Michael Minor

1947 - 2022

Michael Minor
October 21, 1947 - April 28, 2022
Michael Joseph Minor died peacefully at his home in Atherton, CA on April 28, 2022, in the loving presence of his wife and son after a long illness. He was 74.
Mike was born on October 21, 1947, to Miller G. Minor and Mary DeRosiere Minor in Denver, Colorado. He was raised in Colorado, attended Denver University and Cornell University, and received a PhD from the University of Chicago in Quantitative Methods in 1977.
Mike was a technically deep thinker and was fascinated and impassioned by many subjects. He brought inspirational leadership, creativity and innovation to all his professional endeavors. He played many roles over an exciting 40 years of professional life, evolving from social scientist, to technology executive, and more recently to entrepreneur.
While Mike was brilliant, he will be most remembered for his warmth, caring, and generosity of spirit. Mike was a devoted husband and father. In 1975 in Chicago, Mike met Cindy Zollinger, then a PhD student at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Mike and Cindy were married in 1979 in New Orleans, LA, Cindy's birthplace, and started their life together in San Francisco, CA, eventually settling in Atherton in 1998. Their son Michael Zachary Minor (Zac) was born in 1987. There was nothing that brought Mike more joy than loving and supporting Zac throughout the years.
Mike took tremendous delight in aiding and encouraging others – and many will be forever touched by his kind efforts. As a best friend and trusted partner, Mike was an unwavering source of love and support to Cindy in her personal and professional journey throughout their years together. He was Cindy's biggest cheerleader, providing coaching and incredible support, as she co-founded in 1989 and helped build the economic consulting firm Cornerstone Research. Mike also embraced, loved and mentored his extended family which included his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews. He often reminded others that "Life is a Team Sport" — and for many, he was their coach. Countless people reflect on the impact Mike had, describing how he made them feel special and helped them to become better versions of themselves.
Mike both relished and generated beauty and adventure in life. He loved art and live music and enthusiastically supported artists around the world. He had a passion for design and creating magical spaces. He took joy in athletics as an ardent skier and avid golfer. He also reveled in attending games with family and friends and cheering for his beloved teams: the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and Golden State Warriors. He was quick to laugh, and his wonderful sense of humor and playful smile brightened many rooms.
Mike was predeceased by his father Miller G. Minor, his mother Mary, and brother Marty. He is survived by his wife Cindy Zollinger, his son Zac, his sister Marianne Minor, and his step mother Lorna Minor, as well as his extended family.
A "Celebration of Life" ceremony will be held in July. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to College Track, an organization whose work is rooted at the intersection of educational equity and racial justice. https://collegetrack.org/