Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

California Polytechnic State University Stanford University

Allen Minker Obituary

Allen Minker 63, judge, writer, world traveler, philosopher, died of lung cancer at his home in Los Osos, California, on September 25, 2008. He moved to Arizona, where he earned the highest score on the 1974 State Bar exam. As a lawyer he handled both civil and criminal litigation and told wonderful stories about some of his more unusual trials, like his first one, where the burglary victim identified him as the perpetrator. He worked as a public defender in Tucson for several years, arguing in the federal court of appeals in San Francisco on behalf of 32 Arizona death row inmates. In 1985 Allen was appointed superior court judge for Greenlee County by then-Governor Bruce Babbitt. In addition to his duties as superior court judge, Allen at times was asked to sit on the Arizona Supreme Court and Arizona Courts of Appeal and wrote several published opinions. Allen married Susan (Bloch) Wishnok in 1988 and became step-stepfather to Susan's two grown stepdaughters. Allen and Susan moved to San Luis Obispo, Cal in 1998. Allen was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005 (his younger brother Chuck having died of the same disease in 1992). Despite all the treatments he endured, he was a positive force to the end, writing a blog about his illness which uplifted and inspired his family and friends. His wife Susan guided and diligently cared for him over his three years confronting the disease. In addition to his wife Susan, Allen is survived by his mother, Dorothy, of Las Vegas, and brother, Jeffrey, of Tucson. He was warm hearted and consistently loyal to those whom he loved; he maintained friendships that endured. Above all, he was a man of abiding compassion with a profound love of life. A memorial service will be held at the South Bay Community Center in Los Osos on Sunday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center, or the Lung Cancer Alliance.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Sep. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Allen Minker

17 Entries

Jay Murphy

September 28, 2009

Dear Susan,

I will always remember Allen's easy laugh and constant smile.... He brightened spirits, he had a kindness that was palpable and a curiousity that seemed endless. He seemed giddy with life itself. I felt good when I was around him so I will never completely let him go.

You are both in my prayers,

Jay

Toni Grekin

February 28, 2009

Dearest Susan,

Don't know what struck me this wintery day, to google you only to hear of Allen's death in the fall. After reading the obitiuary, it is clear how much poorer our planet is by his loss. All my love, Toni Grekin

James & Susan Flook

October 12, 2008

Dear Susan,

We are very sorry for your loss. You and Allen have been very courageous while Allen battled cancer. I was shocked to learn that Jeffrey had cancer an even more shocked when Allen learned of his condition. I am thinking of you, Dorthy and Jeffrey in your time of grief.

Love,

jana mar

October 8, 2008

Dear Susan,
I just learned of Allen's passing. I am so very sorry. Upon meeting the two of you initially and every subsequent contact be it in person, email, or telephone, it was always to my benefit, thank you. Allen has a grace and sense of humor that will be with us forever. I will always treasure our Jeopardy outing and thank you both for sharing and caring for the rest of us. I have the Turkey card and your facial expressions declared your adventurous spirit(s) and your continued adoration for one another. May those snippets of time and travels provide some comfort to you.

Rosemary Donnell

October 6, 2008

Dear Susan,

Apparently I wasn't as prepared for Allen's death as I thought I was. I'm sure part of that has to do with the fact that I was on the train on my way to Kansas City then Oklahoma City when I learned the sad news. It is a comfort having others around who knew what a wonderful person he was; because I was traveling, I'm behind on that. I did have a nice talk with John Dilworth that Thursday evening as the train passed into Colorado. I was sure Allen would make it until I got back and could see him one more time. His body had other ideas.

When our small group meets tomorrow night, I know we'll spend most of the evening processing our grief. Though the group will be a source of comfort, it will also be a continual source of sadness for me since lately I had been sitting next to Allen and was privy to his witty side comments. I will so very much miss his wisdom and his ability to keep questioning.

