Robert McShinsky

SOUTH ROYALTON—Robert L. McShinsky, 80, died Thursday March 13, 2003 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Jct. after a period of failing health.

He was born Feb. 13, 1923 in Belmont, N.H.; the son of Louis S. and Marguerite (Allison-DeBurn) McShinsky. He attended school in Townsend, Mass., graduating from high school in 1940. He entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in World War II as a Sergeant in the Military Police until he was discharged in 1946.

On June 22, 1943 he married Virginia Heath in Milford, N.H. In 1965, in a ceremony they were sealed in the Salt Lake City, Utah Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They lived for many years in Swanzey, N.H., where he was a barber, drove a taxi, logged and worked in a machine shop. He also coached Little League, was a volunteer fireman and a Boy Scout leader.

In 1967, they moved to South Royalton, where he was a maintenance administrator at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, South Royalton Ward and also at the Joseph Smith Memorial. He retired in 1988, at which time he and his wife "Ginny" served as Missionaries in the Washington, D.C. and Toronto Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He held many positions in the church over the years, such as Deacon, Teacher, Priest, Elder and High Priest. He was currently the Bishop at the South Royalton Ward.

He was an avid outdoors man, enjoyed traveling, sugaring, church projects, eating and roller skating as a young man. His greatest love was spending time with his family, of whom he was very proud, and extended church family and his friends.

Survivors include his wife, of South Royalton; four sons: Robert B. McShinsky, Jr. of Leesburg, Fla., Philip B. McShinsky of Draper, Utah; Bruce E. McShinsky of Sharon; and Nathan D. McShinsky of Royalton; three daughters: Vivian Shaw of Bountiful, Utah; Cynthia Erekson of Hampden, Conn.; and Melinda Berg of Kearns, Utah; two sisters, Grace Shea of Fox Fire, N.C. and Louise Houle of Hudson, N.H.; 34 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by a brother, Robert B. McShinsky and two sisters, Margaret Enricht and Alberta Markaverich.

Calling hours were held Sunday, March 16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in South Royalton. The funeral service was held at the church Monday, March 17. Gary E. Cass conducted the service with Ronnie Johnson giving the invocation and son-in-law, Kenneth Shaw gave the eulogy.

Family remembrances were shared by sons, Bruce, Robert, Phillip and Nathan McShinsky. Musical selections were sung by his daughter, Vivian Shawn and his granddaughter, Janessa Erekson. Bishop Frank Perron, Harry E. Sherman, second Counselor of the Vt. Stake Presidency and Michael D. Sessions, Vt. Stake President, gave reflections on their involvement in Robert’s life, both personal and through activities with the church.

A daughter, Mindy Berg gave the closing benediction. Organist, Elaine Soule led the congregation in singing the hymns, "There is An Hour of Peace and Rest" and "Called To Serve," with daughter, Cindy Erekson acting as chorister. The pall bearers were grandsons, Keith, Kent and Jared Erekson, Timothy Martin, Malcolm, Robert, Nathan and Tyler McShinsky.

Following the service family and friends shared refreshments that were provided by the ladies of the church. The burial will be held at a later date in the Vermont Veterans Memorial cemetery in Randolph Center.

Memorial donations may be made to the South Royalton Rescue Squad, c/o Corinne Ingraham, 52 Roberts Road, South Royalton, Vt. 05068.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea.

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