Editor's Note: This obituary was written by Sean P. Miner, DC, grandson of the late B.F. "Doc" Miner.
B. Franklyn "Doc" Miner, DC, longtime educator, practitioner and mentor, passed away July 31, 1994 on his 86th birthday. He had just enjoyed the afternoon with two of his best friends.
Doc was a second generation chiropractor and a graduate of Southern California College of Chiropractic in 1944. He returned as a faculty member to the newly merged Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. He is noted for his continual devotion to improving techniques and for passing on his knowledge and love of chiropractic to so many. His enthusiasm and devotion encouraged and enlightened two succeeding generations to find their purpose in health care and chiropractic.
Dr. Miner was born July 31, 1908 in Ticonderoga, New York. Doc was in active practice for nearly 50 years, primarily in Southern California. His overwhelming presence of grace and eloquent delivery was something so natural, patients knew this was a special person. He was often called upon by chiropractors for advice, or by those who simply wanted to observe his work.
For those who have had the fortune to see him work, the experience was truly unforgettable. Having the opportunity to work with Doc, one appreciates how limiting it is to be masked with "technique blinders." When urged to be filmed performing the many techniques he developed and practiced, he balked, estimating it would take a full year of eight-hour days to complete.
He always retained the speed, accuracy, and finesse that turns a great chiropractor into a healer. He never lost interest and never stopped learning. After receiving a thorough adjustment shortly after he left practice at the age of 83, I can attest, he never lost it. At the age of 16, Doc taught me my first adjustive procedure. As with all of his students, the only way he knew if it was correct was to be the patient. I was nervous, especially attempting a lumbar adjustment on a man in his 70s. But the "professor" talked me through it and the move was performed precisely. I was elated, he never had a doubt.
His ego was quietly satisfied by the daily performance of his best work, giving back to the profession what information he discovered and making a difference in the daily lives of countless patients. The words of a fellow faculty member in LACC's first annual yearbook of 1948 says it well: "To a find doctor, a regular guy and a good friend."
A great chiropractor has passed leaving a high-water mark almost impossible to touch. This profession is fortunate to have had him to set that mark. It raises our standards and keeps us reaching while leaving us humble. He is sorely missed and will always be fondly remembered.
Sean P. Miner, DC
Redmond, Oregon
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