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Vernon Shoup Obituary

Shoup, Vernon Alan SCHODACK CENTER Vernon Alan Shoup, 61, beloved husband and father, passed away suddenly at his home in Schodack Center on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. Born in Toledo, Ohio, on November 25, 1947, he was the son of Evelyn Shoup and the late Rev. Fletcher Shoup. He was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan, earned his master's in molecular biology at Vanderbilt and his doctorate in biochemistry at Cleveland State University. Vernon worked for 13 years as a biochemist at Regeneron Pharma-ceuticals. Previous to this, he worked at Biogen in Cambridge, Mass. and at the Cleveland Metro Hospital. Known for his love of the stars, constellations and planets, he would have meteor parties with neighbors, even if it was at 4 a.m. His photography, which he had recently started to display around the region, will always be treasured by his family. He had a beautiful voice that he used to harmonize both at family gatherings and in church choirs. Vernon loved strategy games, and was an avid chess player both at home and in the community, where he helped to organize chess clubs. He will be forever remembered for his curiosity. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Deborah Graves Shoup; his daughters, Elisabeth and Brittany; his mother, Evelyn; siblings, Karen, Judith, Robert and David; and beloved nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at 1:00 on Saturday, October 10, with viewing hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the W.J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, Inc., 165 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, NY 12144. In lieu of flowers, we request that you please send money to the First Congregational Church in Albany, N.Y. for building their "Stairway to the Stars."

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Published by Albany Times Union on Oct. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Vernon Shoup

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November 6, 2009

My dear brother Vernon

I miss you very much. I will always treasure my moments with you.

Bob

November 3, 2009

Our heart goes out to you, Deb, Libby and Britt--So sorry to hear the sad news. We loved Vernon and we love you all- From Stephanie Rowland Sarah & Deborah

October 22, 2009

Dear Debbie:

We are very sorry for the loss of your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Paula and Chase Pugliese, East Greenbush, NY

Pamela Defelice

October 22, 2009

The Shoup Family
I am so sorry for you loss. Vernon was a caring and living person, who will be remembered for a very long time. He always had a smile on his face. I know when we switched prizes at the holiday party and i gave him the GPS he was so excited, he was like a little kid who just got a pony. I am so glad he enjoyed it. He was a brillient person who will truly be missed by MANY
Pam

Bill, Barbara & Katherine Wallace

October 18, 2009

Debbie,

Katherine, Barbara and I are deeply saddened to hear of Vernon's death. We all liked Vernon quite a lot and appreciated the spiritual leadership, his kind and gentle guidance and Vernon's mischievous grin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls.

John & Prudence Backman

October 14, 2009

We are so terribly sorry to hear the news. It was a privilege to sing with Vernon in the Reformed Church choir--partly for his voice, much more for his depth of thought and gentle spirit. There are too few Vernons in the world today. You all are in our prayers.

Larry & Eileen Brink

October 12, 2009

To Debbie and girls - Just heard about Vernon - We are so, so sorry and shocked. Our prayers and best wishes go with you. Love to you all.

Michelle Wills

October 11, 2009

It has been an absolute privilege to have worked with Vernon at Regeneron these past 9 years. He was sweet, funny, and kind. Most of all, Vernon was one of the most gentle souls I have ever known.

One of my favorite memories of Vernon was when I brought my boys to work for "Bring Your Kids to Work Day". After the demonstrations were over, my older son, Ryan, was reading a science book he'd taken out of the school library. He had a question about something that I couldn't answer, so I did what we all do around here when we're stumped by something technical. I said, "Let's ask Vernon!". So the boys and I trooped down the hall to Vernon's office for a lesson in astronomy. Not only did Vernon answer Ryan's question, he did so in a way that an 11 year old could understand. When I thanked him later for taking the time to mentor my son, he was gracious as always and said he'd love to correspond with him by e-mail if he came across other questions he'd like to ask.

I've always thought Vernon would have been a great teacher. Then it dawned on me - Vernon was a great teacher. No matter what his paid position may have been, he was a teacher at heart. Because of his generous and giving nature, he enriched the lives of all who truly knew him.

