Irwin Shainman

I still think fondly of Mr. Shainman. I recently saw a photo of myself and another Music Major with Mr. Shainman at our graduation. It brought back fond memories. May he rest in peace.

A really unforgettable warm person. I am grateful to have known him an will never forget him.

I forgot to mention that I used to babysit you, Joan and Jack, but you won't remember that. (I do!) And I have planted a Princess Kay plum tree, Bernice, in Irwin's memory, in my yard. (I am the tree-hugger for the 70 trees in our neighborhood here in Bozeman.)

He was my favorite teacher at Williams and I use what he taught me every day of my life. He introduced me to opera and chamber music and now I am able to sponsor one opera a year here in Bozeman and two chamber music groups! One of my fondest memories was attending a lecture of Irwin's in New York City several years after he retired (I was taking courses at Juilliard and working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the time.) What fun it was to be a student of his again! Warmest greetings to...

So many times, over the years, he has trumpeted his way into my thoughts! Wishing you all, Bernice, Joan and Jack, peaceful memories. What a teacher, what a friend, what a man!!
Susan (Allen) Potter

To the Irwin Shainman Family: No better professor and human being in the world. As he did with many, he gave me my enjoyment of symphonic music. A warm, funny, enthusiastic, inspiring, and brilliant professor who made everybody feel at home and special. A true icon without an ounce of arrogance. And he liked college football! I will never forget Irwin - a great man. May he rest in peace. Denny Kelly, Williams '68 (a Pittsfield St. Joe HS native).

To Joanie Shainman: I remember your dad well from a freshman opera course, which has enriched my life to this day. He must have been a great dad, I'm very sorry for your loss. Ted Cox '75

Mrs. Shainman,

I'm sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Tamblyn Babcock '90