Virgil A. Zink passed away at 5:45 p.m. after a brief, but tough battle with lung cancer. He went peacefully, surrounded by loved ones and the sounds of Jimmy Buffet’s “Boat Tunes” at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH.
His daughter is grateful she was by his side these last few months - at doctor’s appointments, thoracentesis procedures, chemotherapy and more. They grew closer as they searched for remedies to fight the one battle that could not be won.
Unfortunately, this battle, which ravaged his right lung, his organs and the hearts of many loved ones, could not be fixed with “duct tape” — Virgil’s perfect remedy for anything.
Virgil, son to the late William F. and Mary E. Zink of Miamisburg was born Oct. 6, 1948 and was the fourth of their six children (Jack, Doug, Linda, Diane and Cindy). Virgil graduated from Miamisburg High School in 1966.
Less than a year later, he bravely enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, in May, 1967. He served three unimaginable years and in 1969, was honorably discharged after being injured and receiving the Purple Heart Medal.
Additionally, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.
Once discharged, Virgil was home among loved ones and started a family with Kathleen McGuire (Zink), also of Miamisburg, in 1970. In 1976 they had their daughter, Vanessa.
Virgil always intended to be a protector and defender - clearly it was in his blood.
And so, he joined the Miami Township Fire Department in 1975. He fought fires, saved lives and helped the injured. He was a mentor, a teammate, a brother, a paramedic, a teacher — and later — in 1986, a Deputy Chief. He retired in 2003.
His first grandchild, Jake, was born in 2006 and later that year, he purchased a boat — a Grand Banks Trawler — and the navigation plans for the Year-Long “Great Loop” Cruising trip began. He ventured this voyage as a solo captain.
Virgil’s son-in-law, Justin Fischer (one of his favorite people) along with 10 month-old Jake and Vanessa, waved goodbye from the Ohio River in Cincinnati. From there, he cruised west to the Mississippi River and south to the Gulf of Mexico. He glided along the Florida Gulf Coast and navigated east via Lake Okeechobee. The family would meet again in February 2007 in The Bahamas to make many wonderful memories.
After an extended stay in the Bahamas, Virgil headed north along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways passed Tybee Island, GA and on to Daufuskie Island, SC. He continued north to Staten Island, NY, and later docked at Pier 25 on the Hudson River. From there, he cruised the New York Waterways to Lake Erie and along the Miami Erie Canal to make his way back to the Ohio River. He completed his trip in Cincinnati, where he had begun, one year prior.
Virgil loved life and adventure.
In 2007, Virgil and Ann Harris (of Miamisburg) became close. Their love grew and they became partners who loved travel, dogs, all things equestrian, card clubs, home remodeling and much more. They spent a year remodeling Ann’s family home in Miamisburg, where they lived together and where Ann currently resides.
Virgil and Ann hosted epic family reunions, cookouts, pool parties, card clubs, Christmas parties and more! Virgil LOVED to cook and entertain.
His daughter will miss sharing photos of new dishes and culinary creations with him…. he taught her a love of life and also the love of cooking, which she now shares with his grandchildren, Jake, Brady and Lily.
We are blessed with memories of our family vacation together to Tybee Island, GA in July of 2020. Thank you Virgil for helping to make that happen. ❤
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Virgil was also a Trustee and active member of the American Legion, Post 165 in Miamisburg for many years. He cooked, organized, managed, counted money and helped in countless ways. His presence at The Legion will certainly be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jack Zink; and brother-in-law, Dale Fortney.
Virgil is survived by his significant other, Ann Harris; daughter Vanessa (Justin) Fischer; grandchildren, Jake (16), Brady (14) & Lily (7) Fischer; siblings, Doug (Carol) Zink, Linda Fortney, Diane (Dick) Schmiesing, Cindy ( Scott) Koenig; sister-in-law, Betsy Zink; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, extended and blended family members.
Everyone who knew Virgil, has their own special memories of him. Thank you to so many people for the memories and stories that have been shared since his passing. Please keep sharing!
We are blessed to have such a supportive family and circle of friends. He was the best dad and an awesome grandpa.
Finally, Virgil was a “favorite uncle” to many, including Karen Grant, who shared what she loved and learned from “Uncle Virgil”:
* He didn't sweat the small stuff.
* He allowed people to be how they were with very little judgment.
* He enjoyed the finer things, especially in his kitchen.
* He was down to earth; for him, the finer things were not extravagant.
* He moved through his past traumas into a place of practical wisdom and that's how he lived.
Please join us for Virgil’s Celebration of Life with Military Honors on Friday, Feb. 17 at 5:00 p.m. at The American Legion, Post 165, 35 N. Main St. Miamisburg, OH 45342.
Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.gebhartschmidtparramore.com.
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