Douglas Schumacher, the best of us, passed away on December 30, 2023. Born in Edmore, Michigan and raised in and around Clare, Michigan, Doug was a student and scholar of art history and classical music with advanced degrees from Ferris State University and the University of Michigan, manga cum laude. Doug was passionate about design and beauty and worked for decades as an interior designer in Ann Arbor, Novi and southeast Michigan. He is deeply mourned.
Doug was very much and easily loved. He cherished his roles as husband, friend and family. He travelled, played, and laughed for 47 years with his husband, and even longer with his family. Many of his friendships were measured in years, more in decades, and they were always tended to and treasured. No life is easily measured, but Doug’s was filled with the love, compassion and kindness that he gave unquestioningly to all those whose lives his touched. In an often harsh world, Doug’s values — honesty, compassion, responsibility, dependability — unwavering and embodied in every action he took, every day, gave the rest of us solace. While the last months were not easy, and though it seemed to many of us particularly unjust to be visited on a person filled with such light, the progression of those months never stopped Doug’s wit, charm and laughter. They never stole his spirt.
His was a thoughtful and caring soul, generous to all living things. Mostly, Doug was kind.
Doug is survived by his husband, Thomas Fayfer, his mother, Vivian Schumacher, his siblings Barb, Jeanette, Blane, Rita, Barry and Sue, their spouses, seemingly countless nephews and nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins and more, all of whom deserve mention. He also is survived by a multitude of close friends, each of whom he cared for, deeply.
Family and friends will be received at two memorial services; In Ann Arbor on Monday, January 8, 2024 ; visitation with his family from 4 pm and a memorial gathering at 5:30 3767 West Liberty Road. In Clare, Michigan on Tuesday, January 9, 2024; visitation with family at 11 am, and a memorial gathering at 1 pm at Stephenson Wyman Funeral Home, 1005 North McEwan St, Clare, MI. Doug’s ashes will be interred in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in Doug’s honor. Contributions may also be made at the memorial services. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com