Conrad Selwyn Shinn

"We soared with the wandering albatross over turbulent southern oceans. Now we lie at anchor in slack waters." - Gus Shinn
LCDR Conrad Selwyn "Gus" Shinn, USN Retired, 102, of Pensacola, made his last flight from Charlotte, NC. The "Ice Eagle" went wheels up with destination Heaven about 8:30 pm on May 15, 2025.
Gus was born on September 12, 1922, in the area known as Leaksville, Spray and Draper (Eden) in Rockingham County, NC. He was the son of Thomas and Mattie Krimminger Shinn. Gus grew up there, graduated from high school at 16, attended Lees McCrae and NC State until his country called on him to serve. From a young age, Gus knew he wanted to be a pilot so he joined the United States Navy via flight school, entering service on September 3, 1942, graduating from Naval Aviation School and receiving his commission on August 3, 1943.
Gus served in World War II, was a member of Operation High Jump, participated in Deep Freeze I, II and III, provided support for The Blue Angels and was the personal pilot for various admirals during and after the war. He retired from the Navy in 1963.
After the war, Conrad (Gus) married Gloria Roberson Carter. He and Gloria were the parents of three children: David (Mary Ann) Shinn of Haslett and Manistee MI, Connie Shinn of Charlotte, and Diane (Craig Brown) Shinn of Charlotte, all of whom survive their parents. Also surviving Gus are his grandson, Erik (Cindy Maldonado) Shinn and great grandson, Alex, of Haslett, MI, and his sister, Jean Hart of Nashville, TN. Gus is further survived by his best friend forever, Billy Blackwelder, as well as numerous other relatives and friends around the globe. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Quintin and Hal; and his sisters, Mary and Peggy.
No formal services will be held at this time.
Even after retirement, Gus remained involved with the Pensacola Naval Air Museum, visiting his plane, "The Que Sera Sera" and interacting with museum visitors and naval personnel.
He also devoted time and resources to supporting animal welfare, and was known locally as "The Cat Man of La Rua". Gus was a lifelong learner, could discuss any subject with anyone and was the smartest person you would ever meet. Books, music, cats and friends filled his life.
"Arrivederci, Snappy Pappy, be of good cheer."
In honor of his South Pole service and his love for animals, his family respectfully requests any donations be made in his name to:
The Rowes Orphanage for Cats and Kittens
2191 Bush Street
Pensacola, FL 32534 https://rowesorphanageforcatskittens.weebly.com/support-us--donate.html
Or
The Antarctican Society
35 Cherry Street, Unit 701
Burlington, VT 05401 https://www.antarctican.org/donations-1
To learn more about Gus, please visit the following links: https://iflysun.com/2021/10/14/the-que-sera-sera-first-airplane-to-land-at-the-south-pole/ https://user-web.icecube.wisc.edu/~mnewcomb/antarctic_history/Shinn_Transcript.pdf https://www.antarctican.org/interviews https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2025/06/10/conrad-shinn-dead/