Lee B. Zink

Lee B. Zink passed away November 29, 2013 at his home in Carlsbad, NM after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Lee was born in Salem, Indiana and attended Indianan University (BS) and Oklahoma State University (Ph.D.). He served in the US Army and the Army Reserve, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. White completing his doctorate, he became the first director of the Technology Use Studies Center (TUSC) in Durant, Oklahoma. TUSC was one of several centers established by the U. S. Congress to transfer the technology being developed by NASA in the space program. In 1968, Lee began his long and well-loved tenure at the University of New Mexico serving as the director and principal research economist at the UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the director of the UNM Institute of Applied Research Services, and the Associate Vice-president for Research and Business and Government Relations. One of the things he loved doing at UNM was teaching the introductory course in economics to more than 7000 students. Another of Lee's unusual accomplishments was becoming the first academic to serve as president of the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. He also served as the Chairman of the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors. Lee's favorite avocation was music, especially the pipe organ and singing in the church choir. Lee is survived by his wife, Patty; two sons: Kevin and wife, Lori and Barry and wife, Ashley and three granddaughters. A Memorial Service will be held at Monte Vista Christian Church, 3501 Campus Blvd., Albuquerque, NM at 4:00 PM, Saturday, January 4, 2014. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.