Kenneth Dean Brink

In Loving Memory of Kenneth Dean Brink

September 14, 1939 - June 2, 2025

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Kenneth Dean Brink, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, coach, and friend. Ken passed away peacefully at his home with family at his side. Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, and raised in Lynden, Washington, Ken’s life was marked by humility, hard work, and kindness. His presence left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Ken earned his B.A. in History from Washington State University in May 1961 and remained a proud Cougar throughout his life. He married Helen Reilly on June 3, 1961. After their wedding, he began his teaching career at the Fort Worden Juvenile Diagnostic and Treatment Center, where he taught for three years. In 1964, he joined Port Townsend High School, beginning a 27-year career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. He founded the PTHS Track and Field program in 1967 and led it to remarkable success, including four state championship teams and numerous individual state champions. In 1976, under his leadership, PTHS became the first school in state history to win both the boys’ and girls’ state track titles in the same year. He later launched the cross-country program in 1981, which captured a state title in its inaugural season.

Ken’s passion for athletics extended beyond the school grounds. Alongside his wife Helen, he co-founded the Rhody Run, a beloved Port Townsend community tradition. Ken also gave generously of his time through decades of service: he was a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club for 31 years and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks for 51 years. He worked tirelessly to grow and strengthen these organizations, always with the community’s best interests at heart.

An avid outdoorsman, Ken enjoyed hiking, fishing, hunting, and golfing. He was also a talented craftsman, with interests ranging from stained glass and wood carving to wooden boat building and intarsia. His greatest joy, however, was his wife Helen and their four children. In his later years, he loved cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, always their biggest fan and most enthusiastic supporter.

Known for his motivating spirit and compassionate nature, Ken believed in the simple but profound principles of working hard and playing hard. He was proud of his athletes, students, and teammates, and always quick to deflect praise, preferring instead to highlight the accomplishments of others. One of his favorite stories was of childhood hunting trips with his cork gun and his dog, a playful tale he fondly ended by crediting his first “teammate” for the day’s success.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Helen (Reilly) Brink, and their four children: Gregory (Susan) Brink of Bainbridge Island, Jeffery (Kippi) Brink of Ridgefield, Sharon Brink of Port Townsend, and Sandra Brink of Buckley. He also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Byron, Cameron, Casey, Kaylene, Riley, Corey, Anna, and Elizabeth, as well as his nephews Patrick and Steven Reilly, and niece Suzanne (Reilly) Durrett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William R. and Doris E. (Den Beste) Brink; his in-laws, James P. and Esther M. (Moe) Reilly; his brother-in-law Michael K. Reilly; and his sister-in-law Marjorie E. (Whaley) Reilly West.

A private family graveside service will be held at Laurel Grove Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place in July, with additional details provided in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Port Townsend Kiwanis Club.

Ken Brink’s legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the community he served, and the family he loved so deeply. He will be dearly missed.