Oscar-winning sound mixer Robert Alan “Bob” Minkler died of respiratory failure Oct. 11 at home in Oregon with his wife Patty at his side. Minkler won his Oscar in 1978 for Best Sound on George Lucas‘ iconic sci-fi movie “Star Wars.”
In a Hollywood career that spanned 20 years, Minkler worked on such films as “The Black Stallion,” “Easy Rider,” “Bull Durham,” “Mask,” “Urban Cowboy,” “Rocky II,” “Hair” and “Tron,” for which he was Oscar-nominated along with his brother, Lee Minkler, and his nephew, three-time Oscar winner Michael Minkler.
Born in 1937 in Glendale, California to audio pioneer Lee Darrell Minkler and Lorraine Jones Minkler, Bob spent many years as a musician and vocalist, even touring with Nat King Cole. He found his way back to Hollywood and began his film career working alongside his brothers Donald and Lee Minkler.
Minkler moved to Hawaii to raise his three sons — Marcus, Daniel and Christian — all of whom have gone on to successful careers in commercial boating enterprises and as restaurateurs.
Minkler is also survived by his grandchildren — Michael, Mia, Jacob, Matthew, Kyle and Brooke.
Private services will be held in Hawaii.
