JAY – Bernard P. Shink, 91, a resident of Jay, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, at Pinnacle Health and Rehab in Canton.

He was born May 21, 1932, in Jay, the second son of Francois “Pete” Shink and Rose (Perreault) Shink. He started his education at St. Rose School, and was a 1951 graduate of Jay High School, where he excelled in basketball, football and baseball.

Bernard served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as a forward observer/ Artillery on the Demilitarized Zone with the 3rd Infantry Division, with the rank of Sgt. 1st Class. In June of 1953, he married Pauline Beaulieu and they raised their four children in Chisholm. On Oct. 18, 1975 he married Gladys (Plaisted) Crosby in Wilton. They resided in North Jay and wintered in Zephyrhills, Fla. Following his retirement, they to a very adventurous trip in an RV, traveling from Maine to California. The were married 48 years.

Bernard was an excellent woodworker. His work can be found in friends and family homes from Maine, California to Canada. He could make it all, beds, bureaus, nightstands, bookcases, and toys of all kinds that are still being used today by his great-grandchildren. His marble board games were the highlight of all family gatherings where it could get pretty competitive at times. But he was most famous for his Canadian gliders and matching footrest, even making them in a smaller version for the grandkids. He would mail them to friends and family in other states, cutting all the pieces and packaging them up with the instructions on how to put them together.

He worked for International Paper Co. in Jay as an Oiler in the Maintenance Dept., retiring in 1991. He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, Past Commander of V.F.W. Post 3335, and served on the Jay Board of Selectman, and member of the I.P. ¼ Century Club.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys of Jay; his children, Linda Desjardins and partner Steve Farrington of Rumford, Derek Shink and partner Claire Despres of Jay, Tracey Doiron of Jay, Lynda Terry and husband Dan of Jay, and Bruce Crosby of Coopers Mills; brother, Marcel “Mike” Shink and his wife Maurie of Jay, sister-in-law, Winnie Shink of Jay; grandchildren, Jay Becker, Chris Becker and wife Julie, Aron Shink, Trevor Doiron, Mallory Doiron, Melissa Crocker and Torie Shink; Bianca Wood and husband Ryan, Michael and Brandon Crosby; great-grandchildren, Devin Becker, Elizabeth Hewins, Kael Burnham, Rennen Wood, Zayvien and Emie Becker; and many Shink nephews and their families, who were always special to Uncle Bernard.

He was predeceased by his parents; son, Michael Shink; grandson, Derek Shink, Jr. and granddaughter, Michelle Crocker; and brother, Robert Shink.

The family would like to thank everyone at Pinnacle Nursing Home for taking care of Bernard over the last year and a half, with special thanks to the ResCare Group, Stephanie, Rosa, Jammie, Sam, Vern, Edith, and Katelyn. Also, to Brad for visiting him and keeping him on his toes! Thank you to Susan from AHH and all the others from AHH that helped to take of Bernard over the last few months. Thanks to his VA home care team, especially his nurse, Penny.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Ave., Augusta in the spring. Arrangements by Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church St., Livermore Falls.

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