Robert Ward Minnerly
1935 - 2010
Robert Ward Minnerly
1935 - 2010
Obituary
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Robert Minnerly Obituary
Memorial service: 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 9, at Carr Chapel, 2855 S. University Drive, Fort Worth. Interment: Robert will be buried in a private family ceremony in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with military honors.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to R. Merle Palmer Minority Scholarship Foundation, Tacoma, Wash.; MultiCare Health Foundation, Tacoma, Wash.; Charles Wright Academy, Tacoma, Wash.; Fort Worth Country Day School, Fort Worth, Texas; Berkshire School, Sheffield, Mass.
Robert never knew a stranger and was known to many for his big smile, warm eyes and open heart. In March 1935, Robert was born to Richard and Margaret Minnerly in Yonkers, N.Y. He attended Charles E. Gorton High School. After his high school career, Robert attended Brown University where he played football, pledged Delta Upsilon and was elected class vice president. Following graduation, Robert married his high school sweeheart, Sandra. Through the Brown ROTC program, Robert was commissioned into the Navy where he became a naval aviator flying for the VP-44 squadron.
After departing the Navy, Robert started his teaching career at Rumsey Hall School in Connecticut. Shortly thereafter, he became headmaster of Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass. During the summers, Robert would teach at the Salisbury Summer School in Connecticut. Robert then became the new high school principal for Fort Worth Country Day School in Fort Worth, where he also enjoyed coaching the high school baseball team.
After several years at FWCDS, Robert accepted a position in Tacoma, Wash., as headmaster of Charles Wright Academy. Although he no longer had to chaperone dances, he still was afforded the opportunity of continuing his coaching career with the middle school boys' baseball team. While at CWA and after his retirement, Robert was a community leader through several organizations, serving on the Washington State Board of Education, Tacoma's American Leadership Forum, Broadway Center Board, and MultiCare Health Foundation Board. He also served as directors of the Lemay Car Museum and the R. Merle Palmer Minority Scholarship Foundation.
Through opportunities and challenges, Robert became a man many admired. He was graced with a great sense of humor and his warm smile welcomed all into his office. He was patient and enjoyed watching and supporting the personal growth of students, teachers, board members and ball players. He was often times seen with his hands upon his head, observing the world. He is now able to sit back, relax and take in the game.
Survivors: Robert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra Minnerly; sons, Scott Minnerly and his wife, Genoveva, John Minnerly and his wife, Annette; daughter, Sydney Minnerly and her partner, Shannon Dennis. He also left four beautiful grandchildren, Stephanie, Katalin, Charles and Abigail. Robert is also survived by his brother, Richard Minnerly, and sister-in- law, Beverly, and their children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jan Finch
July 20, 2010
Sandra, Scott, John, and Sydney, it's difficult to express to you how highly I regard Bob and your whole family, even though I haven't seen you in nearly 25 years. That's how potent the effect of having known the Minnerlys is. Bob is the best boss I've ever had because he treated everyone like family. He often referred to himself as a "buffer" between his staff and the "powers-that-be." Absolutely, Bob made everything better. Our college counselor once said, "When you're feeling worried or down about a problem and you go see Bob about it, he makes you feel like a million bucks!" Our schools work on character education to help students learn how to care for and respect one another. A speaker I've heard on the subject asked us to imagine that in every choice we have, with every word we speak, and in every action we take, that we have surrounding us our board of directors, composed of the people we care about, honor, and respect; those whom we have learned from, have mentored us, or whose lives demonstrate exceptional character. This imaginary board is with us and our actions reflect what they stand for. One of those sitting on my board of directors is Bob Minnerly, and I can't thank him enough for having been a part of my life. Thank you for gracing this world with your magnificant presence. You will always be with us.
Glen Campbell
July 19, 2010
I was radioman on VP44 crew 8/5, Lt. Minnerly was the co-pilot, Lt. Vito Vine, pilot. Never a dull moment! Our ordinance man screwed up a nuke and couldn't safe it. We flew around quite a while before instructions came from Norfolk. We also crashed at Boca Chica FL April 21, 1961 (Bay of Pigs) during landing, Bob had a copy of the photo of that P2V I had taken. Normally I rode the astro dome during taxi,When we taxied close to Breesy Point one time, Bob took my place to look for Sandy who was supposed to be waiting. I met up with him at the Tucson reunion and spoke and emailed several times afterward. I introduced Bob to my wife as the pilot who crashed my plane at Boca Chica. He corrected me saying NO, it was Vine who crashed the plane. I have fond memories of Bob. Fair winds and following Seas Bob. Glen Campbell VP44 58-61
Pamela Carter
July 16, 2010
Scott and G Minnerly and family- sorry about the passing of a such a fine person as your father..
