Frederick "Rick" Minnikin

Rick was born June 3, 1950 in Montague, Prince Edward Island to Florine (Campbell) and the late Frederick Minnikin. In his early years he lived in Montreal and loved to spend his summers with his grandparents Mae and Fulton Campbell in Montague. He lived for more than forty years in Halifax and worked for many of these years with Canada Post Corporation. He was a founding member of The Wolverines, a Halifax band that created great music and friendship. He moved to Cape Breton in 2006 to be with the love of his life and begin anew.

He was a loving and devoted husband to Frances MacEachen and at the age of 56 embraced the role of stepfather to Lili and Angus. He loved and was very proud of his children. Gabriel Frederick and Ruth Mae are professional musicians in Manchester, England. Amy Florine, is a student at The Halifax Grammar School and is a great sailor, like her Dad. He will be deeply missed by his brother John (Francine) and his mother Florine, Halifax, who he said taught him about unconditional love.

At the time of his death he was employed with the Strait Regional School Board as a bus driver, a job he said allowed him to enjoy the beautiful early morning scenery – every day different – as he picked up the children on the back roads of Judique. He enjoyed daily coffee with his fellow bus drivers at Bayview Education Centre, Port Hood.

Rick loved music of any kind, especially country, bluegrass, folk, blues, jazz, classical. He loved good singer/songwriters and enjoyed collaborating with Inverness County musicians and song writers. Rick was a connector -- he brought people together. He loved his Martin guitar, sailing, skiing, dogs, especially Iain and Lucky, photography, the Blue Jays, the Beatles, the beaches and sunsets in Port Hood and P.E.I. He was happiest sitting on his cottage deck watching the sun set over the Montague River. He will be loved forever.

Visitation will be at the Port Hood Resting Place on Friday, September 24, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A memorial Service will be held at St. Stephen’s United Church, Port Hood at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 25. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the SPCA. On-line condolences may be made at: www.invernessfuneralhome.com