John W. Minnick, Jr.

John William Minnick, Jr. formerly of Sedona, died peacefully in his sleep, on January 1, 2009, after a long illness. Family was by his side. He was 80 years old. After 59 years of marriage, John leaves behind his wife, Maryann, three sons; John M. (Lindsey) of Flagstaff, Jeffrey F. (ArLean) of Sedona, and James W. of Denver, CO, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. For the past 11 years, he resided in Clarkdale with his wife. John was born in Toledo, OH on March 7, 1928. He served in the Naval Reserves for eight years during the Korean War and WW 2. John moved his family from Pasadena, California to Sedona in 1975. He owned and operated the La Vista Hotel in Uptown Sedona, when he began the Sedona Inn Keepers Association, whose concept, in part, has evolved into the current Sedona Lodging Council. In 1978, John Minnick became the third owner of Pink Jeep Tours. For ten years, he and his wife, along with their sons as tour guides, operated Sedona\u0027s first jeep touring business and turned it into the renown tourist experience it now is, helping to put Sedona on the map, worldwide. John was a businessman, who owned and operated several Sedona businesses before retiring in 1995. In 1987, John trademarked the icon phrase "Spirit of Sedona", when his passion for Sedona reminded its residence that "We are Sedona\u0027s future". This ear-marked the beginning of the Spirit of Sedona Awards, which recognized upstanding Sedona residents for their valued contributions of time, energy, talent and finances to the town they loved. Recipients included Cecil Lochart-Smith, Judge Petit and his wife, Georgia, Laura Purdyman, Sedona Schnebly, and Joe Beeler. In 2006, John philanthropically donated the "Spirit of Sedona" phrase to the Sedona Community Foundation, who has carried on the tradition of recognizing valued residents and their accomplishments. He was honored for his donation in a ceremony in 2006 and was himself, presented with the award in recognition of his contributions to the Sedona he loved. John will be missed by all those who knew and loved him and he will be remembered as part of the "family" of uptown merchants that co-existed long before Sedona\u0027s incorporation. Interment is being handled by Westcott Funeral Home. A private graveside service will take place on January 23. A memorial service in John\u0027s honor will take place on March 7 from 2-4 p.m. at the Christ Center Wesleyan Church on Brewer Road, Sedona. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Northern Arizona Hospice. Their loving care to John and his family is greatly appreciated.