Obituaries
Harry Schultz
Harry Pershing Schultz, age 102, a chemistry professor who taught at the University of Miami (UM) for about four decades died of natural causes on December 7, 2020 at home in his own bed, in Big Horn, WY.
Born in Racine, Wisconsin in 1918, Schultz earned a B.S. in chemistry and chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1942. He served as a scientist at the convenience of the government during World War II, then completed a Ph.D. in 1946, also at the University of Wisconsin. After a year as a research scientist with Merck and Company, Rahway, New Jersey, he joined the chemistry department of the University of Miami, Coral Cables, Florida in 1947, serving until 1984 as a tenured professor. The last dozen years of his tenure he was chairman of the chemistry department. From 1984 through 1991 he continued to serve the University of Miami ona part time basis, and in 1992 moved from Miami to Big Horn, in north- central Wyoming. For brief intervals in 1958, 1960, and 1962 he was a visiting lecturer at the University of Wisconsin and Michigan State University.
Schultz published research accounts mainly in the realm of heterocyclic aromatic organic chemistry, mentoring 30 graduate students to the M.S. And Ph. D.Degrees. Applied portions of his research were medically oriented. As a teacher he received numerous awards.
After retirement he developed an interest in chemical topology, publishing papers in the topic.
Schultz wasco-author of two books, a lab manual of organic chemistry and a biography of Sir Issac Newton, the latter with his wife, Pearle.
He was an active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), serving as chairman of the Miami subsection, 1961, chairman of the Florida State ACS meeting, 1961; chairman of the Florida Section ACS, 1964; chair-in-place of the 153rd ACS national convention, Miami Beach, 1967; ACS councilor, 1974-1977; recipient of the Florida Section ACS Award, 1986. Schultz was an emeritus ACS member, joining in 1943.
He served his South Florida community on the Planning and Zoning Commission,1950-1955. Later, from 1992, retired near Sheridan, Wyoming, and served a term as trustee-treasurer of the Sheridan county library system, and was an active member in the Big Horn Lions Club.
Harry was physically active, an excellent swimmer, diver, and sailor in the ocean waters off South Florida; he also learned to fly. In the far west, hiking on mountain trails occupied his outdoor time; time was also spent at the local YMCA. Much of his sedentary time was spent studying the American Civil War, about which topics he frequently lectured. Beethoven was his favorite composer.
Schultz was predeceased by his beloved wife, Pearle of 69 years, He is survived by three adult children, Stephanie Buehler, Tor Schultz, and Alison Mohns; three grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may benefit the Sheridan YMCA at 417 N Jefferson St.Sheridan WY 82801, The Hub Senior Center at 211 Smith St. Sheridan WY 82801, or the Sheridan County Library System at 335 W Alger St. Sheridan WY 82801.
A Celebration of Life to honor Harry P. Schultz, a Big Horn resident, who passed on December 7, 2020, just short of 103 years, is being held Saturday, November 20, at the Big Horn Women’s Club building, located in Big Horn.
An open house is from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Please come, lift a glass, and share your stories and memories of Harry with his friends and family. Champion Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.
Gregg L. Friedman MD
May 16, 2021 at 1:51 pm
I had the pleasure of being a student and Chemistry Major at the University of Miami with Harry Schultz. He was a wonderful professor and an excellent teacher. I will never forget him. By Gregg L. Friedman MD
Joni Silvestri
November 30, 2021 at 8:34 am
Dr. Schultz was my Organic Chemistry professor for two semesters during my sophomore year at University of Miami (1982-83). At 8:00 am every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, he would bound into the lecture hall and enthusiastically call out “Good morning, fellow students!” because even at 60+ years of age, he embraced being a lifelong student himself. If memory serves, he rode his bicycle to class, and I marveled at how anyone could have so much energy that early every morning. During class, he would sometimes draw a molecule on the blackboard and then run up the stairs of the lecture hall asking “Any volunteers??” as he ascended the rows. By chance, early that first semester we ended up in line together in the cafeteria one morning after class, and we ended up inviting each other to join with our friends/colleagues for coffee/breakfast. It was the start of a year-long tradition that I looked forward to every MWF. Dr. Schultz and his colleague(s), and me and some friends – at least one of whom didn’t even take chemistry! – would sit together for a good hour and talk about life and all kinds of things – sometimes even chemistry 🙂 We stayed in touch a bit during the rest of my undergraduate years, and I thought of him often over the ensuing decades. He was an extraordinary human being. I, too, will never forget him. <3
Peter J. Whitman
December 2, 2021 at 2:49 pm
With sadness I just learned of Dr. Schultz‘s passing. I obtained my MS degree with Dr. Schultz in 1967 and at his urging, got my PhD at the University of Wisconsin, his alma mater. Dr. Schultz was the best lecturer I have ever had. I always maintained that I knew more classical organic chemistry – mechanisms and organic reactions – than any other grad student or colleagues at work. I owe much of my successful career in chemistry to Dr. Schultz. I will never forget him.
Steven Duckor MD
March 13, 2024 at 10:12 pm
I just learned of Dr. Schultz passing. I was a pre med student taking second semester organic chemistry in 1966. I spent my Junior year at the University of Miami and graduated University of Wisconsin Madison in 1967 ( Dr. Schultz’s alma mater). He was an outstanding teacher and an inspiration. Dr. Schultz wrote a recommendation for me to the University of Miami Medical School . I graduated from the University of Miami Medical School in 1971. I will never forget Dr. Schultz !