Donald H. Minkler

Donald H. Minkler, M.D. Feb. 19, 1922 - May 4, 2007 Former Resident of Orinda Don Minkler died peacefully on the night of his 61st wedding anniversary. Born in San Francisco to Jay and Zelda Minkler, Don's early years were spent in San Francisco. He was cheerleader and student body president of the Lowell HS class of 1939-40, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley in 1943. After his marriage to Elizabeth "Betsy" Van Gorder in Boston in May of 1946, Don graduated from Harvard Medical School, class of 1947. Upon completing his residency at UCSF, Dr. Minkler practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology in Berkeley for the next 15 years. His medical partnership in Berkeley was the first to promote the participation of fathers in the delivery room. Dr. Minkler's special interest in international women's health began in 1968, when he left private practice to obtain his Master's Degree in Maternal and Child Health. From 1969 to 1971, he was visiting professor at Makerere University in Uganda, and from 1971-1973 was the Medical Advisor of the USAID Office of Population in New Delhi, India. His passion for global travel and health care led to his work as a consultant on international women's health in numerous developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Don was a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF and UC Berkeley at the School of Public Health. He served on the Board of Directors of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Pathfinder International. From 1983-1989, he was Co-Director of the Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy. He was a pioneer of innovations in women's health care and was a champion of choice and family planning. Don was known professionally and personally by many as a gentle, optimistic, kind and loving man. His infectious humor, love of poetry and warm smile were treasured by family and friends. Don was on the founding Board of the Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay. Shortly thereafter he began his own struggle with Alzheimer's, as well as Parkinson's disease and Primary Progressive Aphasia. He lived with great dignity, courage and patience with these diseases for the last 12 years of his life. He is survived by Betsy, his beloved wife of 61 years; four children, John Minkler (Mary Lou) of Fresno, Bonnie Bollwinkel (Mark) of Los Altos, Katie Minkler-Greene (Bruce) of Portland, Oregon, and Jennifer Hanson (Michael) of San Ramon; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his younger brother; Jay Minkler of Livermore; brothers-in law, Robert Van Gorder of Cromwell, Connecticut, and Michael Chambers of Hamilton, Montana; sister-in-law, Barbara Coffin of Suffield, Connecticut; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Roy Minkler. The family would like to thank his devoted caregiver of the last four years, Aster Abraham. Donations in his honor may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area or the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. A celebration of his life will be held at the UC Berkeley Faculty Club, July 22, 3-6 p.m.