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David Edwin Schneider

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Duke University Western Washington University

David Schneider Obituary

David E. Schneider, surrounded by love, peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge January 7, 2019, welcomed by meows, woofs, and birdsong from the cats, dogs, and wildlife he loved. His brother Karl, their parents, Glenn and Delores Richardet were surely there as well. David was born March 16, 1937 to Edwin and Eleanor (Deane/Rockwood) Schneider in Philadelphia, PA. His father's scientific research work took the family to many East coast cities as their home. David, an outdoorsman from an early age, enjoyed exploring, hiking, fishing, camping, often with his brother. David earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Bates College, Maine, and his PhD from Duke University. He taught marine sciences in the Biology Department at Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA for 37 years, retiring as Professor Emeritus. David had a passion for science and education, besides teaching and supervising numerous graduate students, David's career provided many opportunities for research from the Artic to the Amazon. After a whirlwind romance, David married Bunny Richardet on Valentine's Day, 1982, happily gaining a daughter Dawn in the process. David (always camera gear in tow) and Bunny traveled the world with a focus on native wildlife. When blessed with grandsons, David's photography included sports. He went to countless baseball, basketball, and football games from the time Cannen and Skout were little, through when they played on their college teams. He volunteered many years with Bunny for www.WeSNiP.org which provides free/low cost spay/neuter services. David lived by the Golden Rule, with a gentle and kind spirit. Survived by wife and best friend, Bunny, devoted step-daughter, Dawn M. Roberson, loving grandsons Cannen I. Roberson (Ali Cross), and Skout G. Roberson, sister Elsie Schneider Rodney, cousins Dick Joyce (Raelynn), and Carolyn Joyce. Robin will miss his warm lap. We sent his favorites with him - McDonald's quarter pounder with cheese, whole wheat fig bar cookie, peanut butter sandwich, chocolate peanut butter candies, and Frango candy he got for Christmas. We are most grateful to Emily Fulbright, CNA and Tommy McAuliffe for their tender home care of David and their friendship. Special thanks to Brian Patterson, MD and staff at Associates in Family Medicine, John Holroyd, MD, Sound Physicians, and Grant Cochran, MD, PeaceHealth Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald on Jan. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for David Schneider

15 Entries

Timothy Quinn

August 13, 2024

Dr. David Schneider was a prince of a man - kind, generous, and authentic. He was a wonderful teacher, who practiced patience and encouragement in large measure, and inspired students by his command of ecological knowledge - delivered softly with a plethora of graphs and charts. Thanks for all you did for us aspiring biologists.

Winn Adams

January 14, 2023

When Bunny and David would come over for a visit my kitties made a bee line to David despite all the attention Bunny would shower on them. He was a wonderful man and I'm glad I got to know him over the years. Both myself, and my kitties miss him.

ANN COOMBS

January 26, 2019

Sad news... many happy memories of days shared with endless gatherings in Vancouver. David was always thought of with a smile and wished we had more time with him! Heartfelt condolences to all his loving family.

Paolo Domenici

January 25, 2019

I was an exchange student at Western for 6 months in 1986. David was my advisor and I took some of his courses as well. David was always very helpful and supportive, and he basically sparked my career by showing me how much fun biology could be. To this date, I often think of what David taught me, both as a wonderful person and as an incredible teacher.

Tanya Braumiller

January 23, 2019

Such a gentle and loving soul.

Gisele Muller-Parker

January 23, 2019

Dave and I shared many wonderful times at Shannon Point Marine Center and in the Biology Dept. He helped create the Marine and Estuarine Science graduate program at WWU (MESP), and he and I typically served on each other's graduate student committees. Dave was committed to WWU students. They always came first, above all other pressing faculty obligations. I remember how Dave was instrumental in designing the Biology building, leading the department in all layout decisions and making the building a warm and inviting space to teach and learn. He took no credit for it, simply enjoying how everyone appreciated their new home. He was my closest colleague in the Biology Dept and I remain grateful for his mentorship and sound advice as I navigated becoming a professor at WWU. The last time I saw Dave (about 4 years ago) we were on the beach at SPMC, remembering our Spring Quarter classes and activities we did together. I send my sympathies to Bunny and Dave's family.

Patricia Maass

January 23, 2019

What a delight it was volunteering with David to help dogs and cats get spayed and neutered. He was such a cheerful and reliable presence and I am sure he has lots of four legged friends greeting him right now.

Winn Adams

January 22, 2019

David was a kind and gentle soul. It was a privilege to be his friend. I think David is at peace, enjoying the company of pets, family, and friends that have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. He is missed.

Kathleen Page

January 22, 2019

David demonstrated that rare combination of intelligence, kindness, compassion, and wisdom. When I was fortunate enough to develop a friendship with Bunny, I also got to know David as part of this extraordinary package deal. The world is a better place because of his presence. RIP David. You've earned it.

Karen Steensma

January 21, 2019

Dear Bunny and family, My condolences in the passing of Dave. What a privilege to have had him as my thesis supervisor. I have often mentioned his kindness as an example to my own students. His legacy of love for all critters (including the human ones!) will continue. Love and peace to you --

Chris Fabry

January 20, 2019

Dr Schneider was a kind and generous man with a mischievous sense of humor who will be missed.

Fred & Gloria Rhoades

January 20, 2019

Bunny and Dawn and others in Dave's family and friends - We are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. We can't believe that this has happened so quickly. Thank you for being with him at home during what must have been difficult times for all of you. Dave was a kind and gentle spirit and a generous teacher. You are in our thoughts.

Merrill Peterson

January 20, 2019

Dave was much beloved by his WWU students and by the faculty and staff in the Biology Department. Dave was a supportive mentor to many and inspired them with his grace, kindness, and willingness to stand up for others. I feel fortunate to have known him, and will miss him.

Robyn Woodman

January 20, 2019

Dr. Schneider was one of my favorite professors and also on my thesis committee. Such a kind and patient man, always quick with a laugh or nice word regardless of how many mistakes I made. I graduated in 2002 and out of the blue last week I thought of him. Now I know why. I'm happy to have known him and spent time with him. Thinking of all his family and friends in this time.

Heather Farren

January 20, 2019

Dr. Schneider was such a kind and patient man, no matter what stupid things I did on my thesis or in his classes. He took teaching every bit as seriously as his research. I still remember how hard he laughed when I accidentally sucked live clam gills into my mouth during his class and spent 15 minutes with my head under the faucet trying to get rid of the taste. Even when I'd run into him in town years after I graduated, he always was happy to see me and catch up. Dr. Schneider's support was one of the reasons I made it through grad school. He had a big impact on my life, as well as many other students.

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