Edwin Everett Hinshaw

Hinshaw—Edwin Everett Hinshaw, 91, on November 27, 2025, peacefully, at Schooner Memory Care in Auburn, Maine. Ed was born on August 16, 1934, to Everett and Clara Cook Hinshaw just across the street from where he grew up as the eldest of three boys in Winchester, Ind. In elementary school Ed was mostly ornery, until grade six when he went to work delivering the Palladium-Item newspaper, which he did for six years. He was active with family at Jericho Meeting in Winchester, always thinking of himself as a “Jericho boy.” Ed played football and was elected class president three of four years. Much to his surprise, Ed received the American Legion Scholarship and Leadership Award as well as the school’s Best All-Round Student Award at graduation.

Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., opened the world to Ed, where he met his wife, Dorothy Strattan, a lifelong partner and best friend for 70 years. Ed graduated with a degree in mathematics and a license to teach. He and Dorothy were youth ministers at West Richmond (Ind.) Meeting while at Earlham. Following college Ed was the minister at Williamsburg (Va.) Meeting for one year. Ed and Dorothy received the Friends World Committee for Consultation’s Quaker Leadership Grant, which enabled them to attend Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham, England, prior to teaching math and science at Kaimosi Teacher Training College in Kenya, East Africa. Ed served as youth leadership development secretary for East Africa Yearly Meeting.

In 1962, Ed and Dorothy returned to the United States with their four children, Lindley, born in Richmond, Ind.; Martha, born in England; and Jenny and Joel, born in Kenya. Ed attended Boston University School of Theology and Boston University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology and a master’s in religious education and human relations. He served as pastor of Westport (Mass.) Meeting, and was the first person to be employed by a yearly meeting as New England Yearly Meeting’s youth and education secretary. He directed Friends Camp in South China, Maine, for several summers.

In 1972, the family moved to Maine. Ed served as chaplain at the University of Maine, Orono; and director of Maine Christian Association. Moving to Iowa for a few years, he taught educational psychology and human relations at William Penn College. Ed and his family moved to Maryland, where he served as headmaster of Sandy Spring Friends School for 12 years. Over the years, Ed served as a delegate to Friends United Meeting, Friends General Conference, Friends World Committee for Consultation, Earlham School of Religion Board of Advisors, and New England Yearly Meeting.

Dorothy and Ed lived in Maine following retirement, calling themselves “local Friends.” During their time in Maine they were active skiers and volunteer instructors for more than 20 years with Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation. Ed was treasurer of Sunday River Christian Ministry, and served on Sumner town committees. Ed was an “intense” genealogist and loved working outdoors and re-siding the barn, climbing to the peak at age 75.

Ed was a beloved and active member of Durham (Maine) Meeting. His favorite Bible passages were Micah 6:8, Amos 5:24, and Matthew 5. He believed youth and all persons should be examples of good will and awe, each person being their own beatitude.

Ed was predeceased by a son-in-law, Robert Sheldon.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Hinshaw; four children, Lindley Hinshaw (Diana), Martha Hinshaw Sheldon, Jenny Hinshaw (Daniel Rhinehart), and Joel Hinshaw (Rachel Rousseau); six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Merril Hinshaw (Janis) and Ronald Hinshaw (Linda).