Harink – Keith Ryan Harink of Brooks, AB., beloved husband of Deborah Harink of Brooks, passed away unexpectedly in Medicine Hat, AB with his family at his side on Friday, December 20th, 2024, at the age of 73 years. Born on June 1st, 1951, in Lethbridge, AB, to John and Johanna Harink, Keith was raised on the family farm in the Winifred and Bow Island, AB. area. He attended Senator Gershaw High School in Bow Island and after graduating studied Heavy Duty Mechanics at SAIT, Calgary, AB. Keith married his high school sweetheart Deborah (Reber) Harink on November 21st, 1970, and bought their first home in Bow Island. Shortly after marriage, Keith went to work on the oil rigs with Precision Drilling. He enjoyed this work until 1977, when he then joined Quinn Testers and moved his family to Brooks. In 1988, Keith’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own company, Desert Blasting & Painting Ltd., which he ran until 2010 when his son, Corey, took over the family business. Despite retiring, Keith continued to go to work every day, and in total spent 37 years working in the business with his son, earning him the title of “The hardest working retired guy”. Keith worked hard and played hard, enjoying many hobbies in life, including hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, curling, and even flying, having earned his pilot’s license and buying a Cessna 150. In many ways, Keith was a kid at heart, always acquiring the latest gadgets and toys to amuse himself. He loved to travel with Debbie, sharing many trips with family and friends. Countless hours were spent on the lake, boating with loved ones, and even water-skiing at the age of 70—just because he could. Golfing was a constant hobby, and he played both locally at the Brooks Golf Course and internationally when traveling. During retirement, Keith and Debbie took cruises to foreign lands and thoroughly enjoyed traveling to Arizona in their motorhome, embracing their freedom and adventures as snowbirds. Keith’s love of woodworking was passed on to his grandkids, who spent many hours building projects together in his shop. Keith was immensely proud of his children, Corey and Lacey, and their families. He had a great relationship with his daughter-in-law, Angela, and his son-in-law, Dean. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Steven, Austin, Sarah, and Hudson, finding joy in their activities and watching them grow. Keith is survived by his wife, Debbie Harink; son, Corey (Angela) Harink, and their children, Sarah and Hudson, of Brooks; daughter, Lacey (Dean) Satink, and their children, Steven (fiancée Regan) and Austin (fiancée Emma), of Langdon, AB; brother, Robert; sister, Ann; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Johanna, and his brothers, John and Alan Harink. Keith was hardworking, generous, kind, and an inspiration to his family and friends. His passion for life and strength of character will be remembered in our memories of him and all that he did. We love you, Keith! Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18th at 11:00 AM from Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. John Theiss officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at
Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD.
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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