BORN

1927

DIED

2016

Richard Shinstrom Obituary

Richard (Dick) Shinstrom

Dick quietly passed away in his sleep at the family cabin on Whidbey Island on August 27, 2016. He will be missed by many and fondly remembered for the big smile and kind heart he always had.

He was born in the family's home in Redmond, WA on December 24, 1927 to Clayton and Helen Shinstrom. They later moved to Kirkland and established roots at the end of 11th Ave West raising their four children: Frank, Betty, Gail, and Dick. Dick was a graduate of Kirkland High School and went on to graduate from the University of Washington. He was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity where he loved to participate in college activities, but his favorite was always singing. He had a beautiful deep Bass voice and loved to harmonize whenever he could.

Dick met Patricia Lee in early 1954 and they were married later that year. Pat was the love of his life; they were married 60 wonderful years, until Pat passed away in December, 2014. Also in 1954, Dick and his older brother Frank decided to separate the insurance business from the family's banking business in Kirkland and opened the Shinstrom Insurance Agency. While Dick worked in the insurance business, Pat stayed home and raised their three boys.

Wednesday lunches were always spent at the Kirkland Kiwanis Club. He was a 67 year member with perfect attendance, a past President of the club, song leader, past Treasurer, and always involved in or leading projects. He was an avid golfer at Sahalee Golf and Country Club. He also loved to snow and water ski, and had an insatiable desire to travel the world. He and Pat covered most of the globe, experienced many wonderful adventures, and filled the family home with pictures and memories from afar.

Dick is survived by his sons Mark (Sue), Scott (Jan) & Steve (Patty) Shinstrom as well as six wonderful grandchildren: Dan, Doug, Jackie, Kellie, Eric & Alex Shinstrom.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, Sept. 16 at Inglewood Golf & Country Club at 2:00pm. Wear your golf/country club attire to honor Dick's love of the game. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation.

Published by The Seattle Times on Sep. 11, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Shinstrom

Sponsored by The Family.

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Dick was an inspirational Kiwanian. When I joined the Kirkland Kiwanis Club in 1981, he was one of the members who was a "mover and shaker" both in the club and in Kirkland. I remember with great fondness his leadership and great sense of humor. My deepest condolences to the family.

Russell Edwards

July 25, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family. I spent a number of happy years working at the Shinstrom Agency in Kirkland and admired Dick for his kindness and consideration to the employees, we had many good times together.

Grace Hutt

September 14, 2016

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Shinstrom's name

Memorial Events
for Richard Shinstrom

Sep

16

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Inglewood Golf & Country Club

WA

How to support Richard's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Shinstrom's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more