Philip D. Minnick

Philip D. Minnick, passed away Monday, December 26, 2016, at the Kobacker House in Columbus, OH, from complications from several strokes.

Phil was born August 25, 1948 in Springfield, OH, to William and Marguerite Minnick. He attended Springfield City Schools graduating from Springfield South High School. He attended Capital University in 1966 -1969, majoring in voice and organ.

His interest in the pipe organ started with the installation of the Moeller pipe organ in Central Methodist Church (now Faith UMC), Springfield, OH in 1960. This instrument was dedicated by the famous organist Virgil Fox. Not only was he discovering pipe organ building, he also was an avid fan of Thomas Edison and his work in electricity.

During his college years at Capital University he worked for the A. W. Brandt Pipe Organ Company of Columbus, OH. It was during this time he met his future business partner and life partner, Robert W. Bunn, Jr. One of their first organ restoration projects was at the State Theater in Springfield, OH, making the Wurlitzer theater organ sing once again. In 1969 they formed their own pipe organ business, the Bunn-Minnick Pipe Organ Company, Columbus, OH.

Phil's vision and dream of what a pipe organ should sound like, and style in which it should be, mirrored the early American organ builder greats such as E. M. Skinner, Donald Harrison, Ernest White to name a few. The Bunn-Minnick philosophy believes that whatever was present in the past in a pipe organ can be revoiced to be made new again in a new organ which is demonstrated in the small, medium, and large pipe organs that they have built in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Many famous concert organists of today have played their instruments in recital which include: Charles Callahan, David Higgs, Wilma Jenson, Marilyn Keiser, Tom Trenney, Frederick Swann and Todd Wilson. Most recently, Dr. Charles Callahan played a recital on their four manual, 60 rank pipe organ at The Broad Street United Methodist Church, Columbus, OH, in October, 2016.

In addition to his work in the pipe organ business, he was a founding member of the Ohio Village Singers; active member of the Columbus Mennechor; active member of Broad Street United Methodist Church; member of the Theater Organ Society; member of the American Guild of Organists, Columbus chapter; and member of the American Institute of Organ builders.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marguerite Minnick and his brother Fritz. He is survived by his life partner, Robert W. Bunn of Columbus, OH; sister, Lisa of Ft. Myers, FL; adopted sister Karen Freudigman of Columbus, OH; special friend, Brian Johnson of Columbus, OH and the staff of Bunn-Minnick Pipe Organs, Columbus, OH.

Friends may call Friday January 6, 2017 from 6 - 8 PM. in the RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME, 838 E. High St, Springfield, OH. Funeral services will be held Saturday January 7, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the Memorial Home with The Rev. Louise Seipel officiating. Burial will be in Ferncliff Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held at The Broad Street United Methodist Church, 501 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your church's organ fund. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.