Vance Roger Cink, 61, Mesa, Ariz., formerly of Glenburn, unexpectedly passed away in his home on Friday, March 9, 2012.
Vance was born July 10, 1950, to Victor and Betty Cink, at Wyndmere. He graduated from Wyndmere High School in 1968 then attended N.D. State School of Science in Wahpeton where he played football. He graduated from Valley City State with a teaching degree and taught school in Glenburn and was the elementary principal for many years. He coached girls basketball and boys football. He started his own painting company known as Vango Painting. He also managed the Mohall Country Club and worked at the Minot Air Force Base golf course during the summers, but wintered in Mesa.
Vance married Lyla Nies on April 4, 1970; they had two children, Kelly and Brandon. They later divorced.
Vance enjoyed playing cards, having breakfast up town and visiting about the most recent Panthers game. He loved spending Saturdays at Coaches Corner in Minot and driving through car lots. Vance enjoyed playing baseball, softball and golf. He played softball up until the past few years when he became coach and manager of several teams. He appreciated the friendships he made in North Dakota and in Arizona. He was a pillar in his Sunset Resort community in Mesa.
He is survived by his companion, Betty Engles; daughter, Kelly (Kevin) Bengtson, Bismarck; son, Brandon (Amy) Cink, Albuquerque, N.M.; brother, Dave (Laurie) Cink, Grand Forks; granddaughters, Macy, Denni and Brooklyn and grandsons, Joshua and Jacob; nephews, Jerrid and Corey and niece, Brandie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Corbert.
Vance's body was donated to Science Care for education purposes as his final request.
In lieu of flowers, Vance's family asks that all memorials be sent to support his softball teams in Mesa: Art Bellgrath, 7414 E Abilene Ave., Mesa AZ 85208.