Roger Shulman Obituary

September 1, 1943 - June 13, 2019 Roger Michael Shulman, 75, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday June 13, 2019, surrounded by his loving family in Los Angeles, California, after a lengthy 6-year battle with lung cancer. Roger was born September 1st, 1943 in his city by the bay: San Francisco. He was born to Joseph Daniel Shulman of Glasgow, Scotland, and Ruth Dorothy Shulman (née Sommers) of California. Roger spent his boyhood playing in Golden Gate Park. After attending George Washington High School he attended UC Berkeley where he joined the SAM Fraternity. His many funny stories of being at Cal will keep us laughing. His fraternity and Cal Golden Bears remained close to him always. Roger then attended and graduated Boalt Law School where he met his cherished friend for many years Bob Bauer. His stories of ducking tear gas to get to his law classes and fraternity dogs getting into dogfights during classes still make us laugh. Roger met the love of his life Donna Doyle in 1967 San Francisco's Summer of Love that set the backdrop to a long and loving marriage of 50 years. Roger then headed south to the entertainment capital of Los Angeles to begin a career in Showbiz that spanned many years. He was many things to many shows. Roger and his creative partner John Baskin worked with Norman Lear, and were story editors, story writers, and producers to shows such as Love American Style, The David Frost Show, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Three's Company, Man of the People, and 704 Hauser Street. He also co-wrote a movie, American Raspberry. Along with his partners he created his own shows like Nearly Departed with Eric Idle and his opus Crazy Like A Fox with Jack Warden for which they were nominated for an Emmy. A more brilliant, funny, creative person never lived. His photographic memory was instantaneous. He could answer any question asked. He always brought his amazing humor and stories to every occasion and was quick to make friends. He was an inspiration and mentor to countless people. Roger loved ancient history, art, all music, especially classical; he could recall any song. His huge brain was taken from us too soon and will be sorely missed during crossword hour. He had a huge curiosity for all things. The man loved to eat, always looking forward to the tastiest food and a cold margarita. The anchovy pizzas of this world can rest easy now. He also loved Lake Tahoe. Our family vacations there are legendary; playing poker and making sports bets with his grandsons and watching the ducks by Fallen Leaf Lake will live forever in our memory. Most importantly he was a man that loved and took care of his family, and friends. Well Dad actually preferred his animals, especially his little dogs and parakeets. He always screamed and yelled when we brought the pets home, but ended up loving them the most and crying the deepest at their loss. His daughters had beater cars but his pets dined on filet mignon. Roger was predeceased by his loving parents and beloved brother Dick. He leaves behind his loving wife Donna, his loving daughters Darcie (Red) Clark and Stephanie (Robert) Dondanville as well as his four grandchildren Alexandria, Jake, Chase, and Jenna Clark, and numerous friends and family. Be in peace Poppy! We will try to follow your words of wisdom and not be Rock Dumb Stupid. Until we meet again, we will love you MADLY forever. Brontosaurus Productions is now closed. A special thanks you to Dr. Peter Boasberg who took such good care of our dad. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Doctors Without Borders, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the animal shelter of your choice.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Jun. 22 to Jun. 23, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for Roger Shulman

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My heartfelt condolences to family and friends.

Roger and I were high school classmates. I still remember sharing laughs and gags with him. He was one of a kind, even then. And when I heard he made it big in Hollywood, I wasn't surprised.

May you take comfort in all the wonderful memories you shared.

Jean Barish

August 28, 2019

Somehow one loses touch with family. I am one of those people that did not reach out to all members, and I regret not seeing Roger while he was growing up into a mench. The last time I saw him was in San Francisco, and remember playing softball that night in the summer of 53. My mother Kitty Caplan, nie Shulman was his aunt. I only followed part of his career starting with Crazy Like A Fox. But we took different pathways and the last time I saw him was in a photo taken by my cousin Rachele just this year. Rest in peace my young cousin; you will always be special to me. Love, Dennis

DENNIS CAPLAN

Family

August 11, 2019

My heart goes out to all of you, I was so sad to hear about Roger's passing.

I fondly remember the times Donna, Roger, Darcie, Steph, and young Alex would come to visit my mom, Mary and me in San Francisco.

I instantly knew first night of their visit we would always go to Clement Street for Chinese food, where Roger kept us in stitches with his funny stories and his laughter was very contagious!

