Fr. George Orville Rink

Fr. George O. Rink died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 13, 2022. Fr. George was born in Tacoma on June 19, 1931 to Frank and Lena Rink. He was one of five children; Agnes (Grassi), Teresa (Johnson), Leo, and a twin brother named Gerald or “Doc”. The family spent their early years living very close to St. Patrick Parish in Tacoma, where they were very involved. At age 14, with the support of his family, Fr. George decided to attend St. Edward Seminary in Kenmore.

He was ordained on May 18, 1957 at St. James Cathedral by Archbishop Thomas Connolly. His first assignment was as Curate of St. Matthew Parish in Seattle followed by the same role from 1964 to 1969 at St. Joseph Parish in Vancouver. In June of 1969, he was appointed assistant of Sacred Heart Parish in Enumclaw, under long time (36 years) and aging pastor, Monsignor Farrelly. After Monsignor Farrelly died in 1970, Fr. George became pastor and led the parish community through this loss of their much-beloved pastor to the building of a new parish plant including the church, faith formation center and rectory on the property that Monsignor Farrelly had purchased many years before.

In 1976, he was appointed pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Tacoma, returning to his hometown for the first time as a priest. After more than two terms there, and helping the parish grow in size, he was assigned as pastor of St. Madeleine Sophie Parish in Bellevue in 1990, until his retirement in 1997. As a senior priest, he helped in Sumner, Orting and surrounding parishes.

Fr. George enjoyed spending time with his family who all lived in the Tacoma area, and he always loved a good game of cribbage. He also visited the golf course religiously every Tuesday and enjoyed watching golf and other sporting events in his free time. Fr. George had a gift of being able to relate to people from all walks of life. He very much enjoyed presiding at regional youth Masses, training lay staff and volunteers and the Knights of Columbus, of which he was one since 1965. His sermons connected with so many on a personal level. His friendly personality and quick wit led to countless relationships over the years, and he helped so many improve their relationship with God and the Lord Jesus.

Fr. George is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss his humor, welcoming smile, and his pure joy and love of life.

Viewing available at Gaffney Funeral Home from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Wed. Feb 23rd followed by a Vigil service at St. Charles Borromeo Parish at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thu. Feb 24th at 10:30 a.m. also at St. Charles.