Sheldon Arthur Inkster, beloved husband of the late Ruth MacKay Inkster, the love of his life, died peacefully at CT Hospice, on September 20, 2014. Shelly was a son of the late Andrew and Cora Sheldon Inkster. He is survived by his loving children Elizabeth Inkster of Madison, Donald Inkster of Murrieta, CA and Robin Inkster Guerette and her husband Robert Guerette of Madison. He leaves cherished grandchildren Christopher Guerette, Heather Guerette Williams, Nicholas Inkster and Jesse Rijos, precious great-grandsons Westley Jirsa-Guerette, Everett Williams and Anthony Rijos, and many dear nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Forrest Inkster and Audrey Inkster Williams. Shelly was born in New Haven on October 19, 1927. He was a 1945 graduate of Hillhouse High School. On the day of his high school graduation, at age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve and served as a hospital corpsman at the close of WWII and again during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the Navy, Shelly worked for 42 years for SNET Co. Upon retiring from the telephone company he proudly served for 13 years as the Fire Marshal for the Town of Madison. Having moved to Madison upon his marriage in 1950, Shelly was long active in the community. He was devoted to the Boy Scouts throughout his life - first as a Scout himself and, as an adult, in roles ranging from Scoutmaster of Troop 1, to numerous positions as a local, council, and regional volunteer and leadership instructor. He was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award, the highest accolade in adult Scouting. Shelly was also a Commander of the Madison Auxiliary Police in the days when Madison had only a few sworn officers and relied on a volunteer constabulary to supplement its regulars. He was among the Madison Police Toy Fund's first volunteers. Using his finely honed skills as a master craftsman and cabinetmaker, he worked countless hours re-furbishing bicycles and restoring used toys to new condition for Madison's youngsters. In 1962, he was an early recipient of the Madison Jaycees Annual Distinguished Service Award for service to the community. For many years, Shelly was a dedicated member of Madison Hose Company No. 1. He also belonged to American Legion Griswold Post 79 and was a Master Mason for 65 years. In 1949 he joined his father and brother at New Haven's Hiram Lodge #1 A.F. & A.M. He later joined Madison Lodge 87 and maintained membership in both lodges until his death.

A memorial service celebrating Shelly's life will be held on Sunday September 28, 2014 at 1p.m., at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Rd, Madison, CT. Contributions in Shelly's memory may be made to: Madison Hose Company No. 1, 665 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT 06443; or Boy Scouts of America, Connecticut Yankee Council, 60 Wellington Rd., Milford, CT 06460, ctyankee.org. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.