Salute to a Major Player

Don Miner

The American Century Championship has lost a true original. Don Miner, an annual fixture at the event since its start in 1990, was instrumental in helping secure the tournament for Lake Tahoe, and through the years treating players at his on-site chiropractic clinic. He passed away in November at age 81.

BY PHIL WEIDINGER

He was a major player in the tournament’s 32-year history, with his role as board member for the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority in the late ‘80s, recognizing the tournament’s long-term possibilities for the destination and providing vociferous, loyal support and influence for the organization’s backing. A natural leader, he believed and wanted to “make a positive difference in people’s lives” and became involved in politics and won office as a Douglas County Commissioner, representing Tahoe Township – the Nevada side of Stateline at Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley areas. (Perhaps that inspiration started on vacations in Hawaii while watching Honolulu city council meetings on tv before leaving for a tee time. (“Too bad we can’t wear Hawaiian shirts to our Douglas County Commissioners meetings,” he once laughed.) As chair of the Commission, he forged a reputation as a straight-shooting, no-nonsense, accomplishment driven proponent of county progress and individuals’ rights. Among his achievements were creating new and expanded revenues, increased jobs for residents and improving public amenities. He vigorously championed development but only when done properly and within environmental guidelines. He helped create new commercial and residential improvements and additions to various county parks. He admired his constituents: ranchers, and residents involved in area agriculture, and respected business owners as independent thinkers.

“His conscientiousness and dedication led to hours of study and research prior to every meeting. He was well-versed and prepared on the issues,” former County Manager Dan Holler noted. “Serving as County Commissioner was an honor to Don. He worked hard, argued for those issues most important to him and respected the decision made regardless of his personal view. He became more than a boss, more than an elected official – he was a friend and mentor to many.”

John Wagnon, former vice president of marketing at Heavenly Mountain Resort, who spent many hours in various community meetings with Don referred to him as, “A huge supporter of tourism. A great representative on the commission who did so much good for our community and Tahoe specifically. He will be missed by so many.”

He curiosity and affinity for recognizing trends served him well.

LEFT: Don Miner He started a technology company in San Francisco back in the (Top Center), 1970s before the tech boom hit. “I didn’t know a damned thing NYFD (Left to about it, except that it was coming so I hired a lot of smart people.” Right Middle), A few years later he tired of the grind and city life and decided to and Charles move his family with wife and four children to Tahoe to pursue a Barkley kneeling love and practice of chiropractic following his father’s footsteps. (Center Front) all A Southern California native, Don served a stint in the enjoying a laugh United States Coast Guard, then joined the Los Angeles police at a past ACC department. His partner on the beat was future famed author tournament! Joseph Wambaugh. He was known to the celebrity participants as a trusted source for promoting good health practices and the relief of aches and pains. Many good-naturedly teased him, feigning fear as they passed by his clinic on the far-right side of the range. His regular celebrity clientele over the years included John Elway, Ivan Lendl, Joe Theismann, Charles Barkley, Bret Saberhagen, John Smoltz, Sterling Sharpe, Brian Urlacher, Steve Young, Roger Clemens among hundreds. Always an innovator, he was among the first to utilize cryotherapy at his daily practice as well as at the tournament. After Scott Ostler, the San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist covering the event, went to see Miner to test the cutting-edge treatment on an aching back, he wrote, “It’s the first time in my life I’ve literally had my ass frozen off.” While Miner laughed when he saw the mention, he tracked Ostler down the next day to check on his progress. As a highly regarded chiropractor for more than 40 years, he routinely treated patients and friends at any hour and many times without charge. His practice was his passion and holistic a lifelong philosophy. Known to friends as a good-natured, wise-cracking and frustrated golfer, Don was always ready with a quip. Tortured for years on the course with a smother hook, his highlight was a double-eagle on No. 4 at Edgewood during a Men’s Club tournament. Upon arrival at the clubhouse bar, all the players had two shot glasses stacked and lined up on the THE SHOT ON NO. 4: Tortured for years on the course with bar to celebrate. He was a smother hook, his highlight was a double-eagle on No. 4 at always the first to his wallet Edgewood during a Men’s Club tournament. denoting his generosity and good nature. The quick wit, dry humor and teasing sarcasm were noted traits. Golf and good times were a lifelong passion with Hawaiian vacations at the top of the list. The golf connection also extended to the non-profit side where he served as tournament chairman for a regional American Junior Golf Association tournament for many years. He was also a volunteer board member for the 1985 U.S. Senior Open Championship at Edgewood Tahoe. His celebrity golf chiropractic clinic has been entrusted to good hands, with his son-in-law, Michael Nevius, and staff, continuing the family tradition. Don’s good nature, intelligence, loyalty, generosity and adventurous spirit will always be appreciated and sorely missed. His efforts will continue to be enjoyed for years at the American Century Championship and in our memories.