John Merrick Minshew

1946 - 2016

John Merrick Minshew January 31, 1946 - August 7, 2016 Lakeside John Merrick Minshew, 70, of Lakeside, passed away at home, August 7, 2016 surrounded by family, longtime friends, and Sharp Hospice Care after a courageous 14-year battle of prostate cancer.John was born January 31, 1946 in Coronado, Calif. He grew up in Solana Beach (19 years), Encinitas (33 years), and resided in Lakeside the past 18 years. John was the 7th child of 12. He graduated from San Dieguito High School class of 1964, where he met the "love of his life," Cheryl Simonson, marrying July 3, 1965. He was an ironworker for 50 years. In 1991 he co-founded and co-operated Minshew Bros. Steel Construction Co., Inc. with brothers Jim and Dan. MBSCI is still currently owned and operating in Lakeside. John was a devoted loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His gentle nature, kindness, generosity and respect for all, gathered his many longtime friends and business associates.John, even from youth, was mechanical, creative and ambitious. In early years, his pleasure was building and enjoying off road vehicles, including Brawley Steel racing 1978-1980. He loved the outdoors including camping, fishing, and golf. He enjoyed spending the last 20 years with family and friends at his San Felipe, Baja home which he built and owned with sister-in-law and husband, Bill and Lorrie Seiler. John is survived by his devoted wife, Cheryl of 51 years, daughters Kristen Minshew of Santee and Staci Johnson (Brian) of Ramona; granddaughters, Shauna Harle (15), Holli Johnson (14), and grandson Branden Johnson (11). Also, six siblings: sisters Delores Thweatt (Larry) of Escondido, Mitzi Dodson (Ed) of Gold Beach, Oregon, Christine Pedersen of Pomeroy, Washington and Nancy Doherty of Valley Center, and brothers James Minshew (Cheryl) of Alpine and Victor Minshew of Alpine; sisters-in-law Margie Minshew of Valley Center, and Debbie Minshew of Valley Center, brothers-in-law Alvin Allen of Valley Center, and Stan Dunlap of Carlsbad, and sister-in-law and husband Bill and Lorrie Seiler of San Felipe, Baja; 12 nephews, 15 nieces, and many great-nieces and nephews and close dear friends.John was preceded in death by parents, Charles Dee and Fannie Lois Minshew, brothers, Charles Minshew and Daniel Minshew, and sisters, Frances Ardent, Sally Dunlap and Billie Jean Allen.The John Minshew Family give special thanks to EuroMed, Phoenix, AZ (alternative), Cancer Center Oncology Medical Group East County and Sharp Hospice Care. Our heartfelt appreciation to the Reynaga Family, the Minshew Family, and Minshew Bros. Steel Employees and many friends who have supported us with Love.Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 11, 2016, from 2pm-6pm, at Babylon Palace, 456 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may to made to:Sharp Hospice Care, P.O. Box 158, La Mesa, CA 91944619-740-4200