You are in our prayers.
The Carter Family,
Pam, Wayne, Corey and Christopher
Richard/Kelly Taylor
July 8, 2010
Dearest Scott and G ... I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a Father. I never got the chance to meet him. But from reading about him the apple doesnt fall far from the tree. Scott you have always been family to me and my brother for years. I know the pain is hard to handle but I promise it will get better. Thank you for sharing your Dad with so many people he was a true Hero to alot of people....
the Vball brothers Richard and Kelly
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Bob Stephan
July 6, 2010
Farewell to a mighty fine co-pilot and friend.
There must be a place where Navy pilots go
When their wings get too weary, and their airspeed gets low.
Where you'd see all the shipmates you'd served with before,
And they'd call out your name as you came through the door.
See you there, Bobo,
"Saint" Stephan
Fred Webb
July 3, 2010
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Trevor Moawad
July 2, 2010
Sydney and family,
I had the true pleasure of spending my 'formative' years under the guidance of your father. He was my middle school baseball coach, high school headmaster, and a valued perspective for me helping me make career choices far beyond high school. I loved the opportunities I had to just sit in his office and feel 'pretty cool' and he was always so easy to speak with... Athletically, academically, artistically - he could speak all languages to all people and in the simplest words - was just a very talented man. I too lost our Bob - the 'MoBob' a few years back (Bob Moawad) and it just doesnt seem fair to lose men like these at any point, particularly when they have so much to offer so many people.... I vas very shook up upon hearing the news and I truly value your family and thank you for sharing your dad with so many of us... For me he helped me make critical decisions after graduate school with my athletic and professional opportunities ultimately leading me to IMG where im in my 11th year. My mother, Andrea, will be representing the Moawad family next Tuesday. All the best to you and your family!
Trevor Moawad, CWA '91, (Sarasota, Florida)
Lisa Wardell
June 29, 2010
Dear Family - I am so grateful to Mr. Minnerly for making Berkshire so diverse and exciting a place to be as a freshman back in 1975. Thank you Mr Minnerly. Rest in Peace.
Eric LeMay
June 29, 2010
I miss our talks.
Paul E. Miller
June 16, 2010
Sandra,
Bob's gracious attitude towards life was inspiring. His willingness to "step back into the fray" by leading the LeMay Museum board is the reason we have a museum under construction today. His quiet reason, his big smile and his generous heart never failed to teach me how I should be living my life.
June 15, 2010
Dear Sandra:
I knew Bob at Fort Worth CDS. I was a young English teacher in the Middle School year round & Upper School only in the summer. I came to know and admire him as the new principal of the Upper School for several years. He was a friendly; concerned and dedicated co-worker. I was proud to work at CDS because of people like Bob. I am so sorry you have had to say good-bye so early in life. He will be missed by all who knew him...Jim Hudson, Austin, TX.
Martin Duling
June 15, 2010
Dear Sandra, Scott, John & Sydney,
I was privileged to service with Bob in VP-44 in the 1960 era in Norfolk VA. He was truly one of those people you will always remember. I saw him and had dinner with him & Sandra & others last April 2009 in Tuscon at our VP-44 Reunion. My heart goes out to you at this time, and I know a number of his old VP-44 squadron mates join me in telling you of our sorrow and the joy of having known Bob. One of his jobs, besides being a pilot, was legal officer, and that is where I met him a few times when I had to take a guy to Captains Mast, and Bob was there to help oversee the task. I enjoyed his many stories, especially about his time in VP-44 and flying the P5M. Again, what a guy, and we will all miss him. God Bless. Marty Duling LCDR USN (RET)
Vi Nguyen
June 14, 2010
Bob's warm and genuine personality encouraged me to continue in my endeavor to be an Act Six scholar, a program for which he was on the selection committee. Though my interactions with him were few, I always left feeling inspired by his positive energy and how at ease I felt around him. I am thankful for his contributions to Act Six, the R Merle Palmer foundation, and to the city of Tacoma, WA. May he rest in peace! [Act Six, Cadre Three, Whitworth University]
Rep. Jeannie Darneille
June 10, 2010
Hello, Sandra. I will always remember Bob for his constant encouragement to me and others as we embarked on tasks outside of our "comfort" zones. His warmth and generosity will be missed by many. Peace to you and the family.
