Beloved husband, father ?Daddy?, grampa, great-grampa, Arthur Ray ?Art? Minton entered into the comforting arms of Jesus after a courageously brave and valiant battle with cancer on April 2nd, 2006. His wife, Jeanette ?Jackie? and family were with him as his journey here came to a close. Art was the oldest of twins born to Melvin and Elsie Minton on Monday, December 12th, 1927 in Haigler, Nebraska. His early school years were spent in Nebraska, and he attended Benson Polytechnic in Portland, Oregon after his family moved to Vancouver, Washington. In June 1944 he joined the Merchant Marines and served until September 1946. In 1945 he met his best friend and the love of his life, Jackie who has stood not behind him, but beside him always straight, always strong. They married July 7, 1946. Their near 60 year marriage has been blessed with two children, Jeanette Kay Minton Barnes and Douglas Ray Minton; two grandchildren, Deborah Kay Barnes Bucknell and husband Garrett, Terry Douglas Barnes and wife Lisa, adopted grandson Jason Michael Barnes; six great-grandchildren, Chanda, Alexandria, Dylan, Dalton, Ryker, De?Von and adopted family, Keith and Donna Best, children Nicole Best Hammond and husband Ryan, Tyson Best and wife Angie, son Ryan and daughter Madison. Art was preceded in death by his, son Douglas Ray Minton, mother Elsie M. Minton, and father Melvin G. Minton and son in-law Terry L. Barnes, sister Fern Johers, brother Roy Enfield. He is also survived by his twin sister, Neva Faye Garrett, brother Earl Enfield, life long friend Dale Obbink and numerous nieces and nephews. Art had a zest and love for life he shared with all who came in contact with him. His passion for motorcycles, water-skiing, golfing, the great outdoors, hunting, fishing, dancing endless hours with his Sweetheart and sharing life to the fullest with his family and friends set the mark for all whose life his touched. Art?s unconditional love, quick wit and terrifically funny sense of humor have left us all with very special, cherished memories we hold in our hearts and will bring us continuous smiles. Art was an intelligent, honest and feisty man who stood up for what he believed to be right whether for himself or others. He set the example for us to always think about others and give support and speak up for those who could not speak for themselves. He taught us to never forget where we came from on the way to where we are going. As a member of an organization he didn?t just take up a membership slot he actively contributed to the organization and its members. His employment began in 1943 with Vancouver, Washington School District #37 while attending school, then on to Kaiser Shipyard, U.S. Merchant Marines, and the Aluminum Company of America in Vancouver, Washington where he completed his machinist apprenticeship. In 1953 he moved his family to the Tri-Cites to work on the Hanford Project becoming an active member of the Machinist Union eventually being employed as a Business Representative of District #43 and elevating to the position of International Grand Lodge Representative until his retirement in 1989. While serving the members of the Machinist Union he never forgot about the people he was representing. The work he did there was always with their best interests at heart. He was an active member of The Lutheran Church of the Master. As a member of the Sun Willows Breakfast Club and he enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his friends there. He actively shared his hobby building sets of golf clubs for others. He became a lifetime member of the Brotherhood of the Elks Lodge #2755; he was a member of the Mid-Columbia Mariners and a 50-year member of the Machinist Union. We all hold our own special memory whether it be a solid lesson learned about the importance of family and friends, the value of one?s word, living life with integrity, being pinched by ?crabby toes?, or having Art checking for sand on the bottom of his foot on top of yours through all those summers we spent playing on the river. Whatever that memory might be it is about a mighty man of valor. We love you and we will miss you, husband, Daddy, grampa, great-grampa, uncle, brother, friend. At Art?s request there will not be a funeral service; instead a celebration of his life will be held with an open house from 2:00PM to 5:00PM on April 8th, 2006 at 133 Berkshire Lane, Pasco, WA, the home of Keith and Donna Best. Inurnment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens with a graveside service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations be made to: Hospice at The Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336 or to Guide Dogs of America, 13445 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342 The human race has one effective weapon--and that is laughter. -Mark Twain