On July 8, 2021, many hearts were broken by the loss of the kind and beautiful soul of Larry Bruce Brink, who died at 66 years young. He was born on January 18, 1955, in Ann Arbor, MI, son of Ron Brink and Ellen Smith, who both preceded him in death. His wife, Kerri Pranger, his brothers, Randy Brink and Doug (Pat) Brink, his sister Cathy (Marty) Thomson, his daughter, Brandy Marino, and his grandsons, Gianni and Cristiano Marino, will forever miss him and his big heart, generous spirit, and witty sense of humor. His sister, Laurie Tear, also preceded him in death, and she was dearly missed by Larry. His absence will be felt by family and friends, alike, as well as both the Meijer and Lowe’s stores on Jackson Road, and the Pepsi-Cola Company, maker of Mountain Dew.
From an early age, Larry was a character. At age three, he surprised his family with a house fire, after playing with matches under the bed. At eight, he wrote a letter to the Beach Boys, which impressed them enough to send photos and paraphernalia in return. Growing up, Larry worked with his father, watching, learning, and developing an amazing talent for carpentry, which led to a career in construction. A master of all trades, Larry could do just about anything—rough framing, finish carpentry, plumbing and electrical, as well as auto repair. Not a huge fan of authority, he enjoyed working for himself. His work ethic, passion for quality, and easy-going personality earned him a following of loyal clients.
In 1979, Larry became a father. A true kid-at-heart and a loving dad, he and his daughter, Brandy, made many happy memories—fishing, listening to Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam, practicing for driver’s ed (before age 10), and sharing lots of laughs.
In 1984, he met his best friend and future wife, Kerri. True partners, they worked together to transform their lives, proceeding on a five-year mission to change their small house in Ann Arbor into a beautiful and spacious home, which Larry designed himself.
In 1998, they finally tied the knot. Through their 37 years together, they shared a close bond and deep love, growing together in quiet Christianity, and sticking together through thick and thin. Larry practiced many of the fruit of the Spirit characteristics: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and gentleness. He was a generous man, always thinking of others’ needs before his own. Larry would give you the shirt off his back, which was probably why he so rarely wore one.
In 2009, Larry proudly earned the title of grandfather, and instantly loved his grandsons, Gianni and Cristiano, with his whole heart. Larry was a wonderful grandpa, watching the boys weekly, playing right alongside them, letting them cover the kitchen counter with trains, feeding them Oreos, and even doing midnight blankie runs in times of crisis.
A visitation is scheduled for on Friday, July 16, 2021, 5-7:30 p.m., with a service beginning at 7:30 p.m., led by Rev. Kathy Schell, at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. At a later date, Larry will be buried in Bloomington Cemetery in Platte, SD, alongside many generations of Kerri’s family. In lieu of flowers, Kerri asks that contributions in memory of Larry be made to the Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church, 1800 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506, or to Hope Network, https://hopenetwork.org.
