In Memory
David Wayne Sink - Class Of 1961
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David Wayne Sink, who grew up in South Bend and was a 1961 graduate of John Adams High School, died December 5, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he had lived for the past 31 years. He was 79 and died of complications from Lewy Body Dementia.
Mr. Sink was a retired professor of public administration at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. He previously taught at his alma mater, Miami University in Ohio, as well as at the University of California at Riverside and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He held a doctorate from the University of Georgia. Mr. Sink served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force in the late 1960s before embarking on his career in academia.
He regularly returned to South Bend for high school reunions. At Adams he was an honors student and three-sport athlete. He also earned the Eagle Scout award.
Mr. Sink is survived by his wife, Angela R. Parker; his mother-in-law, Donna Parker of Little Rock; his brother, Stephen Sink, formerly of South Bend and now of Ballston Spa, New York; his sister-in-law, Susan Sink; three nieces, two grandnephews, two grandnieces and other family in Indiana and Arkansas. He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy K. Davis and L. Wayne Sink.
Mr. Sink treasured a lifelong friendship with Paul Levy, an Adams classmate now living in Concord, New Hampshire. Mr. Levy told Mr. Sink in his final days that he had lived “a great life” that benefited the people he taught and bettered the communities where he lived.
A celebration of life will be held in Little Rock at a later date. Please consider a contribution in Mr. Sink’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Harold Brueseke (1961)
Rest in peace, David. Your passing brings to mind our own mortality at this stage of our lives. You were a treasured classmate and your students were blessed to have had your guidance. Peace to your family in this season of rebirth.
Ronald Moyer (1961)
I was very sorry to hear of David's passing, especially in view of his diagnosis of Lewy body dementia. What a cruel illness. I particularly enjoyed seeing him at our 50th class reunion. Rest in peace dear classmate.
Jack Davis (1961)
I'm very sorry to hear of David's passing and, I'm sure, the difficulties encountered in the later years of his life. Dementia in any of it's forms robs us of life before passing. I followed in David's footsteps to some degree, as a member of the Air Force and after my long career with IBM, some sixteen years as a college professor in the Technology area. We chatted briefly at our 50th Reunion. Condolences and prayers for David's family.
Suzanne Smith (Guyer) (1961)
I'm so sorry to learn about David's death. It's so difficult to see the growing list of "In Memory" names for the class of '61. As has been noted, Lewy Body Dementia robs people of who they are and is such a sad disease and especially sad for those who watched him slipping away over time. He had such an interesting and meaningful life and, do doubt, impacted thousands of students over his long career. I'm glad I saw him briefly at our 50th. Remembering Dave transports me back to the days in (Jefferson) junior high school when he was my first "serious" boyfriend. I still remember going to a Halloween party with him and playing a "game" called "Seven Minutes in Heaven". It was played by turning off all the lights for 7 minutes. Someone would turn them back on at about 6 1/2 min., and the couples would all declare it was unfair and the 7 minutes had to start over again! Dave gave me a lovely purse for Christmas but my mother had advised me that it wasn't proper for girls to give gifts to boys. I''m still mad at her for that terrible advice! David's death leaves many people who were part of his life feeling very sad about his passing but recalling wonderful memories of him.
Alvin From (1961)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dave Sink. We were good friends in high school, then went our separate ways and reconnected when he moved to Little Rock. Last saw him at the Clinton Library. He was a good man and we were blessed to be his friend. Thoughts and prayers are with Angela. RIP Dave Sink,
Jack Champaigne (1961)
I was always impressed whenever I read of David's notes on our web site. His contributions were significant, touching so many lives and making a better world. It is sad to see another Eagle has fallen. RIP.
George H. Winkelmann (1961)
My sincerest condolances to David's family and friends. We were never that close as friends while wandering the hallowed halls of John Adams, but we did share some classes and rub shoulders during some events. I know he was one of the 'good guys' and, judging from the comments regarding his life, he continued to be the 'good guy' all the way through his life and career. I pray there is much sharing of memories and laughter among the tears over a life well lived. Another Eagle has flown into the clouds. God bless you one and all! G.