Michael Schacker

WOODSTOCK - Michael Schacker, long time Woodstock/Willow resident passed away on Oct. 30, 2014. Complications began after an evening he spent with his wife Barbara at his apartment in Woodstock Commons. Barbara described the evening as domestic and lovely between the couple, with no hint of the tragedy that was to come. Michael complained of neck pain, later in the evening, he passed away from cardiac arrest. Resuscitation efforts by EMTs and at Kingston Hospital were of no use. Within 30 minutes he swiftly and gracefully passed on.
Michael was the author of two published books and composer of two world-class music albums performed by many talented and well-known musicians in the area surrounding Woodstock. The first album, performed and recorded by his world-beat band, The Tribe, was entitled "Get off the Bus". His second album, "Song of Blake" was a musical about the life of visionary poet and artist. Earlier in his life, he created and played original country swing music with Cousin Cricket. He and his wife Barbara were then living at Governor Jerry Brown's 160 acre estate in an off-the-grid cabin for 7 years. He was a writer, musician, composer, and progressive political activist. He had been described by many as a "Renaissance Man," and "Cultural Creative." He was much beloved in the Woodstock community and will be sorely missed.
Michael Schacker was born May 30, 1962 in New York City to Jerome Schacker and his wife Maxine, Neé Maxine Feinbloom. His brother, David, his sister Jeanne and mother remain, though his father had recently passed this spring. He and his wife, previously Barbara Dean, have one daughter, Melissa.
His published works: A Spring Without Bees (2008) and Global Awakening, New Science and the 21st Century Enlightenment (2012) are both masterpieces in their respective subject areas, the first about colony collapse disorder, and the second about the real history of ideas that lead us to irrefutable conclusions about ecology, climate change, education and politics and how we each can play a role in regenerating the Earth.
Just after he finished the first book, in 2008, Michael suffered a major aortic dissection, and subsequent stroke. Though he survived the high risk operation to save his life, he was condemned by the neurological team to "neither walking nor talking again"-both of which he did. His wife, Barbara, worked diligently with her program-developed out of the condition of her father, who also had a stroke-called the Sensory Trigger Method, and can be researched on line. Neurofeedback at our center (Stone Mountain Counseling, PC,) enabled Michael to get up out of his wheelchair and walk.
He fought bravely to recover his speech and at the time of his death he could hold a conversation with a vocabulary over 3000 words. In the past 6 years and 7 months, he had made a remarkable recovery. "We are all happy to have this extra time with Michael and he lived it to the fullest", said Barbara.
Michael Schacker kept his upbeat, life-affirmative, politically-astute personality till the end of his days. Creative, upbeat, affirmative; he lived that way until his passing in this last week.
Michael, to know you was to love you!
Cremation arrangements are under the guidance of the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Smith Avenue Kingston. www.jvleahyfh.com. Memorial arrangements will be announced by the family.