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Minihan, Charles Ernest Minihan was born in Hillsdale, Michigan on December 11, 1949. He was 65 years old & a resident of Druid Hills, Georgia where he lived with his beloved wife, Catherine Anne Smith, who survives him. He died on Monday, July 20th 2015, of complications from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, at Hospice Atlanta. He became acutely ill in January & was being cared for at home by his wife prior to moving to hospice. Memorial Services will be at the Chapel of Georgia Cremation in Duluth, Georgia on Saturday, July 25th beginning at 2 pm.
Charlie Minihan was employed for the past 15 years at Emory University’s Information Technology Department. He was a Media Specialist, assisting the teaching staff of Emory with classroom technology. He also advised Emory on how to make the campus more accessible for the hearing impaired. Prior to that, Mr. Minihan worked as an Archivist for the Jimmy Carter Center, a Librarian for what is now Georgia Perimeter Center, & an Archivist for Georgia State. There, he catalogued the archives for the Labor movement in Georgia & assisted with the archives of Johnnie Mercer, a musician from Georgia who wrote the song “Moon River.” He enjoyed the academic setting.
Charles Minihan moved to the Atlanta area with his wife & then small children, Colin Smith Minihan (now 34) & Anne Smith Minihan (31), in 1986. They survive, as do their spouses, Christina Peterson Minihan & Colin Burnett. The family had lived in Hillsdale, Michigan, where his parents, Thelma Arlene Glaser/Minihan & Edmond Patrick Minihan moved following World War II. They preceded him in death, both in 2000. He is survived by his two older brothers, & their spouses: Ed Minihan of Wisconsin & Bill Minihan of Lansing, Michigan, three sister-in-laws & two brother-in-laws. One of his nephews, Jesse Smith, also lives in the metro-Atlanta area.
Charlie, AKA “Gampa” is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Violet & Cora, numerous nieces & nephews, & many cousin on his wife’s side. He remained close to his distant cousins in Schull, Ireland where his family visits regularly.
Charles Minihan received his Bachelors of Science in Archeology from Michigan State & his Masters of Library Science from Atlanta University. He also worked on his PhD from Georgia State in Library Media Technology, stopping just short of writing his dissertation.
Charlie traveled extensively with his wife & best friend of 35 years. They camped in State & National Parks, & some private campgrounds as well, throughout the United States, from the extreme Northeast to the Florida Keys to the extreme Northwest in the San Juan Islands. They camped in England, Ireland, & Scotland. They visited gardens & museums throughout the United States, Europe, & Central America. Charlie taught himself Gaelic & enjoyed learning about his Irish heritage. He & his wife shared duo citizenship with the European Community. As recently as December of last year, he was an avid bicyclist. He walked or bicycled to work daily & rode for the cure for Diabetes. He also participated in the Bicycle Ride across Georgia. Charlie was an avid photographer, capturing of the many places he traveled. In his younger years, Charlie & his wife built their own furniture. He & his wife volunteered for the Druid Hills Tour of Homes & were members of the Atlanta Botanical Garden for over 30 years. Their backyard houses multiple bird-feeders—he especially liked watching humming birds.
Charles Minihan will be missed by many friends, family, & co-workers. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his children & he remained an active father even in his illness. During their younger years he was a stay-at-home Dad.
Mostly, Charlie Minihan was known for his acerbic wit. He told his wife, when his time was near, that she would need to take him “in a bottle” on her next trip to the Keys.
Georgia Cremation3116 U.S. HIghway 23, Duluth, Georgia. 678-584-0914. www.georgiacremation.com
Susan McGregor Nielsen says
Charlie was truly a wonderful friend. We had great times when my sisters and I would visit our grandparents in Hillsdale. Best remembered times were on the front porch sharing ghost stories and many laughs with Charlie and his brothers. We reunited last year with plans to get together which never were to be. He will remain in my heart for as long as I am here. Heartfelt condolences to his wonderful family.
Katy & Joel Fullum says
Catherine, our thoughts are with you, Colin, Annie and your family. I always enjoyed your stories of Charlie and the few times we were all together. I loved how he fixed your lunch and snacks for you to eat at work. He was such a kind man in many ways and obviously loved you dearly. He is gone way too soon.
Jill Rose-Redman says
I worked with Charlie many years ago at Hillsdale DSS. He was a unique individual with many talents. Enjoyed talking with him at work.
Elaine Ricks says
Cathi,
I had lunch with Cindy last week and she told me of Charlie’s condition. I am so very sorry that you’ve lost him.
Your “wish we knew each other better” cousin–(Hoyt’s daughter)
Elaine
William Minihan says
In these last few months I was fortunate that Charlie would take my phone calls. It a was a struggle for him. We had hoped to get together in Atlanta and in Ireland. No conversation was complete without stories about Violet and Cora. He never let an opportunity pass to brag about his son Colin and daughter Anne. He was grateful for Cathy’s support and concern. Our conversations were not about him but about what gave him the most joy in his life. His wife, children and grand children.
Richarle Simpson Gier says
Charlie , I will always have the highest regard for you. You have been a good friend to me and my family for many years and I will miss your laugh , sense of humor and your sparkling eyes. Rest in peace dear friend and I know we will meet again on that big porch in the sky. Love you and you will forever hold a place in my heart . Richarle Simpson Gier. 7 -25 -15
Lena Suk says
I worked with Charles and Anne at Classtech when I was a student at Emory. This is such sad news and he really will be missed! I can still remember his hearty laugh; class tech won’t be the same. Big hugs for his family and friends.
Beth Smith says
Although my efforts to be in Georgia this weekend failed, I hope my message of love, comfort, and peace will be enough, for Cathi, Colin, and Anne, on the loss of Charlie. I will remember Charlie’s ever- present, bursting laughter, his good-night kisses to my sister (when we were talking on the phone), his love and pride of his children, his ability to be such a wordsmith, his awesome photos, and his great understanding of American politics.
Many hugs and much love to all. Beth
Teri Stewart and Mindy Wolf says
Charlie was a sweet, witty, intelligent and giving person. I didn’t spend as much time with him as I did his wife, Catherine but the times, I saw both of you, Charlie was always smiling. You could tell he was a genuinely happy person and enjoyed his life immensely. Rip Charlie and may you be pain free now and comfortable.
Patti Reed-Doss says
I worked with Charlie and Cathi at DSS in Hillsdale many years ago. We became fast friends and would spend many hours at their home laughing and telling stories. He will always hold a special place in my heart. RIP my friend. Now you can share all your stories with the Angels.