Usually I'm the one that isn't shy about speaking at a memorial service. Please pardon me if I'm unable to do so on the 12th. Right now I'm still too emotional to try to speak about Allen in a large group; besides, I couldn't find the words to express how wonderful he was. I will miss him very much as will so many people from the Sangha. I guess our consolation is that we did get some time with him. It's better to have known him and now be so sad than to have never known him.
With deep affection,
Rosemary

Edward and Grace Nabor

October 3, 2008

I was Judge Minker’s judicial assistant while he was the Superior Court Judge in Greenlee County. When Judge Minker hired me I did not have a court background, he showed me much patience and kindness as he explained the different types of cases and procedures followed in the courts. Judge Minker stressed the importance of being fair minded, and at all times having integrity and showing respect to everyone. What I admired most about Judge Minker was his intellect, reasoning ability and his capacity to genuinely interact with individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds. I learned so much from Judge Minker. It was truly a privilege knowing, working for and being Judge Minker’s friend. In 2006, with Judge Minker’s mentoring and support, I was elected Justice of the Peace of Greenlee County.

At this time and the days ahead our heart goes out to Susan and the Minker family. We are confident the wonderful memories of a man so giving and who lived a full life will bring you much comfort. Allen, you will never be forgotten.

With much love,

Dave Edwrads

October 3, 2008

For the past ten years, I had the honor of knowing and loving this great man. He became my best friend. I will miss him more than anyone can imagine. I am terribly sad for Susan andthe enitre SLO community

Billie Sanders

October 1, 2008

I am so saddened by the loss of Allen Minker. I worked under him when he was Superior Court Judge in Clifton, Arizona; I worked at the Probation Department at the time. When he found out I spoke Spanish, he quickly convinced me to assist in the courtroom with interpeting. He always encouraged me to continue to better my ability and bought me a Spanish/English dictionary; that I use to this day. He always expressed his gratitude for my service to the court. He had a way of letting you know he cared. We became good friends and I will always remember him. Susan, may your many wonderful memories comfort you.

Jimmy Fein

September 30, 2008

I moved to Tucson the same time Allen did. We studied for the bar exam together. We had alot of laughs. Allen finished first on the exam but at least I passed. I used to kid Allen about his bird watching. He always had a smile and a wit. I will miss him deeply.

Carol Wittels

September 30, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of Allen's death today. I have wonderful memories of our doing trials in Flagstaff and Bisbee with Allen, when we were both in the Pima County Public Defender's Office.
I am glad that Susan had twenty years with Allen, and I also extend our deep sympathy to his brother Jeff and his mom.

monica stauffer

September 30, 2008

Judge Minker was the inspiration of my law career. He encouraged me, mentored me and was a great man and friend. Susan was just as big a part of my success and I will always be so grateful to her. We are all better lawyers, judges and people because of Allen Minker.

Fred Dardis

September 30, 2008

I worked with Allen for many years. We were and are friends. He was the best no matter what he did. He was a great lawyer, he was a great judge and he was a great person. Our lives are emptier because he is not with us. His smile and personality will always be remembered by me. I miss him dearly. My prayers are with his wife and his brother and Mother.
Fred Dardis

Stephen Hudgens

September 30, 2008

I met Allen when he was in Greenlee County- It was my gain to interact with this man-he truly cared about the children in Greenlee County-My condolences to the family

Jose Marquez

September 30, 2008

My name is Jose I had the pleasure of knowing Allen when he was a public defender. In 1978 he defended me form a criminal charge and we won. We beat Ken Peasley. I really liked Allen a lot. We kept in touch for a short while after. We lost a good man.

Michele and Larry Hoffman

September 29, 2008

What a beautiful and productive life. We are glad our friend Susan got to share her life with such a fine person.

Sue Watts

September 28, 2008

I lost my dear 93 year old mother this month. This is terribly sad of course, and I miss her, but the loss of Allen Minker is a tragedy almost too much to bear. His gorgeous productive life cut so short. I learned so much from Allen over the years, and am flattered that he considered me a friend. I have many happy memories of Allen and Susan, including a fun Christmas in Tucson. I will never forget you dear sweet Allen. I thank you for so much.
With love now and always. Sue Watts.

Arline and Carl Ravitch

September 28, 2008

We had glimpses of Allen through the few times we were together as second cousins and although they were so pleasant and positive, reading about him now makes it quite apparant that he was far more special than we knew. Our hearts go out to Allen and of course Susan as well as Jeff, Barbara, and Aunt Dot. Mere words are insufficient to convey how saddened we are and what a deep loss this was for the world around him.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results