Peter SHINN

1951 - 2016

SHINN, Peter Hamilton Peter Hamilton Shinn, 65, of Tucker, GA died at home Thursday evening July 21, 2016. Pete had a life long love of art, which led to an incredible career in theater as a self-taught lighting designer and master electrician. He relished working with many exemplary directors and lighting designers including collaborations with Susan V. Booth, Rosemary Newcott, Tom Key, Annie Wrightson, Liz Lee, Kenny Leon and Pete's mentor Diane Ferry Williams. Pete was born March 1, 1951 in Birmingham, AL. Growing up Pete loved to put on skits. He wrote, performed, directed, choreographed and designed elaborate costumes, makeup and sets. Too young then to mess with electricity, lighting would come later in life. A favorite family story is Pete's portrayal of Frankenstein's monster dancing the Monster Mash with cousin Krissy as the Bride. Pete earned a B.B.A. from GSU in 1973. In college he enjoyed time as a radio announcer for WRAS. He treasured interviewing and being smitten by Melanie of Woodstock fame. After graduation Pete dabbled in various jobs, most while also holding down an early morning paper route. Friends recall how he threw Christmas morning papers dressed as Santa in case any little ones were up. Pete studied acting at local theaters, his intent serious but sporadic. In 1989 he made his memorable acting debut playing Stage Manager Timothy Allgood in NOISES OFF at the Alliance Theatre. Sharon Brewer, who played Poppy, recalls "We had a blast dodging and throwing plates of sardines and holding our own with Brenda Bynum, Larry Larson and Eddie Levi Lee. It was so much fun seeing Pete on the other side of the footlights and he was a natural." Ultimately Pete found his true calling behind the lights. Pete designed lighting for the Alliance Theatre, Actor's Express, Theatrical Outfit, Horizon Theatre, Theatre in the Square, GA Ensemble, George Street Playhouse and Delaware Repertory Theatre. He traveled to China in 1990 as the lighting designer for the Alliance Theatre's production of DRIVING MISS DAISY for the grand opening of the Shanghai Centre. Pete also designed the lighting for the 1996 Atlanta International Olympic Committee Opening Session at Symphony Hall. Pete's friend and colleague Alliance Theatre Artistic Director Susan V. Booth said: "Pete joined the staff of the Alliance Theatre as an intern in 1978. Over the following 38 years, he served the theatre as its master electrician, designing lights for over 60 of its productions, including the world premieres of APPLES AND ORANGES, FLYING WEST, BROKE, and THE TALL GIRLS. Whether working with the field's leading artists or emerging directors, Pete's artistry was marked by a tireless commitment to perfection, a fierce belief in collaboration, and a deep respect for those who chose to make their livings as craftsman, technicians, and artisans. He was beloved as a colleague and mentor and was a particularly tireless champion of his staff in the theatre's electrics department. Pete's acerbic wit was legendary, and masked -- though not at all well -- his enormous love for the theatre. In his honor, the theatre is establishing the Pete Shinn Memorial Fund, whose proceeds will support early career lighting designers and technicians." Pete is epic in the Atlanta theater community. Thru out his career he received many affectionate tributes both silly and significant. Highlights include a 2015 Suzy award for lighting design of JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, the honor of placing the 2007 Alliance Theatre regional Tony award onto its permanent lobby display, a plaque on the control booth door commemorating 35 years of "lighting the place up", LES PETERABLES T-Shirts and the not for the faint of heart PeteShinnFanClub Facebook page. Pete was absolute genius with the f bomb. His adoring fans carry the practice forward. Pete was a captivating paradox of opposites: a lunchtime joke-master and an intensely private family man; a sensitive artist and a keen manager; gruff but kind hearted. Nevertheless, you always knew where you stood with Pete. He didn't know how to fake it. He was a man of profound responsibility who took joy in the simplest pleasures of life. Good company, good food and good fun. Pete liked collecting monsters, coins, and a much renowned treasury of bobble heads. After a life enriching vacation to Yellowstone Park, Pete and Rochelle shared an annual tradition of adopting bears from the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Eleven framed photos on the wall led guests to inevitably ask, "So what's with all the bears?" Pete's passions included human rights, politics and history. He devoured books on these topics along with horror fiction, true crime stories and bios. He loved music and downloaded gazillions of tunes. Pete was a fervent moviegoer and then, upon the dawn of high def, an avid stay-at-home movie watcher. Casablanca and Frankenstein were his favorites. His idol was Humphrey Bogart and his crush was Marilyn Monroe. He was infamous for his ability to sing the Super Chicken theme song at break neck speed "no matter the mood he was in". He Felt the Bern, was a card-carrying member of The Young Turks Nation and generous donor to many animal charities. He really wanted to know who Negan killed and who would win the Game of Thrones. Pete met his soul mate and best friend Rochelle in 1989. After 25 mostly happy years together they legally married in 2015 on the day before their favorite holiday Halloween. Pete would playfully echo "Mostly." He was at his happiest being home with his family of four legged kids. Pete's much-loved dogs Penny, Honey and Plato miss their Daddy. Babe, Brandy, Lumpy, Trouble, Zippy, Pepper, Bridgett and Buddy joyfully reunited with Pete on the Rainbow Bridge. Pete is survived by his loving wife Rochelle Ann Shinn, beloved sister Mia Warlick, mother-in-law Ellie Barker, brother and sister in-laws Kenny Warlick, Rebecca Bennett, Rosalyn Barker, Kevin & Susan Barker, Kerry & Maria Barker, nieces and nephews Alexis & Sean Lamm, Matt Davis, Roger Barker, Rachel & Ryan Reeves, Kelsey Barker, Nicole & Mike Boyd, Joey Noethe, Alicia Barker, Sara Warlick, Brian Barker and Goddaughter Anne Duncan. Many loving cousins, aunts, uncles and great nephews also survive Pete. His beloved mother Anna Marie Koestner Shinn, father John William Shinn and father-in-law Roger Lyle Barker preceded Pete in death. Pete bravely kicked cancer's butt for as long as humanly possible. His performance continually defied his labs. Upon hearing the doctor's June prognosis, Pete's wish was to see the ocean. "It was very beautiful to see sunrise on the ocean. I've never seen anything like it before. I wish everybody could have been there with me. I haven't been to the beach in 20 years and it was wonderful. It was beautiful. More than I expected." Family and friends provided a never-ending cascade of love and surprises during his final weeks. In the shadow of mortality he marked most days "a very good day". A Celebration of Pete's life will take place on Monday September 12 at 4:00 p.m. on stage at the Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his bear kids at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in Montana, the ASPCA, the Best Friends Animal Society, the Atlanta Humane Society and the Pete Shinn Memorial Fund at the Alliance Theatre. Condolences may be expressed here, on his fan page and on his Caring Bridge site. Online condolences may also be left at www.billheadfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory, Lilburn/Tucker Chapel. 770-564-2726.