Thomas August Fink

Aug 26, 1928 -

Jun 4, 2021

Thomas August Fink, 92, died peacefully on June 4, 2021, at Providence Alaska Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Tom was born in Peoria, Ill., on Aug. 26, 1928. He went to St. Cecelia School through eighth grade and finished at Chillicothe High School in 1946. During his school days, he also worked on the family farm. Tom was hard-working and ambitious, saving enough money to put himself through college and law school. Shortly before graduation, on Feb. 3, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Pat Israelson. In May 1952, their first child of 11 children was born. After graduation, Tom and his young family began their great Alaska journey. He always loved adventure and moving to Alaska, a U.S. Territory, was a great adventure! He was excited with the prospects of living in a young and growing community.

Tom was a co-owner of a life insurance agency for over 40 years. He served Alaska in many ways including his involvement with the Jaycees, Citizens for Alaska's Land, and his work with Holy Rosary Academy. Tom became enthralled with politics, ultimately serving in the State Legislature for nine years with a two year term as Speaker of the House. He was his party's candidate for Governor in 1982. Tom eventually ran for and was elected to two terms as Mayor of Anchorage. Both in office and out, Tom always kept his thumb in State and City politics. He wrote op-ed pieces for The Anchorage Times, Anchorage Daily News and Eagle River Star newspapers.

In 1960, Tom and Pat began traveling the world from the Yangtze River in China to the Dead Sea in Israel. They loved exploring the world. While in his 80s, Tom, Pat, family and friends took his last overseas trip on a tent safari in Tanzania. He and Pat continued traveling, cruising on U.S. riverboats and even attended his 70th high school reunion in 2016! Tom was a voracious reader and enjoyed hosting barbecues for family and friends. He loved downhill skiing, duck hunting, fishing and golfing. He was a devout Catholic his entire life and attended church mass only six days a week! Tom and Pat were married for 70 glorious years!

He is survived by his loving wife, Pat; and11 children, Deborah, Ann, Maureen, Mark, Mike, Katie, Tom, Matt, Josh, Jody and Kelly. In addition, Tom leaves behind 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many wonderful friends. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.