Ronald Minson

Ronald B. Minson, MD, died in Denver, Colorado, on September 1, 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of forty years, Kate OBrien-Minson, his four children: Adrienne Kubes (Tim), Christopher Minson (Julie) , Erica Dent (Ron) and Andrea Stoker (Walt), his sister, Kaye Guthrie, and former wife, Nan Minson. He cherished each of his grandchildren and took great joy in watching the unfolding of their lives.

Dr. Minson’s early years were filled with a love of classical music, chess, tennis and studies, a reflection of the love of knowledge that was a lifelong companion. At the age of 14, as a freshman in high school, he won an award for the Air Force-Kiwanis International Essay contest and was flown to Washington, DC, becoming “Honorary Major Commander” of the USAF Command for a brief period of time on the 23rd of November, 1953. He was president of the Math Club, president of the Science Club, a member of Arizona Boys’ State, member of the Tennis Team, served as a lifeguard and swim instructor to children of all ages and was recognized by the Elks and American Legion for his leadership skills. He was highly recommended by many local business and civic organizations for college acceptance. His studying paid off as he received early acceptance to UCLA Medical School while attending the University of Arizona.

His general medical background included practicing as a family physician and serving as Medical Director of the Westside Neighborhood Health Center, an early model to deliver health care to underserved populations. After residency at UC Health in Denver, he was board-certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Minson served as Chief of Psychiatry for Presbyterian Medical Center and Director of Behavioral Sciences at Mercy Hospital in Denver while maintaining a private clinical practice.

Known as Ron, or Dr. Ron by many, he was proud of the opportunity to be interviewed by Sargent Shriver as he entered the Peace Corps, where he served two years as a physician to the volunteers in Costa Rica. Ron was known for having an adventurous heart, backed by determination and grit. During surgery residency, he met his lifelong friend and fellow adventurer, Louden Kiracofe, MD (retired). They climbed mountains in the early days of technical rock climbing and mountaineering in both summer and winter. This included something that made a lot of people gasp – spending nights in a snow cave – riding out severe storms while sheltered beneath the snow. He continued his pursuit of adventure, climbing Mt. Rainier for his 70th birthday and Mt. Olympus the following year with his son, Chris. He went from burgeoning cyclist to complete Ride the Rockies with the help of a dear friend in only three months at the age of 75, with another successful ride the following year.

Lover of classical music, Ron began taking piano lessons at the age of 42, something he maintained for many years. Little did he know that the therapeutic application of classical music would lead to his legacy work. He devoted the last 30 years of his professional life to a different type of adventure – developing an unconventional approach to help those with learning disabilities, attention issues, head injury, trauma and much more, resulting in thousands of professionals around the world carrying on the work to which he was so devoted.

A lover of adventure, coffee, chocolate, the Hispanic culture, and, needless to say, his precious Cavalier, Keelie, he will be remembered by those who knew him, studied with him, and loved him for his kind heart and breadth of knowledge. Ever the spiritual seeker, he studied with Master Teachers throughout his life, often at desert and mountain retreats. He discussed spiritual growth with his friend, Ram Dass, while sitting under a tree at Lama Foundation, and held firmly, until the very end, his desire to understand the mysteries of Life. He is dearly missed by people around the world.