Obituary of Richard Allen Minnick

Richard “Rick” Allen Minnick passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2019 after a valiant, brave, and painful battle with cancer. He was born on December 11, 1949 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Theodore and Magdalena (Vorich) Minnick who preceded him in death. In addition, he was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother. Rick is survived by his wife, Malinda “Mindy” Minnick. He and his wife truly shared a once in a lifetime love story they considered a blessing by God as many never experience such profound love, companionship, partnership, and best friendship. Rick was a very wise man. He taught his wife many valuable lessons about life, most of all true love and fairy tales do come true. He touched so many lives and was loved and respected by all he encountered in our lives. He was a loving husband, father, and friend. He learned, taught us all, and declared firmly that family is not defined by blood, but rather by affinity. Rick was also survived by three children, Sarah, Geoffery, and Megan, two stepsons, DJ Ashba, and Hunter Ashba, 2 grandsons, and a brother, Robert. Rick was extremely close with his step-sons, DJ and Hunter, who both serve in the U.S. Army and proudly considered them his sons in every sense. They unconditionally loved and respected him, looked up to him for guidance, considered him a role model, and were loyal to him, standing by him always. He was looked up to as a father figure and role model by his stepsons and numerous others in our lives he considered his children. He was so appreciative of his close friends he considered his family. Those friends were loyal, supportive, and cared for him deeply. They were so thrilled for he and his wife to have found such happiness. Many came to visit, continued contact, and were loyal to Rick and his wife throughout their lives together. Rick was so touched by those who donated to his cancer campaigns. It was a true testament of their love and appreciation of Rick. Rick was a wonderful, loving man with a much loved and unique sense of humor. He loved history, politics, news, John Deere products and memorabilia, Waylon Jennings and country music, Snoop Dog, television, movies, spending quiet time at home with his wife and dogs, and visiting with family, friends neighbors. He loved their dachshunds, Scarlet and Karma, as well as their beloved boxer, Zoey who remained at his side throughout his illness until preceding him in death. Rick attended Central Catholic High School until he voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 16 and was deployed to Vietnam. He subsequently earned his G.E.D. after returning from deployment. Rick was a proud U.S. Marine Veteran who served honorably in Vietnam. He received many awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Marksman, and the RVN Cross of Galiantry with Palm Medal during his service to our country. He was a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of Vietnam Veterans of America, and Disabled Veterans of America (DAV). He was laid to rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with full military honors and Caisson following a visitation / viewing at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care. He was a man of deep faith, which he openly shared with others. He read his numerous devotionals daily. Rick loved children and animals and donated to a variety of associated charities; therefore donations in memory of Rick may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, ASPCA for animals, and / or Hospice of Health First in Melbourne, Florida. RICK is in heaven now and is holding open the gates until we all meet again in Paradise. His wife is so grateful to God for the privilege to love RICK and be loved by him so purely and completely. His wife and those closest to him will always love Rick and miss him every day. Semper Fidelis our lovely Angel, Rick.