As a nick @ nite fan, I always looked forward seeing Roger's name in the credits on the shows he worked on.

Rest well Roger.

All my love to you Donna, Darcie Steph, Alexandria, Jake, Chase, and Jenna.

Peta Cooper

July 1, 2019

I met Donna and Roger in 1969 when Donna and I worked at State Compensation Insurance Fund in Inglewood, California. At that time, I thought Roger was a stay-at-home hippie. Little did I know how hard he worked trying his hand at writing. It seems like our lives always ran parallel. Donna and I worked at State Comp with my kids' father, Ralph Mitchell. Ralph and I got married and moved to Philadelphia Pennsylvania and Roger and Donna followed by moving to New York, where Roger worked for David Frost. The four of us had hilarious times, thanks to Roger's humor. Fast forward to that fateful evening that Donna told me about Roger's illness. I was fortunate enough to be one of the people he spent some time with the last years of his life. Every few months, we went to our favorite restaurant in Marina del Rey and ate knots and laughed until it hurt. Memories of Roger's big mouth, hearty laugh and the adoring way Donna took care of him, making him go home when he became tired, will last forever. You will rest in peace but laugh heartily, Roger.
Love, Varonica Braud.

Varonica Braud

June 28, 2019

VARONICA BRAUD

June 28, 2019

I'm married to Rachelle, one of Roger's cousins. It wasn't long after she and I started dating that she told me about her famous cousin who was in show biz, which was quickly confirmed by all his aunts and uncles who lived here in Santa Barbara. They all thought the world of Roger. When I finally met Roger I knew why they were all so smitten with him. What a personality he had so smart and so funny! Living up here we didn't see Roger and Donna very often but when we did it was a very special treat.

We last saw Roger and Donna about three months ago for lunch at Duke's in Malibu. We had been trying to get together for months and weren't even sure it was going to happen that day either but things worked out and we were certainly happy we were able to finally get together again. What a wonderful, smart and witty guy. Roger, we miss you dearly.

John Ingram

June 28, 2019

Dear Shulman Family,
I am a second cousin to Roger and knew him only through my cousins Rachelle Ingram and Freida & Sam Shulman. They were so proud of him not only as a cousin but also for his work with Norman Lear and on other TV shows. Freida would write to my Mother and me and let us know the date that his shows would be on TV. We always watched them and looked for his name in the credits. I would cheer for him!
Cousin Rachelle is heartbroken to have lost Roger. She spoke to me at length about him and I prayed for him during the last weeks of his life. Even though I did not know him personally, I truly feel this sad loss.
I'm attaching a picture of Roger with Freida and Sam.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Judy Alcalay

June 27, 2019

Poppie my whole life you'd tell me you loved me madly and I'd reply love you justly. You told me you have no idea where I heard or came up with justly at 3 but it fit and we've been saying it to one another since. I always felt special because my poppie was in show business Your stories about oj Simpson driving you and your partner around and all the others I will never forgot . I am so lucky to have so many amazing one of a kind stories come to mind when I think of you I will miss you forever and love you justly always

Alexandria Clark

June 27, 2019

My Uncle Roger was one of a kind..
I do believe the mold was broken when he was born.
Now, we grieve the loss of such a wonderful man.
I was beyond blessed to have known Roger Shulman for 50 amazing years. I will cherish his stories, his quick wit and his anazing humor. Watching and listening to he and John writing their crazy scripts, years ago, will be etched in my mind forever, as they laughed hysterically in the other room, while I watched baby Darcie. I don't think I've known or will ever know, a more educated and well read man than him.
He will leave a void in our hearts, but he will live on through the great memories and stories shared from here on out.
I am beyond honored, to have known such a great talent. I'll miss you and love you forever Uncle ..❤

Julie Doyle Marks

June 26, 2019

Arcelia Rojero

June 26, 2019

Could not have asked for a better Grandfather. Incredibly greatful that I got to hear about his life everything that he experienced . I will always cherish all the memories we had together. From betting baseball in Vegas to sitting lake side in Tahoe. I'll always remember the countless baseball games of mine that he came too and remember how supportive he was in every aspect of my life. He met people and had life experiences that people only dream of and I am incredibly greatful that I was apart of it . I'll miss him everyday but his memory will live on in the stories I will tell of him. He knew everything about everything and the world is a lesser place with out him. I love you poppie thanks for being my grandfather and an incredible inspiration of someone who made the best of his life.
For those who are great, follow me - Johnny Montenegro aka Roger Shulman

