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Bryan Heaton Schempf

1947 - 2023

BORN

1947

DIED

2023

FUNERAL HOME

Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service

4124 Ironbound Road

Williamsburg, Virginia

Bryan Schempf Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Bryan Heaton Schempf
Start: 2023-10-28T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Williamsburg United Methodist Church

Bryan Heaton Schempf, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, law partner, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2023 following a nine month battle with Glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. He was born in Rochester, NY to Marjorie and William Schempf on April 6, 1947. Bryan was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and retired from active duty as Staff Judge Advocate of TRADOC (then at Ft Monroe) in the rank of Colonel. He entered private practice, first as an associate at Stein & Smith, then as a partner with JBW&K in Newport News, and finally as a partner in his own firm. He and Marilyn met in Germany where he was first stationed and she was working as a teacher for the DOD Dependents Schools System. He and Marilyn had a great life together and were inseparable soul-mates. With their two daughters Allison and Laura, they traveled around the US and Europe. Bryan was an avid sailor and reveled in being out on the water. It was in private law practice, however, that Bryan found his passion as an advocate. He worked tirelessly for his clients and regarded the practice of law as a secular calling. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters Allison and Laura (son-in-law Marc); grandsons Marco and Theo; siblings Ruthanne (brother-in-law, Joel) and Kevin (sister-in-law Jo Ann) brothers-in-law Allen Vandel (Shirley) and Jerry Vandel and numerous nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his law partner, Mike Ware, with whom he founded the York County law firm of Schempf & Ware, and by his long-time paralegals, Amy Reider, Pam Denney and Jessica Deach. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia on October 28, 2023 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bryan's name to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net.

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

Published by Virginia Gazette on Oct. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Bryan Schempf

Sponsored by Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service.

14 Entries

Chad

October 4, 2024

An ode to Bryan Schempf... my attorney and friend.

A light - steady, strong, and tall.

When the seas of life churned deep its foam
And the storm was about to overtake me
When my boat was tossed about under the vast dome
And darkness was all I could see
When great waves seemed prime to end it all
Seemed prime to overwhelm the vessel
There was a light - steady, strong, and tall
Ensuring chaos would no longer reign and revel
Guide me through the wild waters and wind
To the ground of sand and shore

Guide me from fear, wrath, and sin
To a life of mission, meaning, and more
Guide me Colonel, to the better me
To the me that has no complaint
Sail me home from the stormy sea
With your help I can become a saint
Providence saw to it we meet
No other explanation would sate
Thanks to you my life is sweet
You were the best advocate

Jean and Ron Nelsen

April 6, 2024

We are shocked to learn of Bryan's passing. He and Marilyn were our neighbors on Poquoson, and we visited their home and Bryan's practice a few yrs back.
Such a wonderful person and family man.
Our heart goes out to the family and Marilyn , his very special wife.
May he soar in the heavens above as much as he did on earth. We will miss his smile and warm personality.
Jean and Ron Nelsen

Hebe

January 12, 2024

I am shocked to just learn, Bryan passed away. I met him over 15 years ago, as he was the lawyer of my ex husband during our divorce. Then in 2012 when my ex passed away, he had assigned Bryan to be the trustee of my then young children trusts. Initially this was kind of difficult for me, but eventually it all worked out in the end. I´m saddened to learn he can no longer be. My warmest condoleances to his wife and children and the rest of his family and friends. I hope you find solace, Bryan made his mark during many of his cases. (Excuses for my language as English isn´t my mother tongue)

Weddy Bella Carter

January 2, 2024

It is with great sadness in my heart that I heard today that Bryan has passed away. I was a client of Bryan for a personal matter and hired Bryan in 2019, he was devoted to his profession, and he worked tirelessly on my case. He has always made me, and my daughter feel that we were in great hands. I will forever be grateful for all that he was able to accomplish while working on my case. I was sad to learn at the beginning of 2023 that he was no longer practicing law since his diagnosis. My deepest condolences and prayers to all his family and friends. Weddy B. & Lea Carter

Art Kaff

November 3, 2023

I worked for Colonel Schempf when he was the Staff Judge Advocate at US Army Training and Doctrine Command when it was at Fort Monroe, VA. I was saddened to hear of his passing. Colonel Schempf was a great JAG attorney/Army officer, a strategic thinker, and wonderful mentor. My deepest condolences to his family.

Love, Jessica Deach (and Doug)

Sent Flowers

Marleen & Jeff

October 23, 2023

Bryan was a FANTASTIC, energetic gentleman who I got to know through My Dear Friend, Marilyn, his Beloved Wife!! He will be dearly missed by so MANY; however,
FOND memories will always keep him NEARBY!! Our DEEPEST LOVING SYMPATHY to
Marilyn, Laura & Allison & Families. May fond Memories of Bryan bring some comfort to All of You at this difficult Time!
Much Love
Marleen & Jeff

Sandy Fitch

October 23, 2023

I worked at Atlantic Title while he was with JBWK.. I was also a client of his and he represented by son. I thought very highly of Bryan and I am saddened by his death. He was a special man.

Michelle Cain

October 23, 2023

I worked with Mr. Schempf at Stein and Smith years ago. He was a fantastic attorney and I really enjoyed working with him. I referred several people to him when he opened his own practice as I knew he would take great care of them. He will be missed by everyone that knew him, but mostly his family. May God watch over and bless his family during this difficult time. My prayers and condolences are with all of you. Michelle Cain.

Melodye Dobyns

October 22, 2023

I worked with Bryan at Jones Blechman Woltz and Kelly many years ago in the 2000. So sorry for your loss but will always know him for his smile and caring for others. Prayers to you and your family. Melodye Dobyns

Tom and Jane Steidl

October 20, 2023

We were shocked and saddened to learn of Bryan's death. We have many fond memories of our time together at Fort Meade and afterwards. Bryan was the epitome of a good man---outstanding in so many ways. Marilyn and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn Bryan's passing.
Tom and Jane Steidl

Tom and Mary Ann McMinn

October 19, 2023

Tom and I are so saddened by this news of your loss. We have such great memories of our times together and even though it has been a long time, we still think/speak of you often. Those were good times at Ft Meade where life-long friends were made. Bryan was an exemplary officer and an outstanding lawyer. We have always admired both of you and enjoyed our yearly Christmas updates. Marilyn, Lauren and Allison please accept our condolences and know that we are thinking/praying for you.

Barry & Kathy Watts

October 19, 2023

Love this picture of him. He's sailing high now. Our deepest sympathy to Marilyn and family.

Paula Dooley

October 19, 2023

I am so sorry for the family's loss. Bryan was my divorce lawyer in 2012. He was an amazing lawyer and man. He stepped me through some pretty difficult times and later helped with additional custody issues. He was such a sold man. His children and spouse know that. My deepest condolences.

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