Bob, rest in peace old friend. You were a good man.
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Robert C. Minnis, age 83, of Erie, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 25, 2007 at his home. He was born November 13, 1924 in Franklin, PA, a son of the late David L. and Emma Hoffman Minnis Mattson. He lived in Erie most of his life. For many years he ran his own business and worked as a private painting contractor. He enjoyed playing Bingo and listening to country music.
He was preceded in death by a son, John C. Minnis; one brother, Clair L. Minnis and three sisters, Emma Jane Mattson, Bertha L. Grimm and Clara Bell Minnis. He was survived by his wife of 41 years, four daughters, four sons, and two step sons. He was also survived by one brother and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Friends were invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service there at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions could be made to the family.
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Bruce Baldwin |
I've known Bob since I was a young boy, for well over 50 years, since the time I started working for my father during summer vacations from grade school. Bob was the last of the old gang that used to contract for Baldwin Bros. in the never ending job of keeping up all their commercial and residential properties. It is definitely sad to see Bob pass away, it really is the end of an era. Everyone knew that Bob and my father (along with Al Currie) fought like cats and dogs at times. In fact, they had some real doozies, but they always seemed to get over it, laugh about it, and get back to work. I remember when I was about 10 years old (around 1959) Dad and I drove Bob down to the Driver's Bureau so he could take his driver's test and get his first license. Bob had been driving around for years without one and no one had ever noticed. Those really were the good old days. Anyway Bob got stopped for driving without a license and Dad helped smooth things over with the police by promising he would see to it that Bob got his license. Hey, if he couldn't drive, he couldn't get to the job, so they were helping each other out. Then there was the time Bob put up that sign in his front yard to sic the IRS on my Dad, it stayed up until Bob needed some work and my Dad agreed to pay him in advance. It's true that Bob and my Dad had tempers and they could both be stubborn but in spite of it all they did seem to genuinely like each other and if Dad had some painting to do Bob was the first contractor he called for over 50 years. That says something. Charlotte, Bob Jr., Jane and family please accept the sympathies of the entire Baldwin family for Bob's unexpected death. |