IRRIGON Ralph Kenneth Minnick died Monday, May 7, at his grandson’s home in Irrigon at the age of 89.

He was born March 30, 1918 at Athena to Roy H. and Hazel L. (Grove) Minnick.

He was born and raised in Athena. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Ralph worked as a heavy equipment operator in construction working on most of the dams in the Northwest. He settled in Irrigon in the early 1970s and has lived there since. He was a member of Local #701 Operating Engineers Union. Ralph enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by sons, Ralph K. Minnick Jr. of Warm Springs, and Kenneth Minnick of Irrigon; brother, Burton Minnick of Hermiston; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia in 1987; five daughters, Laura K. and Janice Minnick, Norma Ortiz, Cindy Segura, and Mary Ann Minnick; brother, Leroy Minnick; and sisters, Norma Hall and Luella Jones. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 18, at noon at Stokes Landing Senior Center in Irrigon. Disposition was by cremation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of the arrangements.