Vernon was the ultimate model of patience, kindness and respect - lessons I will never forget.

John Kuhn

October 11, 2009

Uncle Vernon was one of the best uncles on earth. When I was a kid he would let me ride his shoulders and use his ears as a steering wheel. If I pulled on his right ear he would go right. If I pulled on his left ear he would go left. Uncle Vernon would go either direction no matter if there was a wall there or not. This was so fun to me and it was so funny. He would also take me for walks pass my bed time to look at stars and planets. We would also look for fossils for school projects. He would help me with science and biology homework over the phone anytime I needed him to in grade school and college. We would also go to Radio Shack and pick up small electrical parts to build motors and light systems. This tought me alot about electricity. One of the highlighted things he tought me was how to burn a ping-pong ball only using a magnifying glass and the sun's rays. That was awsome when I was a young boy. Every activity and second he spent with me was a learning experience. Uncle Vernon, I hope you can read this entry too because I remember every minute I spent with you crystal clear. I love you so much and I am going to miss you forever. I will keep you in my heart all the time. Thank you for everything you did for me.

Mary Ann Loomis

October 10, 2009

You and your family are in our prayers.
AnnaBelle Shepherd and family
Collingwood United Methodist Church
We really loved the Shoup family at Collingwood in Toledo, Ohio.

Anne Willemssen McKeown

October 10, 2009

I met Vernon in 1971 when my brother, Mac, married Vern's sister, Judy, in Ohio. Through weeks of shared family vacations in Glacier National Park, I've long felt as if I were an extended member of the Shoup family. I have admired the Shoup family's distinctive talents, devotion to each other, loving natures and gentle quirks. I know you will strengthen each other and find a way to remember Vern's brightest, best and most unique moments through favorite "Vern stories." I send hugs and prayers from Iowa --

Tom Gerteisen

October 9, 2009

Dear Deb and Girls,
Jane and I are deeply saddened to hear of Vernon's death. I was always impressed with Vernon's decency, his humility which overshadowed a very keen intellect to those who didn't look deeply enough, his enthusiasm for learning and sharing his knowledge, and his deep devotion to his family. I am honored to have been his colleague and friend.

Fred Rudofsky

October 9, 2009

My thoughts are with the family.

Brian Smith

October 9, 2009

This has been a difficult time for all of us that knew and loved Vernon. I had the honor of working with him for 11 years at Regeneron and he taught me more than anyone I've ever known. I will especially miss our conversations, random or work-related. His sense of humor was a delight... his laugh, unforgettable. Vernon was one of those truly special people that one has the opportunity to work with and learn from, and I will always remember him for the impact he had on my professional development. Vernon will be truly missed. I can't express enough my condolences to his family... I share in your grief.

Diane Rosenbaum

October 9, 2009

Debbie,

I am so sorry for your loss.

Diane Rosenbaum (Library Board member)

Anthony Antonucci

October 9, 2009

My prayers go out to Vernon, Debbie and his family at this time. Vernon and Debbie were active members for the Rensselaer County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and were always willing to serve their county in time of need.

Wen-Li Chung

October 9, 2009

Vernon was my manager at Biogen in early 90’ for about 2 years. I had a great time working with Vernon as he was not only a good boss but also a great mentor to me. Like a professor giving a lecture, he took time before each new project to explain to us the background and the purpose of the project, as well as the scientific rationale for the experimental approach and techniques involved. I still remembered the time that he explained the principle of turbidity measurement and went on to rationalize why the sky is blue. He was a very good man and an excellent scientist; it is a terrible loss to all of us and I will miss him dearly.

Michael Fernandez

October 9, 2009

I am saddened to learn of Vernon's passing. Please know that his family is in my prayers during this time of sorrow. His commitment to his wife and daughters is admirable. I will miss his friendly smile and wisdom at work.

