George D. Schade

Our mother’s husband and Philip’s and Christopher’s father passed away at daybreak on July 11th. His name was George D. Schade, and he was loved by many. Wherever we traveled, especially through Latin America, friends of our parents welcomed us with open arms.

In his public life Dr. George D. Schade was a Full Professor of Latin American Literature at The University of Texas at Austin for 44 years (1954-97). He received his PhD from Berkeley in 1953 and came to UT via Santa Fe where he taught for a year. The Romance Language Department was his second home--the place where he had his best friends, his beloved students and where he met our mother who arrived from Chile in 1962. Walking through Batts Hall with him you could feel the affection and respect the students had for him.

As a scholar and lover of Latin American Literature he was known for his many translations from Spanish to English of Latin American authors such as the short stories of Juan Rulfo, “The Burning Plain” (1961), “Confabulario” of Arreola (1964), and “Fifty Odes” of Pablo Neruda (1997).

We remember well the countless hours he spent in his study translating, preparing classes, correcting dissertations, writing letters of recommendation and also planning end of the semester parties or dinners for graduate students and colleagues. He loved to celebrate accomplishments.

Dad had many friends in the Department and throughout the world. He enjoyed being around people. Mom has told us that whenever she didn’t feel like going to a party, Dad, the seemingly shy one, encouraged her to go. They both loved throwing parties and as children we have many memories of drifting off to sleep to the sound of laughter and animated conversation.

In private, he was an extremely loving and devoted father. He was always very patient and gentle with us even when we were being difficult. His family and his home were his most treasured accomplishments.

He loved mornings with the bridge page of the Austin American Statesman while sipping the coffee he liked to fix, listening to his music, traveling, singing, playing cards, playing bridge with those amazing partners, going for walks, gardening, passing by the market to catch the first fruits of the season. And, yes, he was quick to laugh at himself. He laughed with so much “ganas” that oftentimes tears filled his eyes and, in the process, made us all laugh.

Dad could make small things seem special. Philip remembers their outings to go bowling dressed up in full gear and their ping pong tournaments at home when Dad became so competitive that you knew that doing your best was serious business for him.

Christopher remembers riding in the car with him, as a little boy, upon seeing a red light ahead he would slow down so much that as he reached the light it invariably turned green. This slowing down must have driven drivers behind him crazy; but, from Christopher’s childhood perspective, it seemed that every city light turned green just for Dad. This is oftentimes how it felt being with our father. If he knocked on a door, the door opened to the most wonderful greetings of hugs and kisses.

Now he has been greeted by his Maker and his peaceful smile tells us that the reception has been just as warm.

Dad will be missed for the rest of our lives. He is survived by our mother Matilde, by his sons Philip and Christopher and daughter-in-law Zoe, and by his brother Bob and wife Maruca, his nephew Steve and family and his niece Carmen and family, all of them of California.

In our mother’s name accept our thanks for having been part of his life as friends, as colleagues, as bridge competitors, as one of his Doctors, staff members and residents of his dear Park Bend Health Care Center, the Odyssey Group and the fantastic team of Austin Hospice. And, if you are one of his students, be sure that one of his joys was to know that you were doing well professionally and in your personal life.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 6, 2010 at St. Austin Catholic Church, 2026 Guadalupe St, Austin.

Memorial contributions may be made in George’s name to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd, Ste 100, Austin, TX 78759.