BORN

1950

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

Inverness Funeral Home

45 MacIsaac Street

Inverness, Nova Scotia

Frederick "Rick" Minnikin Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 22, 2010.

Frederick (Rick) Campbell Minnikin, Little Judique – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Rick Minnikin, September 20, 2010 at home.
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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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29 Entries

November 13, 2010

Garth Norris

I just today learned of Rick's untimely passing and wanted to pass along my condolences to his family. I knew Rick many years ago when we worked together at Canada Post in Halifax and only recently reconnected with him through the magic of Facebook. I will always remember the fun we had together, the constant smile on his face, the weekend at the cottage in PEI, and the joy he brought to the lives of others.

October 19, 2010

Kim Bailey

Dear Frances, Florine, John and children:
On behalf of the PEI Roadrunners Club and as Director of the Annual Fulton Campbell half marathon and 5km run, please accept our profound sorrow and disbelief at the news of Ricks' death.
Rick first landed on the ‘running scene' almost 16 years ago when I took over the Fulton Campbell run, a run in his grandfather's honor, now entering its 35th year. Rick's presence was the constant North star at the beloved run, whether taking photos, passing out medals, or on BBQ detail! ALWAYS on BBQ detail....come nonstop rain, blistering sun, uncomfortable humidity, high gale force winds... there was Rick, big grin on face, twinkle in eye and hamburger flipper in hand, energy in ample supply.
I am so fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing him for many years.
His daily/weekly e-mails, his sharing of favorite recipes and the annual eclectic CD collection, born and burned from his wide taste of music, whose arrival I eagerly anticipated the first of each summer. When Rick learned of my planned car travel across the country and back this summer, he managed to send me 21 CDs, by Canada Post, despite a narrow margin of time. Each CD had the wildness array of music imaginable, as interesting and as changing as Rick. During the many miles, listening to his music choices, I was moved to tears, laughter, melancholy, inspiration....and moved by his thoughtfulness.
Rick, I am stunned by your too soon crossing because you were so awake, alive and complete. I will continue honoring your grandfather's memory, and yours as well. The Fulton Campbell is a fund raiser and all money goes to children in need. Rick said his grandfather would have loved this. Rick loved this.
Friend, heaven just became alot more interesting. I look forward to the day when I can catch up with you to hear all about it. I will miss you Rick.
Blessings, Kim Bailey from PEI

October 19, 2010

KIM BAILEY

Dear Frances, Florine, John and children:
On behalf of the PEI Roadrunners Club and as Director of the Annual Fulton Campbell half marathon and 5km run, please accept our profound sorrow and disbelief at the news of Ricks death.
Rick first landed on the ˜running scene" almost 16 years ago when I took over the Fulton Campbell run, a run in his grandfather's honor, now entering its 35th year. Rick's presence was the constant North star at the beloved run, whether taking photos, passing out medals, or on BBQ detail! ALWAYS on BBQ detail....come nonstop rain, blistering sun, uncomfortable humidity, high gale force winds... there was Rick, big grin on face, twinkle in eye and hamburger flipper in hand, energy in ample supply.
I am so fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing him for many years.
His daily/weekly e-mails, his sharing of favorite recipes and the annual eclectic CD collection, born and burned from his wide taste of music, whose arrival I eagerly anticipated the first of each summer. When Rick learned of my planned car travel across the country and back this summer, he managed to send me 21 CDs, by Canada Post, despite a narrow margin of time. Each CD had the wildness array of music imaginable, as interesting and as changing as Rick. During the many miles, listening to his music choices, I was moved to tears, laughter, melancholy, inspiration....and moved by his thoughtfulness.
Rick, I am stunned by your too soon crossing because you were so awake, alive and complete. I will continue honoring your grandfather's memory, and yours as well. The Fulton Campbell is a fund raiser and all money goes to children in need. Rick said his grandfather would have loved this. Rick loved this.
Friend, heaven just became alot more interesting. I look forward to the day when I can catch up with you to hear all about it. I will miss you Rick.
Blessings, Kim Bailey from PEI

September 29, 2010

Colleen Griffin Grant

To Flo,John & Rick's family:
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I was shocked to hear of Rick's passing from my brother who lives in Nova Scotia. As you my remember Rick and I shared the same birth date at the same hospital in Montague and our mothers became friends. (June 3, 1950). Also I have many memories of the Minnikin family visits at our home on Panmure Island, PE. The last time I recall seeing Rick was during the summer in the early 1980s. In later years, I would meet and chat with Flo while she would be doing business at my place at work, Access PEI, Montague. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

September 27, 2010

Michele Gaudet

To Frances and the family of Rick,
I was very shocked and saddened to read of Rick's passing in the newspaper. He was a customer of mine both at Econo Color and Carsand Mosher in Halifax. I have fond memories of our conversations, and remember him telling me about meeting the love of his life and moving to Cape Breton. He would always drop in to say hi when he was back in the city and tell me all about his latest adventures.
He was a kind soul with a heart of gold, and I will cherish my memories of him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this terribly difficult time.

September 27, 2010

Carol Lawlor

Frances and Family,
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. You realize the world is a small place when I discovered that my husband Geoff went to high school with Rick in Halifax. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take Care, your cousin Carol (Cameron) Lawlor,Geoff, Kristen, and Kathleen

September 26, 2010

David Todd

Frances and Family,

I was saddened to hear of Rick's passing. I knew Rick for many years; he was a fine person and will be missed.

With sympathy, David Todd

September 26, 2010

To Rick & family,
Too soon for a guy that went through all of your problems over the last 10 years, this was too soon to leave us all.
A wonderful deep-thinking friend, you will be badly missed by all who loved you.
As a friend, I will never forget the (sometimes soul-searching) discussions we had. I feel guilty at outliving you. My thoughts must now be with your loved ones. I can't imagine the pain they must be feeling.
Rick, you will never be forgotten by anyone you touched.
RIP.
John Crook

September 26, 2010

Bill & Allison Campbell

To Flo, John (Francine) & Rick's family,

We are deeply saddened by your sudden loss.

Please accept our sincerest condolences & prayers. May you be comforted by all the great memories.

September 24, 2010

Norman Schneiderman

We were deeply saddened to read of Ricks passing. We have fond memories over the many years that we knew Rick. His hearty laugh and smile will be missed.

Norman and Becky

September 24, 2010

Florine and Family:
I was shocked and sadden to hear of Rick's sudden death, I can only imagine how you are feeling. I have good memories of the few times we were able to be together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. As I just heard the sad news this evening we will not be able to attend the funeral. Florine, I hope to see you the next time I am in Halifax.
With deepest sympathy.
Cousin Joanne and Noel

September 24, 2010

Paula Cameron-HIckey

Dear Cousin Frances & Family,

It is with our warmest love, sincere condolences and prayes that we share with you and your family during this most difficult time.

Unfortunatley, we did not have the pleasure to meet Rick but must thank you and your family for sharing in his beautiful life through the pictures we are now sharing with you and many others through this guest book site.

It truely was our loss not to have had the privilege to meet such a wonderful husband, father, son, friend and much more which he expresses through his welcoming smile, his love for music, life and family.

Many years ago we shared a loss together of parents and one which was on this exact day so now we share a special bond but, I think we always did & we both know, as many do, how difficult the loss of loved one can be.

With our deepest sympathy,
LOVE - Paula, Jim & Emma Hickey (Cameron) XOXO

September 24, 2010

Paula Cameron-Hickey

Dear Cousin Frances and family,

It is with sincere condolences, love and prayers that we extend to each one of you during your sudden loss of Rick. Unfortunately we did not have the pleasure to meet him but we can tell by his warm inviting smile, musical background it was truly our loss. We shared in much sadness together on this date 32 years ago and we now again share this feeling of sudden loss & sadness. Eventhough miles keep us apart during this time of loss, please know in your heart our deepest sympathy, love and prayers are with you now and always.
Love, XOXO Paula, Jim & Emma (Cameron) Hickey Coldbrook, NS

September 24, 2010

Dear Frances; I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. I hadn’t met Rick, but by all accounts he was a fine man. I know there will be a big hole in your life just now. We all wonder why things like this happen, but we must trust that there is a higher power and that there are better things ahead. You & yours will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I will be unable to attend the wake etc. as my sister-in-law Bonnie has lost her father to cancer and the times are exactly the same and in Grand River.

