John Hawthorn Minnick

John Hawthorn Minnick

John was born on March 28,1949 to Henry and Mabel Minnick in Seattle, Washington

He is proceeded in death by his parents and older sister Barbara Swartzfager. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Cheryl Bertuccelli, his daughter Naomi Driscoll and her family- husband Zachary and sons Gabriel and Austin, sister Pauline Minnick and nephew Scott Roth

John graduated from Shoreline High School in Seattle, Washington in 1967 and enlisted in the Navy Reserve. He served as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. He was assigned to the VAQ-308 "Griffins"Tactical Refueling Squadron, stationed in Alameda, CA. During his time with the Griffins, the unit established a new precedence by flying combat support missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He served 6 years, 10 months and 21 days before being Honorably discharged from the service as Petty Officer 3rd Class. He was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Out of the Navy John was hired on at San Francisco Fire Dept in 1978 where he served as a Tiller Man, an Engineer and Lieutenant in his 27 year career as a Fireman.

John retired in 2005 and relocated from the SF Bay Area to Dorena, Oregon where he and Cheryl owned a small farm. In 2019 they sold the farm and moved into Eugene where they lived in an Independent Living Community.

John enjoyed the outdoors immensely. He was a master hang glider pilot and instructor during the 70's & 80's. He also enjoyed kayaking, cycling, hiking, fishing, hunting, downhill and cross country skiing, camping, backpacking and fishing in his boat.

John peacefully passed away on May 3, 2024 at his home in Eugene, Oregon

Donations to the organizations listed would be greatly appreciated.

Cascade Health Foundation -Eugene

EOLCOR - Eugene

Parkinson's Resources of Oregon-Eugene