John Clark Minnick II

John was born May 23, 1964, in Pinedale, Wyoming. He spent much of his life as a lineman, doing the kind of hard, demanding work that suited him. His job took him across the country, often into communities devastated by storms and natural disasters. While others were leaving the destruction behind, John and his fellow linemen were heading toward it, working long hours to restore power and help people begin putting their lives back together. He was proud of the work he did, and he was never afraid to work hard or lend a hand when people needed one.

John was funny, charming, and the kind of person who could make a friend anywhere. He was a people magnet. Whether sitting around a campfire, riding a bus full of strangers in Las Vegas, or simply talking with someone he had just met, people were drawn to him. He had a way of turning strangers into friends and ordinary moments into stories that would be told for years.

John loved camping, fishing, hiking, good food, and a great barbecue. He especially loved potlucks and neighborhood cookouts, where he could share—and proudly showcase—his latest creations. For John, good food was meant to be shared, and some of the best times were those spent gathered around with family, friends, and neighbors.

Of all the things John was proud of in his life, nothing compared to his family. He was fiercely proud of his sons, Ethan and Aaron Minnick. And then there was his granddaughter, Sedona, Ethan’s daughter. As far as her grandpa was concerned, Sedona hung the moon and stars.

John is survived by his mother, Jan Minnick; his sons, Ethan and Aaron Minnick; his granddaughter, Sedona; his sisters, Lesa Minnick and Fawn Curtis; his brother-in-law, Mel Curtis; his nephews, Sean Curtis and his wife, Steffanie, and Ryan Curtis and his wife, Tiffany; as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

John was welcomed home by his father, John Minnick; his sisters, Violet and Janet; his brother, Jack; and his nieces, Stacy and Teresa Frerichs.

John leaves behind a lifetime of stories and memories and an enormous number of people who were fortunate enough to call him family or friend. He will be remembered for his humor, his generosity, his love of family, and that remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went.

The world is a little quieter without John in it, but the stories, laughter, and love he left behind will remain with all of us who loved him.