ROBERT MINER

Robert Sidney Miner passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2010. We were all shocked, and deeply saddened, we thought he would live forever. Dad was a true legend. He had impeccable integrity, a positive outlook on life, a fantastic sense of humor, a powerful work ethic, and was dedicated to his family and friends. He enjoyed being surrounded by people and had that rare gift of putting people at ease. His warm smile said it all. Dad was born on March 5, 1913, in Fowler, Ca. He attended Dinuba High School and went on to Fresno State College where he served as Student Body President and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He became a teacher and then WWII interrupted his life. He served in the U.S. Army and married Leola Moxsy, his college sweetheart, in 1942. After the war, Bob attended University of Southern California, where he earned his Masters in Education. The couple returned to Fresno to serve education. Dad's favorite years were as principal of Roosevelt High School. He made an impact on all who knew him and became active in American Field Service which brought many foreign students to Roosevelt and into our home. Even as he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Fresno Unified Schools, he was still the teacher. Storytelling was his gift, as well as his use of an arsenal of jokes to illustrate a point or lighten a moment. He loved to make people laugh. Dad was a networker. He loved to help develop programs to bring out the best in people. In 1948 he joined the Fresno Rotary Club where he served on the board, served as president in '58-'59, was a district chairman, and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was instrumental in the development and evolution of Camp Royal from 1969-1984. Rotary, and its principles, was extremely important in his life. He was active in the USC Trojan Alumnae Club, but his passion was Fresno State athletics. He followed all of the baseball, softball, basketball and was a season ticket holder, tail-gater and huge Bulldog football supporter. He also supported many other organizations including the Fresno Zoological Society, Valley Children's Hospital, the Better Business Bureau and UNICEF. He was a Presbyterian all his life, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. He was a member of the Executive Club as well as a men's Bible study group that met weekly. He donated to many causes and always felt that he could make a difference. In 1975 Dad retired from the schools and enjoyed traveling the world, even leading tour groups which gave him that "teacher" role once again. He and Mom visited China, Europe, the Middle East, Scandinavia and Russia. Retirement didn't suit him so he became the director of the Fresno Regional Foundation. Here he could really use his incredible people skills. He was instrumental in the development of the Metropolitan Museum. At age 75 he retired again. For the past 20 years he has enjoyed his daughters and their families, and has attended all of the significant events in the lives of his grandchildren. He has been dedicated to taking care of Leola. Bob is survived by his wife, Leola; sister, Avalyn Halls (age 101); daughter, Mary Lyons and husband Bud; daughter, Missy Jeffers and husband Keith; and four grandchildren who knew him as Bob-Bob, Katie Van Blois and husband Brad, Jenny Lyons, Lauren Jeffers and Scott Jeffers. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1540 M. St. on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., reception at the church will follow. Remembrances and donations can be made to The Bull Dog Foundation at Cal State University Fresno - Athletics, 5241 N. Maple Ave, Fresno, CA 93701. LISLE FUNERAL HOME 1605 'L' Street Fresno, Ca. (559)266-0666