Leonard Zink

Known as Earl, he was born to Leonard and Laura Zink at the old Mercy Hospital in Durango. He was the oldest of 33 Zink cousins. He grew up working in the family business, Hermosa Nurseries.

After attending the Hermosa School for four years, Mr. Zink went to school in Durango, graduating from Durango High School in 1943.

During World War II, he served his country in the Pacific Theater as a member of the Marine Corps. He was a tailgunner on a B-25.

“I loaded the bombs and delivered the bombs,” he once said. “After an extensive tour of the South Pacific, I finished the war in the Philippines.”

After returning from the war, he married Bette Means in 1945. The Zinks moved to San Diego, where Mr. Zink lived until his death.

The couple had two children together before the marriage ended in divorce in 1960.

Mr. Zink worked for the California Highway Department as a landscape specialist. He worked in San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties before retiring in 1989.

All his life he enjoyed horticulture and landscaping, both professionally and privately, his family said.

In 1961, he married Libby Sears in San Diego.

He also enjoyed attending gem shows and working with jewelry.

“Home for Leonard was always Durango,” his family said, “and he often, through the course of his life, made many trips back.”

Mr. Zink was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Libby Zink; and son, Patrick Zink.

He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Rowland of Vaughn, Wash.; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.

Burial will occur in Durango.