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Harry Shulman Obituary

Harry Shulman
October 11, 1958--June 21,2021
Harry Shulman, beloved husband, father and brother, passed away peacefully from complications of a heart transplant at the age of 62, surrounded by his family, listening to his favorite album, Joshua Tree. His warmth and generosity of spirit with his family and friends endeared him to many. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a ready laugh, and an ear to lend a friend. Harry leaves behind his wife Annie, his two children, Zoe (19) and Sam (17), his brother John and his adoring dog Bailey. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Dean.

Harry was born in Washington DC to Steve and Sandy Shulman in 1958. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1980 and enjoyed every minute of his four years there, making many lifelong friends. After two years of travel and adventure he enrolled in law school at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1985. Harry practiced law in Colorado in both Denver and Aspen for Holland and Hart and in San Francisco. While living in Aspen, Harry had a near-fatal motorcycle accident, but he overcame the odds and never allowed ensuing physical limitations to define him. In 1999 Harry met his wife Annie and they married the following year in Aspen. Harry moved to San Francisco to join Annie and was soon surrounded by many new friends. He was always ready for a good time and there for his friends and family. He had the worst jokes but the best laugh. He loved riding his bike in the hills of Marin and Sonoma, and when his heart no longer allowed him to pedal hard, his e-bike was his most treasured possession. His love for the underdog led him to focus his career on class actions for underrepresented communities.

Harry was a kind and gentle man, blessed with a life of extraordinary friendships. He instilled in his children and all who knew him a love of life, the joy of laughter and the inner strength to stay positive through all of life's challenges. He always had a huge smile on his face and could often be found doing the daily crossword puzzle or savoring a coffee or beer with a friend. He also told wonderful bedtime stories.

In lieu of flowers, please make time in your day to perform a random act of kindness, as Harry often did.
A celebration of life will be scheduled later this summer.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 29 to Jul. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Shulman

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Joe Wysor

January 24, 2025

Please accept my condolences. Harry was a classmate of mine at Yorktown High School and a teammate on the tennis team. I have nothing but wonderful memories of Harry. He was a great guy, extremely bright (IQ off the charts) and a very good athlete.

We will miss this very special person.

James Scarborough

June 23, 2024

Harry was a good classmate, very good sense of humor, great guy. Too many Yorktowners have passed away.

Lynn Rohatiner

December 13, 2022

I met Harry when I was on a one year overseas program at Hebrew University in 1980. He was so handsome, charming and brilliant. I remember him being very spiritual. I helped him select a magen david necklace that he wore every day. I lost touch with him when the year abroad ended but I will never forget him and his beautiful soul. I wish the entire family strength and blessings.

Peggy Doyle Grant

October 20, 2022

I was shocked to find Harry's name among the "In Memoriam" gifts listed in UVA Law School's annual report. I was then equally shocked to learn that Dean had predeceased Harry. The "Shulman boys" were a big part of my early childhood on North Oakland St. in Arlington, VA. Dean was one of my brother George's best friends and as kids he and John were regulars at our house. Sandy and Steve were among my parents', Fred and Mary Doyle, closest friends. Sandy helped me get a job at the Rosslyn Holiday Inn and I worked there every summer during college. Steve helped inspire me to become a lawyer. My sister Mary Ellen reconnected with Dean when they were undergrads at UVA , and I reconnected with Harry briefly at UVA Law School. Regrettably, we "kids" never really knew each other as adults, but I would often see Steve and Sandy at my parents' home in McLean. What wonderful people! The Shulman family will always have a special place in my heart, and my condolences go out to John and to all of Harry and Dean's loved ones.

James Scarborough

June 23, 2022

Harry was an intelligent, witty, warm classmate; those of us who went through Yorktown loved it, and launched on our separate lives with relish. I'm glad he had a great career, family and friends. Best to you, Harry, on the other side.

James Scarborough

April 5, 2022

I enjoyed witty and wild years with Harry at Yorktown, and saw him at reunions. He had a zest for life and and will be missed.

Nancy Lee Tang

January 28, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Harry at LSG. He was genuinely kind, intelligent, and good humored.

Jonathan Marvin

January 27, 2022

Dear Annie, Zoe and Sam -
I was truly heartbroken today when I was going to text Harry and found this announcement. Although we didn't get together often enough since our days at LSG, every time I did see Harry, it was a joyful and enlightening experience. And it was comforting just to know he was around. He and I took a walk in August of 2020 - as the first Covid wave seemed to be stabilizing - and it seems like it was just yesterday. My heart goes out to you all - he loved his family so very much. He is missed.

David Tucker

November 19, 2021

I am so sad and send my condolences and thoughts. You all dont know me but i met Harry through a case, i am a white collar criminal defense lawyer. He sued my client as i was representing him in his criminal case. the story is not about the case but about this incredible guy i met. This compassionate connected intelligent person. We became friends. He was one of the most extraordinary people i have met in my lifetime. What a contribution he made to everyone. i could tell he touched everyone he met. he touched me and he will be missed.

Rosemarie Del Monte

August 22, 2021

Harry and I worked together at H&H in the early 90's. We remained friends over these last three decades and I can say without reservation that Harry was an exceptional man; brilliant, hilarious, and one of the kindest most self aware people I've ever known. He was the first to admit a mistake and to apologize when necessary, and he always made me feel seen. I was saddened to learn of his death and am sending my love and prayers to his wife and children in light of their hearbreaking loss. I have no doubt, however, that Harry's spirit will find a way to remain close at hand in watching over each of them in the days and months and years to come.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Mark Becker

Planted Trees

Bill Connie and Kerry Fitzgerald

July 5, 2021

So sad to hear of Harry´s passing. Classic endearing photo!! Condolences from the Fitzgerald family.

Susan Sparks

July 4, 2021

Dear Annie, Zoe, Sam,

Harry was such a fantastic person. I am so sad for his loss. Beautifully written tribute of his life. The picture is classic. His humor, his laugh, his insights and incredible kindness will be truly missed. My regret is not having enough time with him. Such a great man.
I am sending the deepest condolences. I hope I will get to see you all in person. Sending healing hugs.

Much love,
Susan Sparks

MARTIN MCCLANAN

July 4, 2021

We can all aspire to be Harry Shulman. Every conversation was filled with intellectual curiosity, laughter, good listening, kindness and openness to others ideas. Each day was an opportunity. Each challenge could be overcome. Each friendship was to be treasured. His health challenges were not a source of victimhood but viewed with acceptance and appreciation that he had survived when many might not have.
While Harry has passed, I am so blessed to have had him as a friend and will try every day to remember what made him so special and the way he made me feel when I was with him.
I'm so very sorry for your loss Annie and so honored to have known such a wonderful human as Harry Shulman.

Sally Foster

July 3, 2021

Annie, I am so very sorry to learn of Harry´s death. He truly was a great guy. The last time I saw him was at Sugar Bowl. He was having dinner at the lodge with Sam and a friend. I was with a group of women and did not see him until he approached our table to say hello. I appreciated that gesture so much. He will be missed by many people I am sure. Sally Foster

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Andy Graham

Planted Trees

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