Guy Wilson Shinn

Guy Wilson Shinn, son of Gus and Ada, husband to Mary, brother of David, father and grandfather of Mike (Rhonda), Gavin, Nolan and Ellen, Brian (Patti), Allison and Jill, Laura (Tim), Colin and Kate; went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2018. Guy was 85. He fought heart disease and cancer to a draw during regulation time and it took them overtime to get the better of him.

Guy was born in Spokane, Washington, on September 23, 1932. Guy’s family moved to Yakima in 1938 when Gus Shinn took the job as physical director of the YMCA. Guy developed life-long friendships with buddies along South 16th Avenue, between Chestnut and Bell. He attended Yakima High School (now Davis High School), where he lettered in track and field as a member of a state record-setting 4 by 440 relay team. He was president of the Yakima High Class of 1950, and showed his financial prowess by investing class funds so wisely that they paid for a future reunion. It was during grade school in Yakima where Guy also got his first glimpse of the beautiful Mary Elizabeth Harris.

Guy attended Yakima Valley College and then Washington State University where he earned a business degree. He has been a loyal and true Coug fan through all the years. After college, he enlisted with the US Army and was stationed in France, with the rank of corporal. Guy’s mother Ada knew that Mary Harris was planning a trip to Europe while Guy was stationed there so she gave Mary Guy’s address in France. After Guy’s return from Europe, he and Mary Harris were married on July 20, 1957 at the Garretson house in Naches Heights. They were married for over 60 years.

Guy’s career as a banker began upon his return from Europe. He moved up the ranks with National Bank of Commerce and its future namesakes Rainier National Bank and Security Pacific Bank, to become branch manager in Yakima and several neighboring communities. Guy was often interviewed by local radio, television, and newspaper reporters for stories on economic conditions affecting the valley and the country. He retired from banking in 1989 but did not stay retired for long. One of Guy’s bank customers, Joe Morrier, talked him out of retirement to manage the Yakima Mall until 1996.

Guy served on a multitude of boards, almost always being called upon to oversee finances as organization’s treasurer. He volunteered his time for Rotary, the Yakima Regional Library, and served many years as a board member on the YMCA’s Board of Trustees, honoring the legacy of his father Gus. As treasurer of the Summitview Country Condominiums, Guy was referred to as “the sage financial advisor.”

To the chagrin of his children, Guy also spent time in retirement writing letters to the editor of the Yakima Herald-Republic in prose that passed as humor to him and embarrassment to his children when his letters were published.

Guy loved Yakima, and he also loved spending time at a family vacation home on Orcas Island in the Washington San Juans. But Guy’s passion was his family. He loved watching his children parent, and seeing the accomplishments of his grandchildren, for which he took great pride.

Guy and Mary and their three children moved from Yakima to Lower Naches in 1964. They resided there until a move to their Yakima Condominium in 1999. Nevertheless, Guy and Mary established deep roots in the Naches community where they attended church and there have been Shinns in the Naches school system almost every year since 1964, with another graduating grandson matriculating through the Ranger school system this year. Their “Back-Acre” home in Lower Naches was a gathering place for friends and family, often hosting a pool side BBQs along with friendly games.

Guy is survived by his wife Mary; son Mike Shinn (Rhonda) and grandchildren Gavin (Shyiel), Nolan, and Ellen; son Brian Shinn (Patti) and granddaughters Allison and Jill; daughter Laura Neitzke (Tim) and grandchildren Colin and Kate; brother David Shinn (Judy) and their children Steven (Laura) and Chris (Stephanie); “sister” Sara (Marty) and Guy’s nieces Jane (Doug) and Kate (Albert). We all will miss his giving nature, impish humor, and solid love and leadership.

The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the prayers and loving care of so many family and friends. Memorials are suggested to the Yakima YMCA or the charity of one’s choice.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 17th, 2:00 PM, at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Avenue.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.