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Sidney Schuman Obituary
Butch was born in Chicago, Illinois to Sidney and Edith Schuman and moved to California when he was one year old. He grew up in Beverly Hills and married his best friend and first love, Nancy. They raised three children in little Holmby, Los Angeles, where he lived most of his life before settling into "Baba's Beach" in Marina del Rey to savor sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Butch was the founder and CEO of Agro Farming Corporation, a privately held produce company whose principal activity was growing wine grapes in the San Joaquin Valley. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the California Association of Winegrape Growers from 1979 to 1981.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Junior Blind for more than two decades and organized weekend farm getaways and hayrides for blind and deaf children on one of his vineyards. In 1979, he received the Foundation's esteemed honor and award for Man of the Year.
Butch served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and earned his Shodan black belt in Shotokan Karate. Over the years, Butch also served as Board President of Free Arts for Abused Children as well as the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking; he co-founded the Community Karate Foundation; and served on the boards of the Getty House Foundation, Foundation for Human Enrichment, InsightLA, and South Central LAMP.
Butch is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Edith Schuman, as well as his cherished family dog, Fuzzy Rufus Von Doggenburg. He is survived by and lovingly remembered by his first wife, Nancy; his children, Joe and wife Judy, Laura, Jennifer and husband Scott; grandchildren, Max, Harlow, Oscar, Aspasia, Benji, and Brody; step-grandchildren, Simon, Celia, and Sofie; sister, Cookie; and the many friends whose lives were profoundly enriched by his fellowship. In his final year, Butch was devotedly taken care of by two angels, Lina and Chito, who worked hand in hand with his family to bless the last season of his life with peace and love.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Butch's memory through donations to the UCLA Innovation in Geriatric Medicine Fund.
May Butch's memory be a blessing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sidney Schuman
6 Entries
Lisa Alvarez
April 26, 2024
I am grateful for with the great joy that Butch enriched my deceased husband's Joe life. Friends for decades, they shared many confidences. Rest in Peace dear Butch.
Mohammed Abdul Aleem
January 15, 2024
My wife Maleeha and I were blessed to have known Butch. He was a genuine humanitarian. May the heavens welcome his soul.
Hyung Kim
August 7, 2023
Butch had the biggest heart of anyone I know. He felt responsible for anyone who was suffering or in need. He often spoke of religion and spirituality. I once asked him what religion he prescribed to, and he said he was a member of every religious group that was being persecuted. I think this response summarizes Butch so well. For most of us, such feelings don't come naturally and I enjoyed Butch's company because he made everyone around feel like they could be the best version of themselves.
Sister M. Anncarla Costello
July 28, 2023
Butch was such an amazing man! Humorous, thoughtful, generous. A true friend to his friends and there are many! I want to thank the Schuman family for sharing this great man with so many. May his legacy live on in each of you!
Blessings,
Sister Anncarla Costello, SND
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Sylvia Cattani
July 27, 2023
We have so many wonderful memories of Butch from the '80s when he would stop by our house after Bear Mountain Winery meetings or after checking on his farms. We would offer him dinner and then laugh and enjoy his company until he had to drive home. We loved spending time with his family and enjoyed his stories of Joey, Laura and Jennifer. Later he told us stories about his beloved grandchildren and we felt that we knew them too. We enjoyed his beach parties too. Butch was especially fond of Arnold Cattani Sr and would often stop by to visit with him in his later years. He loved the fatherly support he received and brought great joy to both Arnold Sr and Corinne. Butch's quick wit is fondly remembered also. He was a blessing to us all.
Mike & Mitzie
July 27, 2023
...epitomized the definition of "friend"....rest in peace brother....
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