Donna Nichols Stewart

October 9, 2009

I was deeply saddened to learn of Vernon's passing from the network of ex-Biogen employees. I saw him a couple of years ago at a reunion dinner and was touched that he drove from Albany for a dinner and then returned home that night. He was a kind soul and always willing to take the time to answer a younger or less experienced colleague's endless questions. A true scientist, he would work extra hours to have a complete solution for a problem or to understand or develop a new method. As the mother of an inquistive 10yr old, I can easily imagine how much he loved explaining so many things to his daughters. My deepest sympathies to the family who knew him best and know that his former colleagues will forever hold his memories in our hearts too.

Susan Lee

October 9, 2009

My most sincere condolences to Vernon's family. I worked with him at Biogen, I remember him helping me to do my job better. I am glad to have known him...

Elaine Marshall

October 9, 2009

I also worked with Vernon at Biogen and remember him for his kindness and intelligence that he was always eager to share. Mostly, I remember him to be a very proud father. It was a pleasure knowing him. My prayers to his family in their loss of a great man.

Elizabeth Slate

October 8, 2009

Debbie, Libby & Brittany,
Vernon's light will forever shine brightly in the children that he taught Sunday School too. He enlightened and enriched their lives in so many ways. I will miss my quiet times alone talking on the third floor of the church in the education wing. He was so much more then he knew. I loved him deeply and feel so blessed to have had him in our lives.

Jodi Day

October 8, 2009

I had the great pleasure of working with Vernon over the last two and half years at Regeneron. I always enjoyed the bond we shared as former “Biogen-ers”. My fondest memory of Vernon is the personal guided tour he gave me and my son of his photo exhibit on display at the town library. What an honor! He told me the story behind each photograph and it was wonderful to share in his enthusiasm. Vernon had a kind soul and a brilliant mind. He will be sorely missed.

melissa smith

October 8, 2009

My thoughts and prayers to the Shoup family. I knew Vernon, since the 'early day's at Biogen and looked forward to talking with him over the years. He was a brilliant scientist and a very kind and wonderful man. I remember hearing him talk about things like-why soap bubbles form round shapes and such, and thinking how fascintating it was to just listen to him. He often talked about his girls and how proud he was of them. I am so sad to hear of this news and I feel a piece of the world is missing now.

Mike Molloy

October 8, 2009

My most heartfelt prayers go out to the Shoup family. I have not kept in touch with Vernon in the last few years and I am greatly pained by his passing. He was a friend and colleague of mine in his time at Biogen, and he always had a way of looking at the work, and the world, with a sense of wonder that was infectious. I have often thought that the company was a bit poorer for his leaving. Now I feel poorer myself for his passing.

Jane and Dave Ehlke

October 8, 2009

Deb, Libby and Brittany
Jane and I were deeply shocked and saddened by Venon's death. We are on our way to be with you tonight and through the weekend. We have known Vernon and you Deb for over 30 years since our time together in Cleveland. We have fond memories of your wedding and reception that was at our Cleveland Hts home. We will always remember the rafting trips and other adventures we have had together and what a great and patient teacher Vernon was with Alex when he was growing up. And who can forget the special dinners that Vernon used to cook for all of us.

We look forward to being with you to help in any way we can during this difficult time for all of you. See you tonight

M. Gerber

October 8, 2009

My deepest to the family. I worked with Vernon at Biogen, and will always remember his energy.

Jeannine Alexander

October 8, 2009

I will miss my friend and colleague Vernon very much. I have worked with Vernon for many years in QC. I can honestly say that he was the smartest, most patient man I have ever known. He was extremely well read and could talk on any subject in the most unassuming way. Whenever I was trying to solve a problem I would ask Vernon for his opinion. He was always very patient with me and always offered me good advice. I will miss our late day discussions and the clarity of thought that he brought to solving a problem. As a father, I only know that he was extremely proud of his daughters. He constantly spoke of them and their many accomplishments. Vernon bestowed on his daughters the best of himself which will serve them well through life. To Debbie I can only say how sorry I am that you no longer have Vernon close. You will never lose the love the two of you shared. May the memories of the last 26 years with Vernon, help guide you through this most difficult time. I will remember the smiling Vernon, the mischevious Vernon, my dear friend Vernon. QC will never be the same without you!

