Harry H. Schanker Jr.

Harry Schanker was born in Kansas City, Kansas to Harry H. Schanker, Sr. and Anna Louise (Roush) Schanker.
Although his father was of Jewish descent, his mother began sending him to the church across the street at a young age. His father, Harry Senior, owned a grocery store so Harry learned to help his father in the family business.
Harry was an eager student and by high school was becoming a devoted student of the theatre. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City.
While attending KCK Junior College, Harry met the love of his life, Carol Lee Cawood. They continued dating as he transferred to the University of Kansas, while Carol transferred to Emporia State Teachers College. Harry became an avid KU basketball fan and would always remain one-Rock Chalk! Harry graduated from KU with a degree in English. Harry earned his Masters Degree in Secondary Education from University of Colorado.
Harry married Carol in Linneus, MO on September 5, 1953. The couple moved to Denver, Colorado in 1954.
Their first son, Chris, was born that December. Two years later daughter Debra came along, and 18 months later Kimberly made it a family of five.
Also in 1954, Mr. Schanker began teaching in Denver Public Schools. He taught at Morey Jr. High for five years and then five years at North High School. He moved to Thomas Jefferson High School in 1963, where he would remain for nearly 30 years.
In 1967, son Darin was born and made the family number an even six.
Later in 1981, Harry and Carol added another family member, Lori DeLong.
Mr. Schanker's Christian faith was evident to all that knew him. There was no separating the man from his faith in Christ. He was a humble servant and Bible scholar. He was an adult Sunday School teacher for 50 years. He led five trips to the Holy Land. He served his church as a deacon, an elder and moderator at Mission Hills Church where he was a member from 1964 until his death.
Harry was an avid Denver Broncos fan. He raised his children to be the same. He became a Bronco season ticket holder in 1973. He has known years of frustration and years of elation. Harry, Carol and family loved to camp and fish, often at Weston Pass near Fairplay, CO. Harry and Carol loved to make a big deal of the family Christmas celebration-even when money was scarce. Harry often took extra jobs or work in order to make Christmas truly special for the kids. The couple also made countless trips to New York City, 19 trips to England, enjoying shows on and off Broadway and the West End. Harry and Carol visited 47 states, and 26 countries. The family traveled the East coast one summer while Harry was in a program at Boston University. The family would always spend a few weeks each year in Newton, Iowa where Carol's mom lived. Harry loved gardening, particularly roses. He always had a beautiful yard.
In 1968 Mr. Schanker became co-author of a drama text published by McGraw Hill. He eventually became the sole author of the book, The Stage and the School. The text became the most widely used drama text in America. He also wrote two other books for McGraw Hill-The Spoken Word and Dramatic Comedy.
Mr. Schanker took early retirement from the DPS in 1992. Following his retirement, the TJ auditorium was named in his honor. He was also named to the Thomas Jefferson Hall of Fame.
Following his DPS retirement, Mr. Schanker worked on productions with Cherry Creek Schools for two years. He taught Stagecraft in the Douglas County Schools at Dakota Ridge High School for over six years, and taught acting at Stage Eleven.
His achievements as an educator have been widely recognized. He received the Distinguished Teacher Award and twice received the honorable Teacher of the Year. In 1992 he received the "A+ For Teachers" award from KCNC-TV and in 1994 was named Colorado Theatre Educator of the Year. He is listed in Who's Who in American Education, as well as Who's Who in the World, 2000 and Who's Who In the West, 2001. He was the originator of the summer theater program in the Denver schools. Mr. Schanker served as director and technical director for many of these productions, as well as middle school and elementary programs. He also served as the State Thespian Director. Mr. Schanker served with the Colorado Youth Citizenship Awards from 1973-2020. He served on the Board of Directors, Littleton Town Hall Arts Center, where he also directed productions for over a decade. He was the Director, Technical Director, Set Designer or Consultant for more than 200 productions throughout his career.
Harry's wife, Carol, passed away in 2009. He still found joy in family and his years at WindCrest Senior Community, having weekly tea and scones with dear friend, Pat, teaching Bible studies, Shakespeare and poetry classes. Harry taught his final poetry class last spring at the age of 90.
Harry wrote his life story and in it stated that the greatest gifts in his life were his faith in Christ, his relationship with his loving wife of nearly 56 years, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Harry is survived by son, Chris Schanker (Sandy), daughter Debra McSparran (Kent), daughter Kimberly Flatt (Marc), son Darin Schanker (Liz) and Lori Wukmir (Andy). He is survived by six grandchildren Ryan McSparran (Kelly), Jessica Todd, Jordan Flatt (Ashley), Madison Flatt, Corey Schanker, Kaleigh Schanker, Beckett Schanker, Andrew Wukmir and Aaron Wukmir and his great-grandchildren, Nolan McSparran, Clara McSparran, Malachi Flatt, Emma Flatt and Viola Todd.