March 13, 1945 ~ May 22, 2017
Captain Alan James Fink made his final journey and flew West on Monday, May 22 at his home in Lodi.
Al retired as a 747 Captain with United Airlines after 32 years of service. He was an active member of the United Airlines Retired Pilots Association (RUPA).
He served in South Vietnam with the 195th Assault Helicopter Co and was awarded 12 Air Medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism during combat, At the end of his active duty, he served in the US Army Reserves.
Prior to his service in the military, he flew air ambulance from San Carlos and was a helicopter and fixed wing aircraft flight instructor.
Al’s passion was restoring classic Century wood boats and many of his restorations were shown and received awards at boat shows. He served as a past president of the Century Boat Club.
He was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen-Sacramento Hanger, a distinguished group of airmen founded in 1921 by World War 1 pilots.
For the past several years Al served as a pylon judge at the Reno National Championship Air Races.
Alan is survived by his former wife Linda and two sons Alan Jr. and George including his grandchildren Ethan, Hans, Ryan and Aerowyn. He has two sisters Rita Graham of Lockeford and Janet Crusenberry of Lodi.
SERVICES
A Military Tribute and Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 3 in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240 followed by a luncheon reception at Lockeford Community Center, 19258 Jack Tone Rd in Lockeford.