Keith Carl Fink

Keith was born April 15, 1921, in Hayden, CO, to Minnie Belle and Carl Fink, and was called home to be with his Lord and Savior December 13, 2018, at the age of 97.

He attended Colorado State College of Education (now Northern Colorado University) in Greeley, CO, where he aspired to be a music major but a serious hand injury kept him from playing the piano, a required instrument, so he declared as a Craft Major and later switched to Industrial Arts.

He was an industrial arts teacher and counselor for 37 years: 2 in Littleton, CO, 1 in Fresno, CA, and 34 years at National City Junior High, and a high school driving training instructor.

He enjoyed folk dancing, which is where he met his future wife Leota Shaul in Balboa Park. They married in 1951 and remained together for 58 years before her passing in 2010. They both also enjoyed square dancing and Keith was a caller.

Keith didn’t believe in standing on the sidelines but being actively involved. He was President of the Sweetwater Little League and longtime Scoutmaster of Bonita Troop 874, merit badge counselor, Wood Badge instructor, and Boy Scout chaplain. His motto was there’s a reason Outing is in Scouting, so planned monthly campouts, and summer camps and treks. He was awarded the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his exceptional character and distinguished service to the San Diego-Imperial Council.

He was the consummate teacher. After retiring, he continued teaching Boy Scout leaders, conducted 55 Alive driving classes, and was a weekly reader at two elementary schools in Chula Vista.

He loved music, being outdoors, cross-country road trips, and National Parks but nothing more so than God, his wife, and family. He was preceded in death by his wife Leota and brother Dean, and will be deeply missed by his surviving children Martin, Glenda, and Ruth, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Keith’s life is testament to Ephesians 2:10: “It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.”

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday December 20 at 1 PM in the Little Chapel of Roses.

His favorite charities were KPBS-San Diego and Save the Redwoods League.