Bill Shuart Obituary (1946 - 2015)

Bill Shuart (John William, Jr.), 68 Born December 19, 1946, Topeka, KS Died April 21, 2015, Lincoln, NE It was with great sadness that we watched Bill slip gently from this world, into the next, following a short, brave bout with cancer. He leaves behind his courageous wife of thirty- four years, Susan (Flowers); four loyal dogs, Zooey, Cassie, Gabby, and Lily, who slept at his feet the last several weeks; a treasured circle of old and dear friends, who were, indeed, kindred spirits; a grateful group of co-workers, who were inspired by Bill's philosophies and knowledge; and a family who loved him, dearly and "Always." To say that Bill was one of the greats is, truly, an understatement. Losing Bill means the loss of a singular patient advocate, raconteur, problem-solver, innovator, gift-giver, humorist, conversationalist, host, and substantial jazz trumpeter. Bill was a clinical psychologist, at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, in Lincoln, Nebraska, from 1984 until the present. While Director of Neuro-Psychology, he was instrumental in bringing the Research Institute to Madonna. In addition, he mentored many a graduate student, at the University of Nebraska. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John W. Shuart and Jeanette Dean Shuart. He is survived by a brother, Laird H. Shuart and wife, Marcia; a sister, Nancy E. Vega and husband, George; his mother-in-law, Doris Yelton; and sister-in-law, Sandy Bambico. He will be missed greatly, by his nieces and nephews, Emily Swain, Dell Swain Villa, Kristin Morgan, Joshua Shuart, and Blake Shuart. Education was everything to Bill. He was proud to have attended Boswell (61), Topeka High School (64), Westminster College, Washburn University (73), Ft. Hays St. (79), and the University of Nebraska (85). In 2004, Bill was co-editor of the Nebraska Symposium on Motivation, an internationally recognized theoretical forum in psychology. Prior to attending college, Bill served in the United States Navy, in the Navy Band (66-70). He was named a Washburn Alumni Fellow, in 2000. Although Bill was proud of his degrees, he probably had more fun leading and organizing: pick-up baseball games at the Randolph school playground, Friday night gatherings, and his many bands, were all attended to, passionately. Through the years, he led a vocal trio, a Dixieland Jazz group, and a few dance bands, such as The Group and American Dream. He loved his involvement with Marshall's Band and the Topeka Jazz Workshop; he felt that these groups symbolize the richness of Topeka. If his family could, we would have a funeral parade in New Orleans, with the Old Mens blowing their horns for Bill. His soul will rest with theirs, no doubt. And, as a friend wrote in his high school yearbook, "Bill, Keep playing jazz like you always have." Memorial Contributions may be sent to: www.sweetrelief.org (dedicated to giving help to musicians in need) Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Psychological Services, 5401 South St, Lincoln, NE 68506.