Donald A. Schrump - May 7, 1931 - August 29, 2014

DONALD A. SCHRUMP
May 7, 1931 - August 29, 2014
BIOGRAPHY

Donald A. Schrump, born 7 May 1931, Don Don Eschrumpio/El Magnifico to 59 years' of Spanish students, went to el cielo/his ultimate classroom on 29 agosto; surrounded to his last breath by people and things he loved and amazed at the OUTPOURINGS of love he received as he faced his final curtain.

He was born in Hollywood, grew in Gilroy, and lived in Alameda County over 60 years. Postgraduation from Gilroy, he matriculated at the University of California/ Berkeley then received an M.A. from Middlebury College, Vermont.

Lauded by numerous students, a mentor to many, he taught/'electrified' at Berkeley High for over 38 years. Afterwards he taught his culture-all/Spanish to adults; with an ever-faithful group of estudiantes, some for 16 years, whom he considered family.

His energetic teaching style was more performance art than anything usually seen in a classroom. An international consultant in language instruction, he wove brilliant tapestries of teatro y lengua...

February 2014 was his 13th year teaching gringos in Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico. His unique style kept students returning year after year, some daily classes surpassing ¡100! Don Don said he had’mellowed’ through the years, but STILL was an (un)forgiving taskmaster with these vacationers.

Possessing a dramatic baritone voice, he was deeply involved with music/theatre. Telling story through song, he performed locally, throughout the United States, and as far away as Japan. Last year he entertained at the 75th year gala for Altarena Playhouse.

He attended, literally, hundreds of performances, worldwide.

Here, he received rave reviews as the lead in Man of La Mancha and Sweeney Todd. He had major roles in Nuts, My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls, Man For All Seasons, Jacques Brel... and more. On a sabbatical he toured with The Sound of Music.

Don Don loved wordplay, punintentionalism, and triple entendre. He did not suffer fools gladly, or at all.

Fiercely competitive, he was a Gold Life Master at the bridge table. A difficult opponent, and partner, he nonetheless brought his eccentric humor to the table, rarely seen without his varied 'necklaces'...pacifier/chupón, scorpion/alacrán, carrot/zanahoria, duck/patito...to name a few.

With few regrets, he traveled the world (no, not in a shy way) and much MUCH more than this. HE DID IT HIS WAY is understatement...

He lived true to his quest, and the world IS better for this. He soars now with unreachable stars.

He is survived by all those who loved him, were inspired by him; laughed because of him. Don Don was predeceased, in July, by dear friend Virginia “Ginger” Herring.

He LOVED animals, and shared 16 years living with PussyGato.

Teaching past his last breath, on 1 November there will be a celebration of life/Day of the Dead educatio-vent at the clubhouse at 15333 Wicks Blvd., San Leandro from 1 pm to 5 pm. Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a holiday focusing on family gatherings, often in cemeteries, to pray and remember loved ones gone.

At a later date, there will be love, and memories shared, at a funere-fiesta in Rincon de Guayabitos..
FACTS
Born: May 7, 1931
Death: August 29, 2014

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Keith Conning: He was an outstanding teacher at Berkeley High School for many years. My wife Marian Barr Conning, who graduated from Berkeley High School in January 1960, was one of his students. He took his students to Mexico to study Spanish.