Eric William Zink, born October 24, 1940, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 8, 2024.

Born in Brooklyn to Eric and Jeanette Zink, and raised in Queens, Eric loved to tell stories about growing up in New York and his many adventures as a young man. Eric headed to play basketball at Seattle University before entering the “saloon” business as he called it, working at and owning businesses in Las Vegas, South Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and finally Huntington Beach. It was here he became owner of a jazz club called Hungry Joe’s and met Susan Haynes. They fell in love, married and raised their son, Nathan.

Tiring of life in Orange County they followed their dream and moved to Humboldt County, where Eric found work as a Lime Kiln Operator at Louisiana Pacific Pulp Mill and as a painting contractor. Eric was a hardworking man with an amazing work ethic and always provided for his family.

After retiring, Eric and Susan spent many days in the garden, doing crossword puzzles, discussing art and science, playing scrabble and making each other laugh. Theirs was a true love story. After Susan’s passing in 2010 Eric met his traveling companion and partner Cynthia Ross, inheriting her family as well. They enjoyed listening to jazz, multiple trips to Europe, where the highlights included museums in France and Copenhagen, enjoying art and culture and making each other smile.

Eric was preceded in death by his loving wife Susan, with whom he is now reunited doing crossword puzzles in the universe and once again making each other laugh, his parents Eric and Jeanette Zink, his mother and father in law Eleanor and Orville “O.R.” Haynes and many beloved boxer dogs. Eric is survived by his loving son Nathan, his partner Cynthia Ross, his grandchildren, who he loved with all of his heart, Ashley, Alyssa, Cambria, Kelton, Kaius, and his two little guys, Griffin and Daegan, who were his loving, little helpers until the end. Eric is also survived by family and friends Nancy Haynes, and Sue Conley, Ron and Katie Elsea, Cubby Cherlin, Steven Rhodes, Jamie Marx and her extended family, Miko, Alisa and Safira, John E and his two children, Arlene and Billie, the Ashcom family, Taja, Sheri, and the many wonderful friends he made in the Al-Anon community, of which he was a proud member for 30 years. I apologize to anyone I may have forgotten but know my dad loved and valued you all.

I love you Dad, it was an honor and a privilege to have you as a Dad, mentor and friend. I will miss sitting and talking with you, sharing our amazing journey together, how much we loved each other and everything else I learned from you. You never missed a little league game, wrestling match, and were always the voice of love, compassion and reason, even in our darkest times. You were the most loving, affectionate man in the world and truly taught me what it means to be a father. Thank you for an amazing journey together and you will always be with me … your ride is here.

There will be a celebration of life on October 6, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Samoa Women’s Club. In lieu of flowers make a small donation to Hospice of Humboldt, the American Cancer Society or any other charity that resonates with you.

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