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Erwin John ("Bud"), originally from Wisconsin, passed away Friday, July 18, 2003 at the age of 87. Bud is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Helen Neis, and children John Klink and wife, Josefina of Mexico; Erwin (Junior) and wife, Karen McCullough of Albuquerque; Mary Ann Young of San Jose, CA; Elizabeth Corazzi and husband, Joseph of Albuquerque; Fay McNeely of Santa Clara, CA; and Michael Klink of Kemp, TX; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Virginia Paulson and husband, Harold of New Berlin, WI. Bud graduated from Marquette University in 1939 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1940, he received his Naval Commission, serving throughout the war and at sea for 58 months. He participated in every major naval campaign in the Pacific theater. While in the Navy, Bud earned a Masters Degree in Radio Engineering and was instrumental in the development of the earliest ship-based radar systems. At the conclusion of WWII, the highly decorated Lt. Cdr. Klink was medically retired due to complications of severe battle injuries sustained during the early stages of the war. In 1947, Bud moved to Albuquerque seeking a climate more compatible with his injuries. He held numerous civilian positions for the USAF including project engineer for many nuclear weapon design programs, ultimately serving as director of nuclear safety. Among many commendations received throughout Bud's career, he was the senior ranking civilian of Kirtland and Sandia Bases, and he was the first civilian inducted into the Air Force Hall of Fame. Concurrent with Bud's civil service endeavors, he was an entrepreneur-businessman, as principal of E.J. Klink and Associates, a biomedical engineering firm based in Albuquerque. He conducted pioneering research and development of cardiac and respiratory augmentation systems. Much of his early work involved emphysema and lung cancer research. Later, Bud developed cardiac assist systems and was awarded numerous patents including those for inventing the earliest pacemaker and the precursor to today's catheter for angioplasty. Bud Klink and his wife were founding members of Holy Ghost Catholic Church and original contributors for the establishment of St. Pius the X High School, both here in Albuquerque. Services for the devoted husband, father, mentor, avid sportsman, artisan knife maker, and loyal friend will begin with a rosary recited on Tuesday, 11:00 a.m., at Holy Ghost Church, 833 Arizona St. SE. Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. following the rosary. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Pallbearers will be Bud's grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Ghost School, 833 Arizona SE, 87108-4823. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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