July 11, 1929 – October 10, 2017

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ralph “Doc” Minnich on October 10, 2017, at the age of 88 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Sue Turner, and his children Diane (Mike) of Boise, ID, Nancy (Larry) of Buffalo, MN, and Suzie of San Jose, CA; grandchildren Kevin (Cheri), Kelli (Mike), Samantha, and Stephanie; and great grandchildren Blake and Harper.

Doc was born in 1929 in Laurens, Iowa, and graduated from the University of Iowa Dental School in 1952. After serving two years in the US Air Force in Korea, Doc took time off in California, learning to ski at Squaw Valley and working on the ski patrol, thus starting a lifelong love of the sport. He then returned to Iowa to do graduate work in Orthodontics, and upon completion moved his family to California where he had a private practice in Santa Clara until his retirement in 1994.

He had great strength and spirit and shared his love of skiing and boat racing with his daughters and grandchildren, leaving them with a legacy of persistence and drive, as they learned by example to never give up, and to live life to the fullest.

He loved the great outdoors and after retirement, Doc and his wife, Sue, split their time between the US and Canada, always spending winters in Kamloops so they could enjoy the downhill skiing at Sun Peaks as members of the Sun Peaks Antiques, and cross country skiing at Stake Lake. Other fond memories include canoe trips to Murtle Lake and the Bowron Lake circuit, bike trips to the Gulf Islands, hiking in the US southwest, golfing, RVing and travel. Doc loved his time in Canada and in 2011 he immigrated and became a legal permanent resident.

Doc will be remembered by all who knew him for his enthusiasm for life, good humour, gentle disposition, and adventurous spirit. There will be no formal service by request. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to your favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com

• Date : 2017-10-10
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.