Alan Robert Minkin

Alan Robert Minkin, born June 21, 1936, died peacefully at his Sonoma home at the age of 88 on October 31, 2024.  Alan was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Theodore and Muriel Minkin.  After graduation from Southwest High School he attended the University of Missouri, majoring in economics.  He joined the ROTC at “Mizzou” before graduating in 1958 and enlisting in the U.S. Air Force.  Alan was stationed at Indian Springs AFB in Nevada, the support base for above ground nuclear testing, where he served as an Accounting and Finance Officer and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.  Following his active duty and a brief return to Kansas City, Alan made his permanent move to California where he began his successful banking career.  As a lending officer he worked at various banks before retiring from The Pacific Bank in San Francisco’s Financial District.

 Alan’s passing occurred one day before the 50-year anniversary of he and wife Marlene’s first date in 1974, a fortuitous meeting that had been arranged by mutual friends.  They were married in 1976 in their newly purchased Tiburon home and Alan lovingly, legally adopted Marlene’s daughter Michelle shortly thereafter. During their time in Tiburon, Alan served on the Board of the Marin Food Bank and after retirement from banking, he found driving a mini school bus within Marin for children with disabilities to be very enjoyable and rewarding.

After spending 24 years in Tiburon, Alan and Marlene built their Sonoma home where they felt very fortunate to live for the past 25 years.  In Sonoma, Alan made many dear and special friends, with several of whom he enjoyed a weekly coffee visit up until his passing.  And Alan became involved with a home wine making group that harvested grapes from the Tex Yuen vineyard near their home.  He helped harvest, bottle and, of course, “taste test” several vintages of “Two Minks” Merlot and Old Vine Zinfandel.  Alan also greatly enjoyed volunteering as a Docent at The Sonoma Mission, meeting and touring people from around the country and the world until failing health prevented him from continuing.

Alan’s sister, Joyce Shanker, preceded him in death.  In addition to his wife, Marlene, Alan is survived by their daughter Michelle, son-in-law Rod Stewart, and his grandchildren Katie and Ryan Stewart.  He will be missed by all who knew him for his ready smile and gentle nature.

Marlene would like to thank Sonoma’s CarePartners Initiative circle of friends for their care and support, including many enjoyable bimonthly Memory Cafes she and Alan enjoyed together.   The family would also like to thank Providence Hospice of Sonoma County for their dedicated, loving care and gentle support during his last days.  A celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date.

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