Dan Foust
June 9, 2010
Sandra and Family,
I always looked forward to seeing Bob at Country Day gatherings. He possessed a combination of strength and caring that I never found in another person that I worked with.
June 9, 2010
Sandra and family,
How fateful was that flight from SeaTac, through Chicago where I boarded and sat one row ahead of you and Bob, and on to the NAIS conference in Boston, where I was to interview with Bob for an admission/development position at CWA? And then, who could have scripted a better story than to have Jill Nordfors and I meet in May on the CWA campus during my interview process with Board members? Jill and I have been forever grateful for Bob's hand in orchestrating our future lives together, which now is over 23 years. We have cherished being a part of your and Bob's lives, and look forward to keeping you close to us, in the near and distant future.
CW & Jill Nordfors Clark
June 9, 2010
Bob hired me for my first teaching job at Country Day, and we also coached baseball together there. What a wonderful colleague, friend and mentor he was! He was genuine, warm, unselfish and delightfully self-deprecating. All the Minnerlys are in my thoughts.
Murph Honea
Deborah Denison (CWA '77)
June 9, 2010
Sandra and family:
May God bless you in your time of sorrow.
June 8, 2010
Bob's warm, happy smile in the newspaper picture is exactly as I remember it, when he was my principal at FWCDS, exactly how it has looked every time I have had the pleasure of talking with him for the last 34 years, and exactly how I will remember him. Working with him was a pleasure and an impossible act to follow.
Norma J. Wilkerson (Justin, Texas)
John Ladenburg
June 8, 2010
I got to know Bob when we were both in Class 2 of the American Leadership Forum. He was a class gentleman who never had a bad word to say about anyone. He personified "quiet leadership" with honesty and trust. We will all miss him.
Art & Sue Burke
June 8, 2010
Sandra,Scott, John and Sydney
There was no one quite like Bob. He could make you laugh....he could make you cry....sometimes at the same time! I never met anyone who enjoyed (and savored) people more. With his self-deprecating humor he could (and did) always "light up a room." Supremely sensitive to the needs of others, Bob could sense when you were down...and he made it a point to cheer you up. His homespun philosophies and gentle ways of pointing things out will forever remain with me. He shaped lives...and like the skilled craftsman that he was...we were often not aware of those things he taught us until sometime long after our lessons. He had a profound and lasting impact on my life....and the lives of my two boys. And in those times when I struggled, I will always remember how Bob rooted for me....not just from the sidelines....but in the trenches,along side me , as he has done for so many others.
So many great memories will be held dear in my heart....his boisterous laugh,his puns, the ironies he found in life. But ooh those stories he told. Never was there a better "teller or seller of a tale!" His wit, wisdom and "joie de vivre" will remain with us forever!!
June 7, 2010
Dearest Scott and G ~ My sincerest sympathies to you and all your family on the loss of your Father. From reading his obituary, sounds like he was a remarkable person and Father. What great memories you will have to hold on to forever.
Ann Curto
CONNIE HERR
June 6, 2010
Dear Sandra, Scott, John and Sydney,
What a perfect picture of my(everyones) dear friend Bob. We haven't seen each other in maybe 20 years, but this picture is exactly how I remember him. I can see his eyes dancing and that big grin on his face. I was shocked to read, however, that Bob had been able to continue his "baseball career?" at CWA. As I recall during Chip's tenure, the team never won a game but what fun they had. When Chip left to go to Pensacola for flight school with the Marines, Bob gave him a pair of his wings. Chip always treasured them. I take comfort in knowing Bob is at peace but selfishly I won't be able to laugh with him any more. I once read where Eternal Life begins today, not when you die, for it is today that you start building the memories for which you will be remembered in the days to come.
Truly Bob has Eternal Life for everyone who knew him loved him and laughed with him. Sandra, John, Scott and Sydney, thank you for sharing Bob with us all. He IS the greatest. Peace, my dear friend.
Connie Herr
Vero Beach, Florida
Carol (B. Carol) Klein
June 6, 2010
I taught at Fort Worth Country Day during two different time periods- first in 1982-1984 and then again 1991-1992. Bob, was truly one of the nicest people I have ever had the good fortune to know and work with. Blessings to your family. With sympathy and loving thoughts to all of your family.
Carol Klein
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