Birth date: Mar 14, 1931 Death date: Sep 22, 2012
Thomas Medlin Minor, a resident of Yucaipa, CA passed away 9/22/12 in Redlands,CA. Born in Independence, MO on 3/14/31, came to San Bernardino in 1945. Graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1949. Married to Virginia for 58 Read Obituary
A very sad day for everyone who has known both Virginia and Tom Minor. Tom will be missed by all who knew and respected him over the many years that he has served his community in so many ways. Always a team, Virginia and Tom hold a special place in our hearts and in the heart of their many friends and neighbors,. He will be deeply missed, but always remembered with joy, respect and love.
Dr. Joyce Miller, Dr. Pam Miller, Page Miller, Joel Rothschild
I am so sorry To Hear about Mr. Minor, I did not know him personally but My Dad (Sgt. George Daneke served with him on the force. I used to hang out at the old police station so I am sure I ran into him at some point. My condolences to the whole family Godspeed
Bob Daneke
Remembrance for former Mayor Tom Minor, City of San Bernardino, Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, September 27, 2012:
My name is Lee Dean. Mayor Tom Minor hired me in 1996 as his Chief of Police for the City of San Bernardino—this in spite of the fact that one of my predecessors, Chief Warren Cocke, admonished me to seek mental health assistance before accepting the appointment, and in any event, to insist on a contract. Before arriving in San Bernardino I was Chief of Police in Vacaville California, a relatively affluent community with relatively low crime.
I want to share a few reflections on behalf of not only myself, but also on behalf of the many members of the SBPD who served with Mayor Minor or under his administration.
Mayor Minor dedicated a large part of his life to serving his community, first as a law enforcement officer and then as Mayor for the City of San Bernardino. Very early in my tenure as Chief of Police I made the statement that I was coming to San Bernardino, “with my eyes open”. This statement somehow made its way into the press, which caused my very loyal Assistant Chief, Wayne Harp, to graciously help me to understand that no one came to San Bernardino with their eyes open; as his father used to say, “this ain’t no tea-sippin town”. I had no way of knowing at the time how spot-on Chief Harp’s counsel was—which didn't take long to figure out. I shared this exchange with Mayor Minor, and he was quick to affirm the wisdom that Assistant Chief Harp had imparted to me. Over the succeeding years, Mayor Minor and I more than once enjoyed a healthy laugh over this “welcome to reality” moment.
Mayor Minor had an abiding respect and fondness for the men and women of the SBPD which he was quick to share—it was easy to see that whether you served on his watch or followed in his footsteps, Mayor Minor held a deep appreciation for the members of his former organization, who reflected the highest traditions in their chosen profession.
When you dealt with Tom Minor, you very quickly gained a sense for his honesty and candor. As noted, he hired me as Chief of Police for San Bernardino. In our early negotiations at the Radisson Hotel over lunch, he asked what it would take to get me to come to San Bernardino—my response was an employment contract; which was at least in-part owing to the earlier counsel I had received from former Chief of Police Warren Cocke. Mayor Minor said that while they had never offered anyone a contract, he wasn’t opposed to exploring the possibility. We agreed that I would return to Vacaville, and that he would look into the feasibility of meeting my request. The long and short of it is that in subsequent weeks, a contract was hammered out, and I was invited to a City Council meeting at which my confirmation as the city's new Chief of Police was on the agenda.
On the eve of this City Council meeting, the phone rang in my room at the Radisson Hotel; Mayor Minor was calling to let me know that certain council members were insisting that language be added to my contract to mandate hiring of police personnel to parallel the demographic makeup of the community. I told Mayor Minor that in my humble opinion, this would be problematic for any new police chief—I shared with him my reasoning and he listened thoughtfully. He asked me to keep an open mind and meet with the city manager nonetheless. He also said that whatever my decision, he would support it. As predicted, the proposed additional language became a potential deal-breaker. The following morning, true to his word, Mayor Minor took a position to affirm my appointment as Chief of Police—without any changes to the original language of our agreement. He acted on that day with integrity and purpose and on all the subsequent days that I had the privilege of serving under his administration. Following my swearing in, I had the honor of meeting Mayor Minor’s wife, Virginia—she was, and is, a most gracious and humble person; someone who made me feel more than welcome. Tom’s SBPD family sends their profound condolences to Virginia, and
Virginia, I was at Mr. Minor's funeral service yesterday, but I did not get a chance to speak with you to offer my condolences. I have good memories of when your Tom was Mayor Minor. He accomplished many great things for San Bernardino. I had the good fortune to meet you and Tom one day at the Mexico Cafe in San Bernardino. City Attorney Jim Penman introduced me. At the time I was running for City Clerk for San Bernardino and Mr. Minor agreed to endorse my candidacy. It was a proud moment for me. You and Tom were gracious, kind and uplifting!
I wish you and your family comfort in the memories you will recall of Tom knowing that he was loved and appreciated by many whom he touched.
Sincerely,
Amelia Sanchez Lopez
At this time I would like to lend my support to him that was a pillar in our community. Godspeed Big Tom ...
Virgina, I am so sorry to hear about Tom. My heart is with you and the entire family. Love to all, Sue Gilmore (Carol's Sister)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to cope with your great loss and remember all the special moments you shared with Tom. He was a good man, a tireless leader, and a great neighbor.
They Yeakel Family
Becky,
My condolences to you and your family are sent today and through out these difficult times .
Brenda Blankenship
Great memories of a Great man! Sympathies and condolences to Mrs. Minor and family.
Brent Brody.
We are so sorry for your loss, we have so many wonderful memories and good times together with the Minor family. Sending our sympathies to the entire Minor Family.
Sincerely,
Dave and Joann Thomas and Cathy Thomas (Askwith) and Kelly Thomas (Loreman)
