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FINK

F. Roger

Mr. Francis Roger Fink, GM CD RCN, of Red Deer passed away on Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had an exceptionally distinguished career serving his country. Although a quiet and unassuming man, he was a true Canadian hero. Roger Fink was born on October 31, 1921 at Menaik near Ponoka, Alberta, one of ten children of Ben and Jennie Fink. In December 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbour, he and his brother Bernard (Mickey) enlisted for service in the Canadian military. Roger joined the R.C.A.F. and earned the rank of sergeant in October 1942. He became a pilot and placed first in his class at Yorkton S.F.T.S. As he wished to serve overseas, he transferred to the Royal Fleet Air Arm in October 1944. In 1945, he survived a mid-air Seafire collision. After the war, Roger returned to the farm. However, in 1949, he decided to rejoin the military, this time with the Navy. He flew Trackers (anti-submarine duty) and then became a helicopter pilot. During the Korean Conflict, he spent nine months flying helicopters with the U.S. Marines as an exchange pilot. On July 7, 1951, he married the love of his life, Mary Martin of Red Deer. In March 1955, near Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Roger, now a Lieutenant Commander, and Lt. Cdr. Douglas "Duke" Muncaster responded to the crash of a naval Sea Fury plane. Despite the great danger from the exploding fuel tanks, they were able to successfully rescue the pilot. In November 1955, Roger was again involved in a daring rescue. A ship, the Kismet II, ran aground in a fierce storm at Cape St. Lawrence, on Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia. The steep cliffs, high winds and exceptional turbulence made the rescue of the ship's 21 crewmen extremely dangerous. Nevertheless, Roger and Lt. Cdr. J.H. Beeman were able to successfully rescue all of the crew as well as the ship's pet dog and cat. The amazing and courageous rescue got widespread international media attention. A decision was made to award the George Medal to both Lt. Cdrs. Fink and Beeman for their exceptional bravery and outstanding airmanship. There have been only 77 Canadian recipients of this very high honour. The medals were personally presented by Queen Elizabeth II in a special ceremony on July 1, 1959. Roger eventually rose to the rank of Commander (P) R.C.N. After Roger retired from the Navy, he flew as a commercial pilot in Northern Canada. In 1965, he and his wife Mary moved to Mary's hometown of Red Deer. Later, after taking Business Administration at Red Deer College, Roger worked for eleven years as a legal administrator and accountant for the law firm of Johnston, Ming and Manning. Roger and Mary were faithful members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Roger was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Royal Canadian Legion #35. Roger is survived by his loving wife Mary, his children Manni (John Fraser), Paddy-Jo ((Harry Davis), Elizabeth, Jennifer (Roger Mather), Heather (Edouard Tabarah) and Cameron (Nancy); his grandchildren Christian, Saxon, Brittany, Mary Caroline, Kjell, Harry Will, Phoebe, Rachael, Sean, Liam, Madison, Connor, Braedon, and Austin; and great grandchildren Ana Marie and Ela Betty, as well as brothers Mickey and Gerald (Jeannie-Lou) and sisters Jean and Jo; brothers and sisters-in-law Loree and Bob Vellner, Joe and Linda Martin, many nieces and nephews, numerous other relatives and countless friends. Prayers for the late Roger Fink will be said at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 6 MacMillan Street, Red Deer on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary's Church on Thursday, February 18 at 11 a.m., with Father Victor O Eze, celebrant. Interment will follow at a later date. Donations in memory of the late Roger Fink may be made to the charity of one's choice. Funeral arrangements in care of EVENTIDE FUNERAL CHAPELS 4820 45 Street, Red Deer. Phone (403) 347-2222.