Jake Clark

June 26, 2019

Roger we will miss you. You had such a wonderful memory and could answer any question with those extra bits of exciting information. Ted love talking to you on the telephone about the stock market and you always gave him such good tips. Sitting on the deck at Tahoe with Roger and then going to their favorite restaurant for that special sandwich are such happy memories. There will be a void in our lives! Love, Ted and Carolyn

June 25, 2019

Ted and Carolyn Wolfe

June 25, 2019

Roger we will miss you! You had such a wonderful memory and could answer any question with extra bits of information. Ted loved talking to you on the telephone about the stock market and you always gave him such good tips. Sitting on the deck and talking with Roger and then going to their favorite restaurant for that special sandwich are such happy memories. There will be a void in our lives.
Love, Ted and Carolyn

June 25, 2019

Dear Shulman Family
I am a first Cousin to Roger, although I haven't seen him since he was about 7 years old, I have followed his amazing work, and I am so very proud to say he was my cousin. My memory of my Cousin Roger was at my parents home, Daniel and Anna Shulman Freedman, sister to Joseph Shulman.
Roger was our guest for a week, while his parents went on vacation. Well somehow he had badly cut his leg playing at our home, and my poor mother Anna was so beside herself she didn't know how to tell Uncle Joe and Aunt Ruth what had happened, as it looked so bad.
Our loss is not knowing your dear Husband/Father/Grandfather/ and friend for all these years. Our sincere Love and Prayers go out to all of you.
Rest in Peace Dear Cousin
All our Love Barbara Freedman Duran and Family

Barbara Duran

June 24, 2019

I miss you every day. It's hard to believe I'll never laugh with you again. Love you forever and always Daddy.

Stephanie Dondanville

June 23, 2019

You will always be my loving brother-in-law and dear friend.

Eileen Shulman

June 23, 2019

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I Will always miss my poppie. I was Always so fascinated with his many stories from his days in Hollywood. He lived an amazing life and gave me so many memories be it teaching me poker during our vacations or educating me about the stock market. I will miss him and love him dearly.

Chase Shulman-Clark

June 23, 2019

50 years ago we met in San Francisco. I saw you across the room, and at first sight said, I am going to marry that man. 50 years later, I don't know what I'm going to do without you. I love you forever and always Roger. I miss you every day.

Donna Shulman

June 23, 2019

Roger's wife (donna) was my good friend and supervisor where we worked together at Fremont Insurance (workers' compensation company) back in the early 70's..met him..crazy.funny..made fun of us nutty claims examiners..made us laugh and the first time we met him was at our boss phyllis & stormeys wedding party at glorias house..if we remember(little brain senior moment?) he was the life of the party (at least for us) what a joyful and lovely couple..love to you donna, darcie and stephnie, and roger..rest in peace" may god's blessings be with you always" Joe and Angie Guerrero..Always..Peace & Love ..

angelina guerrero

Friend

June 23, 2019

I was one of Roger's fraternity brothers and close friends at Cal. Being on the other side of the country, we rarely saw each other after college, but I thought of him often as the funniest one of us and an all around fabulous person. My condolences. --Mark Nadel

Mark Nadel

June 23, 2019

He was such a wonderful entertaining man. He was so brilliant it bRings tears to my eyes he is not with us anymore. He so wanted to live to 80 but I guess God was ready for some humor. We miss you Dad! Every minute every day since you last told us to get a new pulse ox! Love you madly!

Darcie Shulman

June 22, 2019

My dear sweet cousin Roger,

Be at peace. I loved you dearly and I am ever so grateful that we were together on March 1, this year. You will always be in my heart. When I think of you I see your smile, hear your voice and your laugh that sounded just like Uncle Joe. We had a very special connection and always will.
Love your cuz,
Rachelle xoxoxo

June 22, 2019

Dear Family, I did not know Roger as well as would have liked. The last time I saw Roger was in San Francisco about 1954 and we played softball in the evening. I knew his mom and dad much better for my mom was Uncle Joseph sister Kitty.

May he rest in peace. Love cousin Dennis

June 22, 2019

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