Remembering Robert Ray Brink, 1934 – 2018
Robert Ray Brink, founder of RR Brink Locking Systems, died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 2, at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, surrounded by loving family members. Born May 31, 1934, in Philadelphia, Robert graduated from Laurel Mississippi High School and Princeton University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a member of the Princeton crew team, winning the Henley Royal Regatta in England in 1956, and later obtained a Masters of Business Administration from Stanford University in 1961. Robert also married the love of his life, Connie (nee Browning) in 1961. He was president of Folger Adams Co., in Joliet, Ill., for 13 years before launching RR Brink Locking Systems, in Shorewood, Ill., in 1976; it would become the leading manufacturer of high security detention locks.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Connie (nee Browning) Grinton; three children — Dr. Stephen Folger (Patricia) Grinton, Charles Robert (Catherine) Brink and Susan Brink (Henson) Orser; 15 grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
Per his request, Robert’s body was left to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for the furthering of medical research.