Kenneth Clare Sink, Jr.

Age 75, of Okemos, MI, died August 22, 2013 at home with family by his side.  Ken was born on October 7, 1937 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the son of Kenneth and Rebekah (Shope) Sink.  He graduated from Penn State University with a Ph.D. in horticulture in 1963.  He began his career as a professor of horticulture at Michigan State University the same year.  In 1967 he married Merry Hannah Copp.  He served as the original director of M.S.U.’s Plant Breeding and Genetics program and as Director of the Plant Transformation Center until his retirement in 2007.

Ken attained the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America and remained active in scouting as an adult, receiving many awards of merit including the Silver Antelope and the Silver Beaver. He was also involved in many conservation organizations including Trout Unlimited, The Pere Marquette Watershed Council, the Michigan United Conservation Club, and the Ruffed Grouse Society.

Ken was an avid fly fisherman who loved spending time at his cabin on the Pere Marquette River.  In 2002 he received The Outstanding Conservationist Award for his stream preservation work on the Pere Marquette River.  He also belonged to the Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club in Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania where he spent many memorable days fishing alongside his father K.C. and son Jon.

He is survived by his wife Hannah (Copp) Sink, daughters Rebekah Sink and Elizabeth Sink, son-in-law Jose Sanchez and his beloved grandson Esteban Sanchez Sink. He was preceded in death by his son Jonathan, brother Stephen and parents Kenneth and Rebekah.

A celebration of his life will be held at Eagle Eye Golf Course, 15500 Chandler Rd., East Lansing on Tuesday, August 27, 2013, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Trout Unlimited and the Ruffed Grouse Society, c/o Dick Augustine, 1329 Poppy Lane, DeWitt, MI 48820. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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2 Messages to “Kenneth Clare Sink, Jr.

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S. Elaine
August 23, 2013 at 9:29 pm

I read with sadness of the loss of Ken. My heart goes out to the Sink family over your loss. May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Galatians 1:3. Never forget that you can lean on your Heavenly Father for support. He is a comforter of all those who mourn. In His Word the Bible, He tells us to throw all our anxiety upon Him, because He cares for us, 1Peter 5:7. Isaiah 41:10. He also tells us of a brighter future when our loved ones will awake from their restful sleep to enjoy life in paradise. John 11:11; John 6:40; Revelation 21:3, 4. Many are finding solace in this promise. I pray that you will also. Heartfelt prayers are with you.

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Amnon Levi
September 6, 2013 at 1:23 am

I am deeply sad to hear about the passing of Ken. He was my major professor who gave me opportunity and support. He left a big void and I will miss him. I hope Hannah and family could find comfort and carry on.

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