Gary Clark Fink

Fink, Gary C., 3/24/35-10/10/22, age 87, of Minnetonka, passed away peacefully, yet begrudgingly on Monday, October 10, 2022 at home. Gary was born the only child of somewhat functional parents (Marse & Hortense Fink), growing up in New York City in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Gary started his career as an absolute nobody, but went on to shatter not only the traditional image of insurance salesmen, but also most of the modern-day sales records in the life insurance industry. He became the all-time sales leader for The Prudential Life Insurance Company of America, earning him the Life-Time Achievement Award. It is difficult to describe Gary in only a few words, so we won’t try! Most accurately, Gary was a Renaissance Man: Comedian, Worldwide Animal Conservationist, Philanthropist, International Children’s Advocate, Dixieland Drummer, Patron of the Arts and Salesman Extraordinaire. Gary had a deep love for his wife JoAnn (no “e”), his children, all of their many dogs and the Minnesota Twins (only when they’re winning); but not necessarily in that order! One of the keys to Gary’s success in sales and life was Gary’s unpredictable sense of humor. Gary loved to make people laugh and didn’t mind being laughed at the same time. Gary’s love of humor led to the creation of Finkstrom, a brand of cartoon humor, together with Illustrator, Jack Lindstrom and Randy Evert. Finkstrom independently published two cartoon books, Frequent Flyer Foibles and Some of My Best Friends are Jewish. On the serious side (which side of Gary was that?), Gary named his Executive Compensation Company-Phynque, Inc. With the addition of his incredible partners, the company became MCG Healthcare. MCG Healthcare went on to become one the leading deferred compensation consulting companies in the country. Gary loved all things children and animals and advocated for both his entire life. Gary worked generously with the Children’s Home Society, Children’s Heartlink, The Wildlife Conservation Society, The Wildcat Sanctuary to name just a few. Gary’s was particularly proud to sponsor the training of an Kenyan Heart surgeon who came to Minnesota and returned home to save countless lives. One of Gary’s favorite quotes was: “You only live once….. but if you work it right, once is enough!” Joe E. Lewis. Gary definitely worked it right! Gary’s heroes were Groucho Marx, Lenny Bruce, Henny Youngman, Jackie Mason, Woody Allen, Stan Musial, Johnny Unitas, Bob Cousy, Bobby Orr, Al McGuire, Larry David, Leon Russell, Joe Cocker and his dry cleaner (who was able to get soup stains out of his ties). Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Marse & Hortense; and daughter, Tracy. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann; children, Laurie, Ken (Nicole), Mathew (April), Chelsea, and Joey (Stephanie); grandchildren, Jacob Hotakainen, Neev, Sophie, Emma, Isabella; and granddog, Moana. Special thanks to Gary’s caregivers, Lori, Patience, Festus and Jane. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Wildcat Sanctuary or Children’s Home Society of Minnesota. Graveside service 2:30 pm, WEDNESDAY, Oct. 12th, UNITED HEBREW BROTHERHOOD CEMETERY, 2605 W. 70 ½ St., Richfield; also available via Zoom, to receive the link send an email to zoom1@hodroffepstein.com. A gathering of friends is set for Wednesday, October 12th, 4 pm at the Minneapolis Club-729 Second Ave S, Minneapolis.