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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jun '87
E. Scott Minnich No. 15944 Class of 1946 Died 2
July 1985 in Puyallup, Washington, aged 62 years. Interment:
Old Tacoma Cemetery, Tacoma, Washington
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E. SCOTT MINNICH was born 23 December 1923 in Carroll,
Iowa, the second son of George Arthur and Maude Minnich. His
older brother, G. Arthur Minnich, was in turn an inspiration,
a companion and a friend.
Scott finished high school in Carroll, where his popularity and
his athletic skills tended to obscure his quiet competence in
his academic activities. Following high school, Scott entered
the University of Iowa where he was associated with the Sigma
Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Here he enjoyed the typical college
life of the times, which hardly conditioned him for the austerity
shortly to confront him that memorable first day of July 1943,
when he entered Beast Barracks. That imperturbable quality soon
to become so characteristic manifested itself and carried him
through with equanimity. His very evident maturity, excellent
judgement and sense of fair play as a cadet were a forecast of
his success as an officer. His love of life and great sense of
humor were a continuing source of comradeship for those around
him. His circle of friends widened throughout those years at
the Academy, but none held him in such esteem and affection as
his roommates.
After graduation, Scott joined some one hundred
classmates for fighter and gunnery training at Williams Field
and Ajo, AZ. To the dismay of the remainder, Scott and a few
others were assigned to troop carrier units upon completion of
this training. It was while assigned to the 61st Troop Carrier
Wing, McCord, AFB, Washington, that Scott met and married Laurienne
Stewart on 29 March 1948. This union produced two sons, Robert
Stewart and Scott Arthur, and one daughter, Elizabeth Cross.
An assortment of well loved pets usually complemented the family.
Despite the upheavals attendant to the many transfers, theirs
was a happy home and a center of myriad activities. An assignment
to Hickam AFB, Hawaii followed the McCord assignment: thereafter
were staff assignments in the US Air Force Europe, the Office
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Department of the Air Force
and Headquarters, Military Airlift Command, as well as various
operational assignments including flying the giant C-5 aircraft
and command of an airlift wing in Germany.
Retirement from the Air Force in 1975 to Puyallup,
WA brought no significant change in the pace of his activities.
He soon became active in planning for the future of Puyallup.
His ability was quickly recognized and he was elected to the
City Council, and soon thereafter became a popular and courageous
mayor.
Scott is deeply missed by his family and a host
of devoted, close friends.
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