Dr. Arthur Frederick Shinn's Obituary
Arthur Frederick “Art” Shinn, PharmD, FASCP, age 80, of Flat Rock, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026. Born on May 23, 1945, Art lived a full and accomplished life marked by determination, intellect, and deep personal passions.
Art earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Michigan, a point of lifelong pride that fueled his enthusiastic support for his alma mater. A respected professional in his field, he was known as an expert and published author, and he achieved notable success as an entrepreneur—founding his own business not once, but twice. His first venture grew into the major company now known as Express Scripts, a legacy that reflected both his vision and perseverance.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Madlynn (Schwartz) Shinn; his children, Jeffrey (Cattina) Shinn, Kara Shinn-Stein, and Caitlin Yasinev; his stepchildren, Stephen (Jenny) Levin and Mindy Levin; as well as ten cherished grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Shinn, Sr., his mother, Eleanor Shinn, and his sister, Cecelia.
Art was a man of strong convictions—determined, vocal, and unapologetically set in his ways. Those who knew him understood that these qualities were part of what made him memorable and, in many ways, admirable. He lived life on his own terms and took pride in his independence and accomplishments.
Outside of his professional life, Art found joy in simple and meaningful pleasures. He was an avid bird feeder who delighted in caring for the wildlife around him, and he also had a deep love for animals throughout his life, sharing his home with both cats and dogs—most recently his beloved dog, Liza. He was a passionate collector of art and a regular attendee of craft fairs. He loved to travel, especially by cruise ship, and was rarely without a book—amassing an impressive personal library over the years. Dining out was another of his great enjoyments, often following familiar routines that brought him comfort and satisfaction.
A service to celebrate Art’s life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Art’s memory to Elizabeth House (Four Seasons Compassion for Life), supporting compassionate end-of-life care: https://fourseasonscare.org/our-services/elizabeth-house/
In remembering Art, we hold onto the strength of his character, the breadth of his accomplishments, and the many ways he left his mark on those around him. His life reminds us to stand firmly in who we are, pursue our ambitions with conviction, and find joy in the traditions and passions that make life our own.
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