April 26, 1968 – February 25, 2013
We lost Matthew on February 25, 2013 at his home in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was a gifted writer who made us laugh, an inspired artist who found ways to turn things like old tires and rusty bolts into amazing wall art, a wonderful son and friend. He also left behind a treasure of great stories, paintings, and memories that we will always cherish.
He graduated from San Francisco's Lowell High School in 1986 and bounced around in Minnesota, New York, Washington, Florida, Rhode Island, Virginia, and North Carolina, as well as overseas. He is remembered by his parents, Andrew and Ruth Shinnick and Linda and Bob Dunn, Grammy Hillier, and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends from coast to coast and beyond. He is especially remembered by the children he has loved through the years and who adored him in return. We love him. He will be missed.
We will remember and plant a tree in the National AIDS Memorial Grove for him on April 15 at noon. It is a beautiful, peaceful place that Matthew would approve of and that we can visit often.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Matthew's name.