Marie-Christine Pronovost

October 8, 2009

My deepest synmapthies to the Shoup family. Vernon was the very first person I meant at Regeneron at the job fair back in 2003. He always had a smile, ready to help, and give his scientific advice. He will be missed.

Scott Haller

October 8, 2009

For the past 13 years, I had the distinct pleasure of working with Vernon. During that time we shared countless hours in conversation on things big and small. He loved to show me his photography and I was elated to hear that he had a recent public showing of his artwork. A couple of years ago, at Vernon’s urging, I joined him on a sunrise field trip to view the transit of Venus across the face of the sun. Words cannot describe Vernon’s joy in partaking in this astronomical event.

I’m brought to tears with his passing. The world is a lesser place without him.

Betty Bursey

October 8, 2009

I had the distinct privelege to work in the QC group with Vernon at Regeneron. I recall 11 years ago being interviewed by him and how his gentle and patient demeanor immediately helped me to feel at ease. His passion for science and inquisitive nature have always impressed me. Whenever a particularly challenging chemistry issue would present itself in the lab people were known to say: "that's a Vernon question". He will surely be missed by us all.

To the Shoup family: my deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Tracy Pedersen

October 8, 2009

This is such a great loss and he will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family.

Brenda Ihley

October 8, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Vernon at Biogen years ago. He was great mentor to me and others who had the good fortune to work with him. My deepest sympathies to the Shoup family.

Kathleen Gould

October 8, 2009

My condolences to your family. I'll remember Vernon as an extremely bright individual, always willing to share his knowledge. Vernon was an advisor for my master's internship project and provided a great deal of insight. He will be remembered fondly.

October 8, 2009

Libby & family,

I am sorry for your loss.

- Jake Vooris

Bob Juffras

October 8, 2009

My deepest sympathies to the Shoup family. I worked with Vernon at Biogen. He was a great colleague and friend. He will be missed.

Lenny Zapala

October 8, 2009

I am sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Please, accept my deepest sympathies.

Teresa Rivenburgh

October 8, 2009

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Vernon at Regeneron. Though I did not deal with him on a regular basis, I found him to be sweet, funny, intelligent and extremely dedicated to his work. I am deeply saddened by his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Wendy & Dan Samson

October 8, 2009

We are so sad and sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time, and always.

Michele McKay

October 8, 2009

Shoup Family,

My condolences to you. Vernon was a colleague and mentor to me as I was a new analyst at Biogen many years ago. He is truly a good soul and will be sorely missed by all who have worked with him.

nancy dugrenier

October 8, 2009

I wish I had the words to tell you how very, very sorry I am for your loss.
So, I am just going to speak from my heart. I had the great pleasure of working with Vernon for 13 years. He was such a kind and understanding man. He would always take time to explain concepts to me. I admired his fatherly abilities, how proud and how much he loved his daughters. I remember he gave Brittany a scientific reason not to pierce her nose and he was so patient when she did funky stuff to her hair. There were drawings from Brittany on his walls. He talked about Libby, taking her to college, her musical talents and acting abilities. He would bring in pictures of his family trips. I admired how all siblings got together to spend vacations. He talked lovingly about Debbie. How he worked to build her a nice kitchen and the mishaps he would encounter along the way. How he surprised her for a weekend get away. He didn’t tell her where they were going, he just drove. I will surely miss his hearty laugh, advice and just stopping by his office to chat a bit. The picture you chose is definitely the Vernon I will remember. Regeneron will not be the same without him. I will miss him.

Carol Jewell

October 8, 2009

Debbie, Brittany and Libby,
We are so saddened at the loss of Vernon, such a sweet, gentle man. Carol will always cherish the memories of playing music with Vernon at FCC, especially "Gather the People." We loved getting apples and cheese from him at the FCC Harvest Fests. We will remember the sights and sounds of him interacting with Liam, Chris, and Jack. Know that we are thinking of you and praying for you.
Love, Carol and Becky

Cory Hutchinson

October 8, 2009

I had the distinct pleasure of working with and knowing Vernon. He was a pleasant individual who could always make me smile. I'm very sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cory Hutchinson

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