Donald H. Minkler M.D.

Dr. Minkler was my physician when I was a student at Cal in the 1960s. It was an interesting time to come of age, and he was known among us young women for his understanding and compassion. I was not surprised to read in the newspaper biography about his subsequent public health career. Sincere condolences to the family and friends.

Dearest Betsy
Mum joins me in messages of love and care to you , John, Bonnie, Katie and Jennifer at this sad time. Don was my "other" Dad and you Betsy filled Mum's role perfectly while I had the enormous pleasure of living at # 64 Roble Road with you as a Grad student at Cal. With both my Dad and now Don gone, I feel the size of that empty space which only daughters know how Dads fill that important space in their very special ways. The upside in this sad time is that you Betsy and my...

Donald Minkler was a wonderful, generous, loyal man whom provided me with emotional support when I needed it, so many years ago, when we were young. To hear that "Don & Betsy" were coming to our home-or vice versa- made for instant happiness and fun, and Donald never disappointed. He was such a gounded and solid individual, so giving to those around him, always positive and always ready to lend a helping hand. In my youth and into young adulthood, there is no more significant man in my life...

Dear Betsy, John, Bonnie, Katie and Jennifer,

Even though I haven't spoken with you all for many, many years, my thoughts and prayers are with you for the loss of Don. I vividly remember (as does my entire family) the friendship that began back in the mid-fifties when my mother and father met the Minkler family. I remember summertime weekends in our backyards where the Minkler and Johnson kids got together and had fun. You were always "Don and Betsy" to us all, not Dr. and Mrs....

My uncle Don was the best! He was one of the most loving, caring and funny men I have ever known. He always had a smile on his face and a joke on his lips. The world has lost an amazing man. May his memory live on in all the lives of people he touched, I know it will in mine. I shall miss you terribly Uncle Don......Love always Laurie

What a remarkable man! We mourn the loss of another relative...but we remember Don so fondly! Our sympathies to Betsy and the family - Debbie (Stein), Craig, Jessia & Gabe Hoffman

Don was a universal man, and one of the wonderful men of global perspective who welcomed me as a young female upstart MD when I first worked at USAID. He was especially kind and supportive of the invasion of the females into population work. He was a prince and treated us with personal and professional care.
We have lost a wonderful part of our universe with his passing.

My warmest wishes to Betsy and the family. He loved you all so absolutely completely.

Best...

I had the privilege of photographing Don for an article on Alzheimers in June of 2001. I thought the family might like the photo, so I've uploaded it here. If you'd like to have hard copy, or other photographs from that day, please feel free to contact me: [email protected]

Congratulations to Don on an amazing life well lived.

Lonny Shavelson

I was fortunate to have you as my OB doctor during my childbearing age. Secondly it was an honor working as an RN caring for your patients at Alta Bates. We miss your expertise, kindness, caring and your million dollar smile. You were a special part of my life.