last of which was Honeywell. When Doug married and started a family, he took an HVAC position with Pennington County Buildings and Grounds where he wouldn’t have to travel for work and he remained there for many years.

His kids, Cassie and Spencer, remember a great childhood spent with their dad bike riding, camping, fishing, canoeing, and neighborhood family get togethers. He could build, fix, and repair and his ex-wife once told a story about getting stuck in the hills in their pickup and little Cassie told her, “it’s ok, dad will get us out, he’s a plumber”. Doug was a guy who would help anyone and give the shirt off his own back if they needed it. Though our brother and dad faced significant challenges in his later years, and his illness often made it difficult for him to express the kindness and love he held deep within, those of who knew him understood that beneath the struggles was a person of inherent goodness. If he was with us now, we think he would say “Don’t cry for me. Just remember me.” Doug was preceded in death by grandparents on both sides and his parents James and Betty Brink. He is survived by his children, Cassie Brink, Portland OR and Spencer Brink, Rapid City; his siblings, James Brink, Rapid City, Jenny Brink (Patty Pruett), Helena MT. and Michele Brink-Gluhosky (Matt Gluhosky), Rapid City, niece, Ellie Gluhosky, Portland OR and nephew, Luke Gluhosky, Nashville TN.

Services

22 Mar

Interment

12:00 PM

Pine Lawn Memorial Park 4301 Tower Rd Rapid City, South Dakota 57701 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Condolences

  • 03/19/2025

    Our condolences to Janel, Cassie, Spensor and the whole Brink family.

  • 03/17/2025

    Doug's family, many good memories of him during our years at South and Central. Will be remembered and toasted at the next class reunion! Brett Sutton "77"

  • 03/16/2025

    To Doug's family, Sending our deepest sympathy for your loss. Cherish your happy memories. Prayers to you all. Brian and Renee Shroyer

  • 03/15/2025

    I first met Doug at Michele and Matt's Jack and Jill shower. It was our first time to visit Rapid City. He was very friendly and treated us like family already. Since then I've had many many fine times talking with him. I remember his humor.

  • 03/13/2025

    Prayers to all of the family. Doug was a good neighbor and friend.

Add a Candle or Spiritual Image

Click below to add to your message.

Loading...

Grief Resources

Grief resources offer vital support and guidance for individuals coping with loss, providing tools and community for healing.

Contact Us

Please contact us with any questions you have regarding advanced planning, services, grief resources, and any additional information needed during this time period.

k

Writing an Obituary

Writing an obituary is a poignant and reflective process, encapsulating the essence of a person’s life, achievements, and impact in a heartfelt tribute.