David Sherman

David Sherman David Aron Sherman, born June 24, 1934, died unexpectedly in his sleep on July 10, 2016, after a day of planting new flowers in his courtyard and eating a dish of delicious stew, surrounded by pictures of his beloved children and grandchildren. His death was followed by an outpouring of affection and appreciation from the many friends he made over 82 years. David was born in Los Angeles to Celestine and Harry Sherman, and moved to Clatskanie, Oregon with his mother when he was seven, growing up with cousins in an extended family. In high school he had the definitive experience that shaped his life—going with a classmate to Portland to see a performance of a Broadway musical. From that moment he formed a lifelong affection for theater; at his death he had designed sets, lighting, or stage productions for over 600 productions. David earned his BS in 1957 and MS in 1965 from the University of Oregon in Theater Arts. Twice he spent summers designing and constructing sets and lighting in Saratoga, NY backing up celebrities such as Celeste Holm and Eva Gabor. On graduating college he began teaching stagecraft and English at South Eugene High School to young people who kept in contact with him for decades. At SEHS he pioneered a video class in the Humanities. During a two-year period serving his country in a typing pool at Fort Riley, Kansas, he met Linda Sue Umphers, teaching in Wichita. They married in 1962, and spent an idyllic six years living on the MacKenzie River until the birth of their first son Jonathan Andrew when they moved into the house in Eugene where David was to live the rest of his life. Two years later, Gregory Joel appeared, and with joy he embraced his heartfelt role of Dad. When the boys were grown, he and Linda took separate paths, divorcing in 1991, but remained close friends. Working with two South Eugene colleagues, Ed Ragozzino and Nathan Cammack, and Linda, he staged “My Fair Lady,” the first of seven musical productions produced by the Lane County Auditorium Association, beginning support for the building of a performance hall for Eugene which finally became the Hult Center. The overflowing crowds at SEHS proved the need for a larger venue. In 1969 he moved his teaching from SEHS to Lane Community College, where he taught technical theater, and, subsequently, English, film and writing classes. He continued to do theater work with Oregon Repertory Theater, Eugene Ballet, Eugene Concert Choir, Eugene Symphony, Moonwork in New York City, and two movies filmed locally. He was an officer of IATSE, a stagehands’ union, and worked on countless Hult Center productions. David was twice granted National Endowment for the Humanities scholarships. He was appointed to the Oregon Arts Comission in 1982 by Governor Atiyeh, serving as chair in 1985. For several years he coordinated an annual OAC booking conference to showcase actors and groups in the state and connect them with venues. In 1998 he was honored with the Eugene Arts and Letters Award presented by the City Council. In 1977 he had begun designing for the Very Little Theater, an association which continued for the rest of his life in various capacities. After retirement he threw much of his considerable energy to the VLT. When he died, he had just finished working on a long-anticipated project to rebuild the theater. David had three loves in his life, and he threw himself wholeheartedly into each: his family, friends, and students; the theater; and travelling the world. He loved exploring Europe, and had rollicking stories; his most unusual trip was as technical director with the Portland Artists Repertory Theater’s USIA-sponsored tour, taking Albee’s “Three Tall Women” to venues in Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Kenya, Egypt, Jordon, and Syria, where he achieved theatrical magic with whatever was available—once, a single hanging light bulb. His house was his canvas—always in process, filled with art, travel souvenirs, a changing kaleidoscope of furnishings, and most of all countless pictures of generations of his beloved family and friends—especially the young ones who began appearing eight years ago. This amazing house was a vehicle for his gift for generosity, always available for big and small groups to gather. He loved nothing more than filling his Great Hall—a very long dining room-- with good friends, good food and drink, good conversation and games. He was interested in many things, most effectively in the students whose lives he touched and inspired. He loved much, and was much loved, and will be missed by very many whose lives were enriched by his enthusiasm, creative energy, and caring nurturance. He is survived by two sons and their families: Jonathan Andrew Sherman and Jodi Sheeler, Milo, 8, and Maisy, 4; Gregory Joel Sherman and Jane Hogan, and Caleb, 3; his former wife and lifelong friend, Linda Sherman; six nieces and nephews, his pal of many years, Jane Russell, and hundreds of other friends. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Milton. A memorial gathering is planned for August 14, 10 am at the Very Little Theater. Please add to this website stories, random memories, and photos. The family is grateful for all the loving posts on Facebook we have received. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VLT building fund (www.thevlt.com/donate.html) or to an LCC scholarship established in his memory (contact information to come).