Hanford Arthur Brink, 82, of Allegan, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Briarwood Assisted Living.  He was born to Arthur Harold Brink and Gladys Estella Conley in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 27, 1942.  He grew up with his two younger brothers, Jon and Terry, on the family farm in Fennville, Michigan, where they spent their summers playing softball in the field at "Brink's Memorial Stadium."

After graduation from Fennville High School, Hanford served two years in the United States Army including one year overseas in Thailand.  He could not wait to get home and upon doing so, met Eilene Lynne Truax.  They were married on August 16, 1969, at Allegan United Methodist Church where they have remained members to this day.  Their family would grow in the following years with the birth of their children, Terri and Jeff.

Hanford split his working years between Rockwell International in Allegan and Brooks Beverage in Holland.  He was deeply religious and always involved at Allegan United Methodist.  His retirement years found him volunteering countless hours at the church's Hands of Grace Food Pantry.  He also volunteered for Wings of Hope Hospice, Kids' Hope, and was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center.

Hanford was fiercely competitive on the softball diamond - where he coached the church league team - and at the pepper table.  He was sure to grab a deck of cards just as soon as the dishes were cleared at every family gathering.  The family hauled various travel trailers all over the State of Michigan and beyond as members of the Port-A-Beds camping group and the annual camping trip to the United Methodist Church Camp in Pentwater was always a highlight of Summer.  He loved ice cream, babies, the Detroit Tigers, and traveling the United States with Eilene.

Hanford is survived by his wife, Eilene; children, Terri (Mike) Maule and Jeff (Kristen) Brink; grandchildren, Aaron Maule, Matthew Maule, Joshua Maule, Madeline Brink, and Isabelle Brink; brothers, Jon (Joyce) Brink and Terry (Nancy) Brink; and Sisters-in-Law, Marguerite Perrigo and Jeanne (Ron) Plummer.  Along with his parents, Arthur and Gladys Brink, preceding him in death are his Sister-in-Law, Christine Brink; and Brothers-in-Law, Rob Truax, and Bink Perrigo.

The family thanks the staff at  Corewell Health Hospice and Briarwood Assisted Living for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held at the Allegan United Methodist Church, 409 Trowbridge St., Allegan, MI 49010 on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM followed by an Ice Cream Sundae Bar in the fellowship hall.  Visitation will precede the service beginning at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to either the Hands of Grace Food Pantry or the Trustees Fund, both at Allegan United Methodist Church.