Harold L. Minkler

I am sad to report that Dad passed away late April 10. We were all there throughout the day. No pain or suffering. Mom was alone with Dad and came out in the hall and calmly told the nurse that Harold isn't here anymore and I need to call Scott. She told me the same way. Cindy went to be with Mom until they took Dad away.
I believe that once Dad was able to talk, pray, listen and affirm his love for all of us in the late afternoon; then once alone with Mom, in his heart he felt he was free to leave. He was very tired and his body could not keep up anymore. Thank you for your love and thoughts.
Scott Minkler scottbminkler@gmail.com Feel free to contact.
Rev. Harold L. Minkler 1930-2021
Rev. Harold L. Minkler, age 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 10, 2021. Harold was born in 1930 in Alhambra, CA to George and Rhoda Minkler. He graduated from Franklin High School in Los Angeles, attended Pasadena College, Anderson College, and Anderson College School of Theology. As a Church of God Pastor he served in Coalinga, CA, Sioux Falls, SD and Kalamazoo, MI. In 1977 he began his 20-year ministry as chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital, and later St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham. After retirement he was active in both Whatcom and Skagit Hospice. Harold and Gwen attended Cornwall Park Church of God, Birchwood Presbyterian Church and First Congregational Church. In recent years he served as an interim pastor for numerous churches around Whatcom County.
Harold was preceded in death by his sisters Opal and Esther. He is survived by his loving wife Gwen, three children, Randy Minkler, Scott Minkler (Carole Scanes), and Cindy Minkler, and several nieces and nephews.
Harold grew up in Highland Park, Los Angeles with two older sisters at home in the depression. He had a happy childhood with family and friends in the neighborhood. Dad raised rabbits as a boy in the backyard to help with the family finances. It was a full house during the War with sisters and cousins moving in, as husbands were off to war. It was a demanding time for a growing teenager.
Harold’s life changed completely when he became a Christian at seventeen. After graduating from Anderson college, he was accepted to the School of Theology. This is where Harold started dating Gwen, who would soon become his wife of 67 years. Harold then felt called to pastor an exciting new church in Coalinga, CA. Randy and
Scott were born in this period. After a few years there. Harold’s family moved on to Sioux Falls, South Dakota-again making many lifelong friends. Cindy was born there and joined the family.
Then, on to Kalamazoo, Michigan for 10 years. His children had the majority of their childhood there. Harold and Gwen enjoyed another energetic, dynamic and active congregation there. Both were heavily involved in every aspect of the Church.
In Kalamazoo, Harold was also dedicated to visiting folks in hospital and other people in need. While pastoring in Michigan, Harold went on mission trips to Panama and Haiti to help build a clinic and improve conditions for the local people.
After being a minister for 20 years, Harold felt called to pursue a career as a hospital chaplain. After training, he accepted an appointment as chaplain in Bellingham, WA. While at St. Luke’s, he worked with EMT’s and law enforcement to help start a trauma support program. Harold moved on to St. Joseph Hospital where he retired after a 20-year chaplain career.
Harold was instrumental in forming Hospice of Whatcom County. He was involved with cancer relief programs, teen suicide prevention, Adult Day Health Program for seniors, The United Way and many other support service groups.
Harold and Gwen raised three children. Lots of camping, playing board games and trips.... Dad was a loving and involved family man. He was always so easy to be with. He always enjoyed a good game of Scrabble with Gwen!
In retirement, Harold and Gwen were able to enjoy trips to Turkey and Italy to experience some biblical highlights and also to Germany with friends from past congregations.
Harold, along with Gwen on piano, in recent years played harmonica with the Rhythm Band from the Bellingham Senior Center, visiting nursing homes around Bellingham. He continued to preach in Everson from time to time.
Harold loved God. He loved Gwen and his family without fail. He was dedicated to spiritual guidance in the community. He was often called upon to provide hope, answers or just a friendly ear. He would always respond with a caring and compassionate heart. The world has been richer for having found comfort and
guidance offered by Harold Minkler.
A celebration of life will be held at Cornwall Church, 4518 Northwest Drive in Bellingham at 1 PM on Wednesday, May 5th. The service will also be live streamed at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .