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WILLIAM SHUMATE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM SHUMATE
Steve Powell
December 20, 2024
It's been a few years since our mutual friend, Bill Shumate, passed. I knew him for more than 50 years, and I still marvel at what a gift he was to his friends and colleagues. I am 75 now, and spend more time reflecting on the enriching relationships I had during my life. Bill was a prince, a giant among men, and I treasure his memory and the fond recollections many have added here. Thank you!
Steve Powell
February 2, 2016
When my 2015 Christmas card was returned undelivered, I knew more research was needed to find Bill Shumate, a dear friend from St. Louis for more than 50 years. I first met Bill when he was a graduate student at Washington University and I was just a 10 year old boy. A friend of my brother, Peter, Bill was a welcome and frequent visitor to our home in St. Louis. He was an amazing friend and mentor to me through my teenage years and later in my adult life when we reconnected several times in St. Louis and Omaha. I never met anyone with a more generous and magnanamous personality. Our conversations through the years rewarded me with acceptance, appreciation and treasured laughter. I deeply value the gift of friendship that Bill shared with me and I'll be forever grateful to him for his many kind acts and grace. Peace be with you, Bill and all of your many admirers
Dr. Ray Scheimer
February 14, 2015
Bill, my friend and "brother" since our college days. How you will be missed. Words cannot express my grief and sorrow. I introduced you to mountain climbing and because of me you climbed the Matterhorn in Zermatt. How honored I felt that you shared that accomplishment with me before anyone else. We hiked and climbed many mountains together and I shall forever cherish those wonderful times. We shared more fun times than I can rember. Your wisdom, love and friendship will always be a part of my life. I hope we will meet again in the spirit world. "To live in the hearts of others is not to die" and Bill you will live forever in mine. You were one of my very best friends and I could always count on you being there for me. May God take you in His arms & keep you safe until we meet again. Rest in peace, dear "brother". Aloha and malama pono a hui hou, Ray
Dashing Bill on a New Year's Eve in St. Louis
Ashley Baptiste
January 15, 2015
Michael Detweiler
January 14, 2015
Bill was a king among men and it will take everything he taught me to make sense of a world without him in it.
Marianne Brown
January 13, 2015
Bill Shumate, with his ability to listen, understand and accept, was a loyal and caring friend. Always gracious and kind, his intellectual curiosity and keen sense of humor would dissolve into laughter and fun. He will be remembered and missed.
Zeldy
January 7, 2015
Bill, Bilious, William, Willy, Will-Yam -- I've probably missed half the nicknames you endured from my family. It's a tribute to your kindness and good humor that you accepted them all without complaint, but I'm sure you knew that you were uniquely loved by each of us. You still are. I miss your booming laughter, but I like to think of it reverberating in a heavenly place where you are catching up with old friends and family. Cheers to you Willy, and I hope our paths cross again.
Ryan Madigan
January 6, 2015
Bill was an incredible friend, mentor, colleague, logophile, & of course psychologist. He loved to laugh, correct my grammar, discuss words, think, edit, read, write, share, help and travel like no one I have ever met. I will undoubtedly miss his immeasurable generosity, warmth, humor, wisdom and friendship.
Jane Holmes Bernstein
January 6, 2015
A longtime and valued colleague, devoted to the children and families he worked with, committed to the development of many generations of psychologists in training. He will be missed!
Nancy Dunn
January 5, 2015
What an absolutely lovely man. I will miss seeing him in the hallways at Boston Children's.
Diane Kessler
January 4, 2015
Bill had a keen sense of humor, gifted insight into the human psyche, and satisfaction in being able to help others--especially young adults.
Periodically he would call and suggest we catch a movie at the West Newton Cinema. We followed that by supper at a nearby Irish pub he had discovered. The conversations at those suppers were laced with laughter.
Bill had a generous capacity for friendship. I thank God for all that he was to those who have known and cherished him.
Ashley Baptiste
December 30, 2014
He told us to call him "Uncle Willie" - he was a part of my life for as long as I can remember. He was the jolly man with a twinkle in his eye who took such interest in my life, asked me questions, listened, encouraged and celebrated. A beautiful man with a beautiful nature - I will miss him so much. Cheers to you, Uncle Willie!
Bill in Natick, MA, Spring 2000
Ashley Baptiste
December 30, 2014
Conrad Knoten
December 29, 2014
Bill was a wonderful friend to the Martin family for many years and I had the pleasure of his company at various social gatherings in St. Louis. A lover of life, an intelligent man, heaven has gained quite a soul!
December 29, 2014
Dr. Shumate always had a big Hello how are you today whenever him and I crossed paths. A very nice, kind sweet man.
Andy Hahn
December 29, 2014
Bill you will be missed by all your friends in St. Louis, but I know you are enjoying a cocktail with Max and Zoe.
December 29, 2014
The Met Auditions committee in New England will sorely missed Bill, who for decades soothed the nerves of young singers before they went on stage to audition at Jordan Hall. His wit and good humor livened our meetings . Pauline Ho Bynum
Jean Ciborowski Fahey
December 28, 2014
Bill was my friend and colleague at Children's Hospital for many many years. He and I shared a love for the children who came to us for help. Bill hugged me harder than anyone- his ability to listen, really listen was extraordinary. Oh how I will miss you, Bill.
Shelby Gately
December 28, 2014
Dr. Shumate was the kindest friendliest man. I will miss him. He always stopped by my office to say hello. He was the sweetest man I will never forget him. Dr. Shumate, I will miss you immensely, rest in peace, your friend Shelby.
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