Paul J. Fink

Paul John Fink was born in Bruner, Missouri to Louis Earl Fink and Gladys Holman Fink on August 30, 1937. He attended public schools at Sparta, Missouri. Years of drought in Missouri brought his parents, along with him and his five sisters and four brothers to Idaho where his father sought work. Two brothers have preceded him in death; Robert and Oscar. He is survived by his sisters; Eleanor, Shirley, Eloise, Shelba and Melba (Midge), brothers; Bill and Russell of Wilder. Paul was married to Ada Brown in 1959. They were later divorced. He is survived by two daughters, Shirley Louise and Megan Pauline. Paul went to work at the Simplot plant in Caldwell where he was promoted to supervisor of the packaging department within five years and remained in that position for another five years before moving to California. He became employed in the trucking industry, driving for Tri-State Motor Transit primarily where he hauled nuclear waste to waste facilities for many years during the Vietnam War era. On May 14, 1979 his load of U238 nuclear waste started on fire while he was waiting early in the morning for the gates to open at the Beatty, Nevada nuclear waste facility site. Paul was reported in the local news coverage as not having survived the accident. Paul and Jan were married in August of 1986. They have been blessed with a life together filled with many family memories and good times accompanied by the joy and happiness of the comfort of their home which was where they found great contentment together. Paul is survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law; James and Juanita Graham of Boise, Idaho, his brother-in-laws; Loren Graham of Star, Idaho and his family and Laird (Vicki) Graham of Meridian, Idaho and their family. Paul opened Valley Machine Shop in 1980 and operated it until the present time. His machinist skills evolved over the years by “just being around it” day in and day out. He found great satisfaction in being able to fix things, build parts or salvage equipment for which parts were no longer available. He liked helping people and the services he provided was a good fit that brought fulfillment to his life. He became involved in city government beginning in 1984. He served as Mayor of Homedale for 21 of the last 29 years having begun his 6th term in January of 2012. His desire to help, ability to work with people, and knowledge and understanding of the infrastructure of the City were valuable assets. His favorite recreational pursuits included golfing and fishing. How he enjoyed his many golfing buddies some of whom also became his fishing buddies. The Owyhee Reservoir, Brownlee, Arrowrock were the preferred destinations for their happy fishing waters! Paul went to his heavenly reward on June 22, 2013. He was ushered into the Kingdom of Heaven by his family members and friends who came to visit him during his latter days in his battle with cancer and where concerned about his spiritual well-being. In prayer with his wife, Jan, he committed his life to the Lord. Subsequent visitors affirmed his decision and shared with him the glorious joy and beauty of Heaven! It was his desire to spend eternity with his loved ones. We will meet you in heaven, sweet pumpkin! I’ll probably find you there on the greenest and most beautiful of heavenly golf courses! A special word of appreciation and thanks to the Heart ‘n Home Hospice organization and the City of Homedale employees who gave a needed assist during our time of need. A memorial service will be held at the Mountain View Church of the Nazarene just outside the City of Homedale at 26515 Ustick Rd. on Friday, June 28, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Homedale. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mountain View Church of the Nazarene at 26515 Ustick Rd., Wilder, ID 83676. Condolences for the family may be left at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com. Service Information