Michael William Schachter

Michael William Schachter September 22,1935 - August 11, 2006 Michael, also known lovingly as Mickey, passed away at the Jewish Home for the Aged in San Francisco at the age of 70. Michael's mother, Lillian Schachter, and a small group of parents of individuals with cerebral palsy formed United Cerebral Palsy of San Francisco 55 years ago. Through their efforts, medical conferences, public education forums, summer camps and unprecedented public awareness about citizens with disabilities emerged. The first United Cerebral Palsy telethon in the 1950's was a direct result of their dedication and determination. Those first families, along with the Association for Retarded Children (now the Arc), created new state funded disability services, such as California's regional centers as alternatives to institutional care. Michael was one of the original six individuals to attend and benefit from the program formed at the Regional Center for the Handicapped in San Francisco. He attended regularly for over 50 years and was loved by all. Michael was a great sports fan and staunchly supported his 49'ers and Giants. He and his mother were season ticket holders for years and were familiar sights at the old Kezar Stadium. Michael's trip a couple of years ago to his favorite destination, Disneyland, was one of his most fondly held memories and pleasures, rivaled only by his ever present enjoyment and single-handed support of the chocolate industry. After living semi-independently for many of his years, Michael became a resident of The Jewish Home for the Aged in 2001 where he continued to endear himself to all he encountered. He continued to practice his dry sense of humor and to deliver his delightful "one-liners." Michael's friendly and flirtatious manner, and his brave acceptance of his accelerating disabilities earned him the love and respect of the entire staff at The Jewish Home, where he was described as "Beloved." He will be forever remembered by all who knew him and especially by his lifetime friend, Laurie Sizemore, and his cousins, Arden Hamilton and Michael Tilson-Thomas. Contributions can be made to: The Janet Pomeroy Center (formerly known as the Recreation Center for the Handicapped), 207 Skyline Blvd., SF, CA 94132 or The Jewish Home for the Aged, 302 Silver Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112.