God Bless & hope to see you soon, Barabal

September 24, 2010

Our deepest sympathies to Frances and family for the loss of such a great person, Rick was one of the friendliest people I have met and his absence will be a great loss for his family, friends & Iian, may he rest in peace.

Adele O'Brien & Family
Havre Boucher, NS

September 24, 2010

Padruig & Goiridh Domhnallach

A Fhrangag, a Lili agus Aonghuis, So sorry for your sudden loss. Padruig and I will pray that God will bestow every comfort, peace and solace on you all at this difficult time. May his soul be at rest.

September 23, 2010

John and Francine,

We are deeply sorry for the loss of John’s brother. These moments are always difficult to go through and we are with you and your family with heart and prayers.

Sincere Condolences

Marjolaine, Marc-Antoine, Sylvie and Pierre, St-Lambert, Quebec

September 23, 2010

" Frances, we were shocked and saddened when we heard of Rick's sudden passing. Connor and Keegan really enjoyed having Rick as their bus driver for the past few years. He was such a nice man and he will be greatly missed. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers." Shawna and Glenn Freimanis (Judique)

September 23, 2010

Simon & Wanda Beaton

We are shocked to here of Ricks passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. When i was there last week he told me that i was his electrician and a feeling of pride came over me to know he had faith in me. Rick will be missed by all that knew him.

September 23, 2010

Frances and family
I was shocked to hear of Richs sudden passing. We had great times when we both worked at Canada Post. I will miss him.

My deepest condolences to you and your family at this sad time.
Bill Marshall
St. John's NL

September 23, 2010

Karen Janigan

To John,

I am so sorry to hear to hear of Rick's too early passing. You must be devastated. I only knew him professionally when he was with Canada Post, but he seemed to have a very healthy sense of humour. Much like you.

May his humour sustain help you through your loss.

Best,

September 23, 2010

Frances and family,
Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband, Rick.We keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.

Colleen(Cameron),Peter,Kate,and Jenna Mosher
Lunenburg,N.S.

September 23, 2010

Hilary Atkinson

I was so sorry to hear of Ricks death and my heartfelt thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.I will be thinking of you and my prayers will be with you.

September 23, 2010

Heather-Anne Gillis

Dear Frances and family: I was sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 23, 2010

John Motherwell

Flo and John,

I am so sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Rick. I remember meeting him for the first time as John and I were at Dalhousie so many years ago and having our paths cross far too infrequently over the years. Music was always in his life and will remain a large part of his legacy. I am thinking of you both during this difficult time.

September 23, 2010

Our sympathy to you and your family Frances. AJ and Virginia MacIsaac, Judique.

September 23, 2010

Dear Frances, children and Rick's family..
Harry was so devastated to hear of the passing of the man he considered to be his "best friend"...Our thoughts and love are with you all at this time...and we are thinking of you constantly and remembering Rick...and all the wonderful stories, Harry used to tell about their morning coffee breaks at the school..
to find someone so loving and compassionate and smart and witty..all rolled into one..is very rare indeed...to know him and call him friend...is a gift.
We will see you on Friday, know always that we are thinking of you and pray that you will get through this very difficult time..
your friends
Harry & Heather Smith
River John, n.s......

September 23, 2010

Marlene Higgins

I'm so sorry to hear of Rick's death. I pray for his family during this diffficult time.

September 22, 2010

Sheila & Charlie MacDonald

Frances and children,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Sheila, Charlie & Family

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