William (Bill) Francis Shinn

Date of Birth

February 1, 1934

Date of Death

August 17, 2016

Bill Shinn passed away August 17, 2016 at his home in Goleta, CA.

Bill was born February 1, 1934 in Des Moines, IA to Leroy Shinn and Mary Ellen (McCarthy) Shinn. He graduated from Dowling High School and attended Drake University. Bill was a sergeant in the Marine Corps and served during the Korean Conflict. After being discharged, he worked for Union Oil Company and later went to barber school.

He then married his one true love Janis and they embarked on a life full of adventure. They moved to Goleta, CA in 1961 where he established Fairview Barbers. He also served as facilities manager for the Fairview Shopping Center for many years.

Bill was the 1988 Goleta Man of the Year, and served his community in many ways. He was past president of Goleta Valley Community Center and served on the board for 27 years, was a member of Santa Barbara Elks #613 for 47 years, an Optimist, a member of the Goleta Valley Historical Society and the Goleta Valley Railroad Museum, and one of the originators of the Goleta Valley Lemon Festival. Bill never met anyone he did not want to help.

He and Janis loved to travel and take the back roads, snow and water ski, play tennis, and spend time at the beach. They cherished their time with family and friends at their Lake Nacimiento cabin.

Bill spent time building cars and boats, and creating his own artwork.

Bill is survived by his wife Janis, his 5 children: Vicky Derscheid (Ken), David Crocker (Lucille), Tom Crocker (Dee Dee), Kathy Morales (Martin), and Patrick Shinn; his 12 grandchildren: Kristen Derscheid, Mark Derscheid, Bryant Crocker, Erick Crocker, Emily Crocker, Melissa Pruden, Dustin Crocker, Maggie Crocker, Matthew Morales, Marcus Morales, Nathan Shinn, and Brandon Shinn; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four sisters: Mary Therese Oliver of Katy, TX, Coleen Clark of Des Moines, IA, Maxine Olsen of Marquette, MI, and Patty Jo Hall of Ventura, CA.

In 2013 Bill was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). He battled this disease with grace and dignity, and with the love and support of his family and friends.

Services will be held Friday, August 26 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Raphael’s Church, 5444 Hollister, Goleta, CA, with a celebration of life immediately following at the Elk’s Lodge, 150 N. Kellogg, Goleta, CA.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the ALS Association, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 6051, Albert Lea, MN, 56007, or your favorite charity.

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