Birth date: Mar 22, 1962 Death date: Aug 23, 2025
Marc Thomas Rink of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 23, 2025 at the age of 63. Marc was born on March 22nd, 1962 to the late Mari Hege Rink and Joe Lee Rink of Salisbury, North Carolina. Read Obituary
Marc was a great guy. I moved away from North Carolina over 30 years ago, but I have a little-known childhood story to tell that probably only a handful of folks know and most have never heard. I wish that Marc were still here so we could have laughed remembering the decades old details together, but suffice it to say that we both shared an adventurous spirit! I call this story, Firecracker, Firecracker, Boom, Boom, Boom!
Marc and I knew each other throughout our formative years, attending school together during the 1970s at Cornelius Elementary and the original John McKnitt Alexander Jr. High (now demolished), and later graduating as Vikings from North Mecklenburg High School in 1980. Both of our families lived near Lake Norman in what was classified as Davidson at the time, so we grew up as “back of the bus” friends, riding the same diesel-burning, gear-grinding yellow transportation vehicle for hours each week until we earned driving privileges ourselves. Our bus driver lived close to us, so we were first on, last off on the route.
This mischievous event took place one afternoon at Cornelius Elementary, when we were in the Fifth or Sixth Grade. Marc and I used to sit across from one another in a quad desk configuration, and often played triangular paper "football" games across the desk before class started. We did lots of creative and fun things with notebook paper back then. That day, we made some paper airplanes with different wing configurations to see which ones would fly the fastest or longest. Little did I know that seemingly innocent amusement would get us both into trouble shortly thereafter.
There used to be a very large crabapple tree that grew outside the school and we were frequently warned by the teachers not to eat the fruit. They told us we would get a stomach ache. That did not stop us from picking them up off the ground, however. That particular day, though the details are fuzzy, when our teacher, Mrs. Byers, had stepped away from the classroom for a few minutes to retrieve snacks for the ice cream break, we took advantage of the lack of supervision to push the boundaries.
Do you remember that old cheer, “Firecracker, Firecracker, Boom, Boom, Boom”? Well, Marc and I decided to see how our paper airplane designs would hold up if they were carrying a payload. So, we hollowed out the tiny crabapples and stuck a firecracker inside each one. Marc then lit the explosives and we quickly tossed the airplanes out the window to watch the action. To this day I cannot tell you why Marc was carrying firecrackers in his jean pockets!
For a moment, we were just two crazy kids having fun. But then, my paper plane flew out the window and landed squarely on the sidewalk, exploding and popping off bits of apple at the feet of our teacher as she was returning to the classroom with the ice cream. We we caught red-handed! Needless to say, we lost our ice cream privileges and went straight away to Principal Eugene Davis’ office to be disciplined. We lost Mr. Davis in 2019, but I have no doubt that if both men were still with us today, they would be laughing together remembering that disruptive and memorable event!!!
P.S. I have never touched a firecracker since. And that’s the truth!!!
Marc, thank you for being such a good friend. I'm really going to miss my concert partner 😢 .
I could write a book about our lives together . Whatever life threw us .. we always made it through somehow. All the good times, laughs, tears , I’d do it all over again. You have and will always hold a permanent place in my heart . Words can’t describe how much May and I miss you. I pray you are at peace my dear friend .
I have known Marc over 30 years. The background is not important. We share a special bond – love of & kindness to animals.
Marc was a cat person and I was a dog person decades ago. I remember how Ellen’s 2 dogs entered his home of cats. He was beyond hurt when a fire took away both dogs and all but one cat. I hope it mattered to be there for the animal losses in his life.
There are more stories – about other animals, even wild ones, we each tried to rescue. Marc has gave his all to so many animals, including the sweetest dog ever, Maiden.
For almost 2 decades, my 1st 2 Finnish Lapphunds visited with him as I shared stories about dog activities I was learning to do with them. He was there for me when I lost those dogs after 17 & 18 years.
I have 2 new dogs. Marc has spent time with these dogs. Marc still had Maiden, taking her to twice weekly kidney fluid treatment, because she has so much life in her. How many people would do that???? The last time I saw Marc, he introduced a little runt kitten that he rescued. I surprised Marc…when I talked about my own cat. He was like--- “you have a cat?” I laughed…said “5 years now, but my cat isn’t willing to ride in the car just to spend time with you.” Last week, I wanted to stop by with both dogs. I hoped to see Maiden, check on the new kitten, visit with a kindred animal lover, & laugh with a friend. Marc, those you left behind are hurting like hell….but there is a huge party going on in Rainbow Bridge…as many animals lovingly rush to greet you!!! LOVE Sharee
