Dr. William D. Minard, 83, passed away peacefully of melanoma surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 23, at Lancaster General Hospital. William, known by most as "Bill," was the husband of Delia S. (Heath) Minard with whom he would have celebrated 59 years of marriage this December. He was the son of the late William and Anna (Wagner) Minard. In his 40-year career as an obstetrician, Bill once estimated that he had delivered more than 7,000 babies. Most of his career (1963-2000) was spent at the former North Penn Hospital of Lansdale (Abington Health Lansdale Hospital). He described obstetrics as "the happiest medical specialty" and took great pride in his ability to accurately guess the weight of a newborn within an ounce or two. Bill was beloved by his patients, many of whom honored him by naming their sons William. Born in Jamaica, NY on August 9, 1930, Bill received a Bachelor of Science degree from Queens College in 1951. He graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine in 1955 and completed his residency at Nassau Hospital, New York. During the Korean War, he was chief of obstetrics/gynecology at the U.S. Army Hospital at Fort Rucker, Alabama. His first private practice was in Moline, Illinois but the majority of his career was spent at the Lansdale Medical Group. By the time of his retirement, he and his partners had built a busy, well-respected practice that provided excellent care to women of all ages. Bill was known for both his wit and articulateness and graced his family and friends with many memorable one-liners. His family valued him as a good listener and problem solver and sought his counsel throughout his life. He and his wife loved to travel and had the opportunity to take numerous cruises as well as tours of China, Russia, and the western United States. They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale. Bill and his wife lived in Chalfont for most of his career but they ultimately retired to Brethren Village in Lancaster. While in Chalfont, he and his wife entertained regularly and Bill enjoyed gardening, cooking, golfing, and reading. He was a life-long learner with National Geographic and the daily paper always at hand. Known for baking a delicious cherry pie, he also grew magnificent gladiolas. One of the great loves of his life was a black Labrador, Prince, whom he walked daily. He was a passionate Eagles fan and frequently responded with great enthusiasm or despair while watching football games. In recent years, he took great joy in his role of "G-G-Pop," marveling at his great-grandsons endless energy and curiosity. Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Cynthia A. married to John J. Frain of Mount Joy and Patricia D. married to James P. Shinehouse of Chester Springs; 5 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren with another due in December. He was preceded in death by a sister, Elaine Schaefer, of Lansdale. Bill will be laid to rest at a private ceremony at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery followed by a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given in his memory to Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute (Melanoma Wing).