Barbara Jean Fink left us on Aug. 14, 2021, at Matsu Regional Hospital in Palmer, Alaska.

Barbara was born in Aberdeen, Washington on April 23, 1939, to Edward and Marjorie West. Raised in Aberdeen, she graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1957. In 1958, she married Thomas McManus. They later parted but remained friends throughout life. In 1970, she married Richard “Buck” Fink, the love of her life.

Barbara had worked at the Wirta restaurant while raising kids and then later enjoyed working at the Aberdeen Eagles. In 1984, Barbara and Buck adventured to Alaska for Buck’s work. They made their home in Wasilla, Alaska for the next 20 years. They always looked forward to their drives south for the winter, spending time with their kids and grandkids. When Buck passed in Dec of 2004, Barbara continued to make her home in Alaska and often continued to come south to be with her kids through the winters.

In 1997, Barbara was diagnosed with, and then beat, breast cancer. She remained cancer free for 20 years until 2018 when her breast cancer came back. In the next couple years she also fought cervical cancer and then lastly leukemia that came on suddenly and took her very quickly leaving a big hole in our hearts.

Barbara is survived by sons: Tom McManus Jr. of Kamiah, Idaho; Kevin and Barbara McManus of Hoquiam. Washington; Patrick and Ronda Fink of Aberdeen, Washington; and Doug and Char Fink of Hoquiam, Washington; daughters: Barbie Fink and Jody Gunter of Aberdeen, Washington; Jody and Keith Hoffman of Hoquiam, Washington; and Teryl and Dave Dailey of Hoodsport, Washington. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

She cherished her phone calls and facetimes with her kids and grandkids. Barbara also had “adopted” daughters in Alaska whom she called her “Alaska family” — Donla and Jake Marquez, Bonnie and Ken Stetter, and James and Mica Zehnder, all of Wasilla, Alaska. Barbara would not want us to forget her good friend Ileta, one of her first friends made in Alaska, who was a true friend and a great help to her.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, Oct 17, 2 p.m. at the Aberdeen Rotary Log Pavilion. Come share your memories with the family.