Philip Lee Hinshaw (November 14, 1934, February 10, 2023)
It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of our compatriot Philip Hinshaw after a brief illness. Philip was a remarkable person and we considered him as our friend. Both officially and unofficially he was the historian of the San Diego Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
Philip was born and raised in Indiana where he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952. He transferred to the Fleet Reserve as a Master Chief Electrician’s Mate in 1971. During his Naval career he served aboard the: USS Severn, Midway, Salamonie, Wyandot, Neosho, Bennington, Bexar and Ranger. After his Naval retirement he enrolled at San Diego State University and graduated in 1975 with a master’s degree in Geography. After working at the San Diego Association of Governments he became the Planning Director for the Rancho Santa Fe Association. In 1981 he entered the land use and environmental consulting field and opened his own consulting firm in 1983.
He became a SAR member in 1996 and has served the San Diego Chapter as Historian, Treasurer, Secretary, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and in 2004 he was elected as the Chapter’s President. He and his wife Mary attended at least six National Congresses, 15 NSSAR Trustee/Leadership meetings at the National Society’s Headquarters and in 2010 he and Mary travelled with a SAR group to Spain where they attended an audience with His Royal Highness Don Felipe, the Prince of Asturias at the Royal Palace of Zarzuela.
His work with the House of Spain and bringing the history of Spain’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War served as the inspiration for the San Diego’s Chapter assembling educational content for teachers on the subject and regular collaboration with the House of Spain.
His SAR awards include Good Citizen, Silver-Chapter (2) and Bronze-Chapter-(2), Meritorious Service Award- Chapter, Patriot- Silver, America250- Chapter Bronze
He will be missed by all that knew him.
Information on arrangements will be posted when available.