Obituary of Roy William Shinn

Queensbury: Roy William Shinn, 99, formerly of The Glen at Hiland Meadows, passed away, Monday, October 2, 2017 at Glens Falls Hospital. Born April 14, 1918 in Rancocas, NJ, he was the son of the late Albert and Bessie (Fish) Shinn. Roy lived a rich, full life and was an inspiration to everyone he met, particularly his children, granddaughters, nieces and nephews, and all of their friends who would spend time with him whenever they could. He was the person who lit up any room he was in; he was kind, patient, tolerant, optimistic, adventuresome and generous with his time, his was quick to help with quiet guidance and was grateful to everyone and for everything. He did not join organizations, but jumped in whenever it was needed. He grew up on a farm in New Jersey, where he acquired the skills to take apart and fix anything and make something out of nothing, passing this knowledge on to the younger members of his family. Although Roy sold his dairy cows and started working at NJ PSE & G, his life really revolved around his family and friends. After the farm was sold he constructed a house in Lumberton, NJ over 13 months. Every day after work he sided the house with Jersey fieldstone from a friend's barn foundation. After retiring and selling the house, he and his wife, Betty, moved to Trout Brook in Olmstedville, NY, where he could enjoy his favorite season, winter, and downhill skiing, which he did until he was 89. Roy loved adventure and spent a month going down the Colorado River in a dory, he heli-skied with the “Over Seventy” group in New Zealand, learned to roller blade at 80, and used to fly planes in the early 40's, but never had a license. After moving to Olmstedville, you could find him working on the circle garden in town, helping out at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing Home in North Creek, fixing the steeple and outside of the Olmstedville historical society, working with his sons-in-law on projects, building homes with his sons, fixing his niece's car, or teaching a nephew-in-law how to do repairs. He was totally devoted to his wife, Betty, and they were married 74 years, he would encourage her and help her when she traveled around the state with her antique “Linens and Laces”. Roy’s middle son summed it up pretty succinctly, “Thanks, Pa” (Roy)… And that simple statement goes for everyone who ever came into contact with him. Even during the last hours of his life, he was still thanking nurses, friends, and family for being so wonderful to him, and that he was just fine; this was an amazing man who led an amazing life and welcomed others to join him. His generosity extended beyond his life, as he made an anatomical gift of his body to Albany Medical College. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Betty, who died in April, son, John Matthew Shinn, and his sisters, Ruth Potter and Edythe Calland. He is survived by his daughter, Jane Shinn Gehring (William); his sons, Albert R. Shinn (Susan), and William R. Shinn (Patricia); granddaughters, Jennifer Cordes Owen (Christopher May), and Bonnie Elizabeth Shinn. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Helen Wilson (David), Sandy Gentry (Ken), Carol Lee Lamb (Frank), Gerry Potter (Kathy), Maryann Rodgers (Joe), and Tom Mooney. At Roy's request, there will be no calling or funeral service scheduled. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, October 21, 2017 at The Glen at Hiland Meadows. The family would like thank everyone at The Glen and The Terrace for the gift of their care, infinite kindness, and friendship, as well as the nurses and staff at Hudson Headwaters and Glens Falls Hospital, they are all wonderful people who do their jobs with passion, empathy and smiles. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to HHHN and Health Foundation, 9 Carey Road, Queensbury, NY 12804, or the food bank of ones’ choice. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences.