Richard Mindlin
1914-2004

Richard J. Mindlin, age 90, of Washington Township, passed away December 24, 2004 at Sunrise Assisted Living Center of Oakwood. Born and reared in Kansas City, Missouri, he was a 47 year resident of Dayton. A graduate of the University of Missouri, Mr. Mindlin served in the U. S. Army Air Force and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the Army during World War II.

For many years, Mr. Mindlin was an assistant vice-president at NCR, where he was involved in data processing, including the automation of bank cheques. He pioneered the NCR-UPC bar code scanner project, and upon retirement from NCR, he became the first CEO of the Uniform Product Code Council, which manages assignment of bar codes. During his tenure as CEO, use of the UPC bar code spread around the world. After retiring from UPC, Mr. Mindlin ran his own consulting business until age 83.

Richard is survived by Jean, his wife of 63 years, and one daughter, Toni, both of Washington Township. Additional survivors include brother-in-law Jack Lynch of Springfield, Missouri; nieces Sandy Lynch Evans and Susan Lynch Spruill, both of Missouri; niece Linda Lynch Uhler of Atlanta, Georgia; brother and sister-in-law Holland and Ella Clem of LaPlata, Missouri; nephew Daniel Clem of Dallas, Texas and nieces Martha Bagley of Wisconsin and Melba Bower of Missouri. Richard was very devoted to his wife and daughter.

During his long career, Richard traveled the world, from Tahiti to Great Britain. He relished this opportunity and especially enjoyed taking his wife and daughter on these trips when possible. He lived life with great enthusiasm, and will be missed for his optimism, joie de vivre, and kindness. He loved children, pets, gardening, golf, and flying. In recent years, Richard fought with determination against severe dementia and debilitating arthritis.

Because he wished to further medical science's understanding of the human body, he arranged to donate his body to Wright State University's School of Medicine and to the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 8, at 3 p.m. (Tobias Funeral Home, Far Hills Chapel). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in his memory to either the Special Wish Foundation (223-9474) or to SICSA Pet Adoption Center (294-6505). Envelopes will be available at the memorial service.