Farewell, Bill

Bill Schenk was my colleague and friend. While we did not work closely together, he in Theatre and I in debate, we had a deep respect for each other. He brought me to UVM some 26 years ago when he was chair of our department, and he really helped me adjust in those first three years. When I messed up he called me on it and helped me. When I did well he congratulated me and trumpeted my work. He was always deeply attached to his students and it was clear that they loved him.

I am going to miss you, Bill, but probably not as much as many, many others. There is no better tribute.

WILLIAM M. SCHENK RICHMOND - William Murrell Schenk of Richmond passed away on Jan. 21, 2008, after a seven-year battle with cancer. Bill was born Feb. 3, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the only child of Lena Catherine (Murrell) and William F. Schenk. Bill graduated from Western Hills High School in 1958 and received his BFA and MA in theater arts from Ohio State University. He married Carrye E. Pugh (Betsy) in 1963 and was hired by the University of Vermont as an assistant professor in the then fledgling theater department in 1965. In his 37 years of service to the University, Bill served as the technical director, scenic and lighting designer, teacher, mentor and as chairman for 10 years. Bill was a charter member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 919, representing professional stagehands in Vermont, and worked for years as a stagehand on numerous professional theater, dance and concert tours in venues in and around Vermont. Bill was also active in labor organization at the University of Vermont. During his tenure at the university Bill was instrumental in the growth of the theater department, overseeing the renovation of and move to its current home, the Royall Tyler Theatre, in the 1970s. Bill's passion and love of scenic, lighting design and stage management can been seen in the hundreds of his students who have gone on to professional careers in the performing arts. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, and artist in her own right, Carrye E. Schenk (Betsy); daughter Morgan E. Pierce, husband Craig Pierce and their daughter Eryn E. Pierce, the apple of Bill's eye. They reside in Goffstown, N.H. Bill's passing will be deeply mourned by the many businesses, academic professionals and students whom he touched during his long, successful career. In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to the William M. Schenk Award for Technical Excellence at the University of Vermont and/or the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495. For more information concerning the William M. Schenk award please email Molly. Kurent@UVM.edu. There will be a celebration of Bill's life at the Royall Tyler Theatre, 116 University Place in Burlington, on Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. “And when you're consoled (everyone eventually is consoled) you'll be glad you've known me. You'll always be my friend.“ Antoine De Saint Exupery. Arrangements are in the care of Stephen C. Gregory & Son, Shelburne.