Ronald L Brink

Ronald L. Brink passed away on 5/19/11, after fighting cancer for 4 years. Ronald was born in Kansas City, Missouri on July 12, 1942, to Arnold and Mabel Brink. He went to Allen Grade School, and Westport High School in Kansas City. As a youth, Ron earned the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America. Following his high school graduation, Ron went to Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, where he earned a B.A. degree in 1964. Ron was an accomplished violinist, and while at Missouri Valley, was assistant concertmaster in college symphony orchestra. Subsequently, he went to the University of Denver, earning a M.A. in 1967. His professional life has been as an educator for 44 years. He began his career as a speech teacher at Southeast High School in Kansas City. He taught there from 1966 to 1969. In 1969, the Junior College District of Kansas City, Missouri, was expanding and adding a Northland college, Maple Woods. Ron was hired as Maple Woods’ first speech and theatre instructor. In 1977, Ron married the love of his life, Karen Malsick. Until her death from cancer in 2009, they were inseparable. She was his inspiration, his support, his encouragement, his critic, his companion, his love. Ron taught at Maple Woods full time until he took early retirement in 1998. In the 1970’s and 80’s he was Director of Theatre at the College. One of the highlights of his tenure was sponsoring a touring melodrama that visited the area grade schools to perform before thousands of youngsters yearly. In 1980, encouraged by his wife and daughters, he began a program of study at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, that culminated in a Ph.D. in 1983. In the early days of the College, Dr. Brink developed and wrote much of the curriculum in the Speech/Theatre Department, many of the courses that are included in the District’s course catalog today. Dr. Brink was adjunct Professor of Communications at Park College (University) in the 1980’s. In the 1990’s Dr. Brink taught as adjunct faculty in the Communications Department at William Jewell College. Dr. Brink loved teaching, and loved classroom interaction with his students. He taught his students; and they taught him. He emphasized respect for all and endeavored to find the best in each one of the thousands that took his classes over the years. Besides his professional life as educator, Dr. Brink enjoyed painting and drawing. His works have been displayed locally over the years, and many of his pieces are owned privately, hanging in homes in many states across the country. His work was chosen for the President’s Christmas card at William Jewell College for six years in the early 2000’s. He most enjoyed drawing pets, and painting scenes of local interest. In addition to commissioned works, he illustrated the covers of several published books. Ron loved his family and home, and found the work of his daughters, both educators, sources of great joy. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Liberty, Missouri. Ron leaves six grandchildren and two daughters, one of whom, Rebecca Evans, resides in Kansas City, Missouri. Ron expresses much gratitude to NorthCare Hospice employees, and Sharon Perrotta. A memorial service to celebrate Ron’s life will be on Friday, May 27, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Grace Episcopal Church, 520 S. 291 Highway in Liberty, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to MCC-Maple Woods, Grace Episcopal Church, Liberty, MO and Canine Companions for Independence.