Birth date: Feb 15, 1957 Death date: Jan 28, 2022
Natman Schaye, age 64, died in Revelstoke, British Columbia, on January 28, 2022, in a skiing accident. Natman was born February 15, 1957, in Freeport, Illinois, to Abe (“Nony”) and Dorothy (Levin) Schaye. Natman lived a life full Read Obituary
Everything said about Natman is true. He was very helpful to lawyers defending death penalty cases and utterly committed to preserving life. He is greatly missed.
I just now learned of Natman's passing. I was initially one of Natman's physicians. We became friends . . . (and decades ago sometime golfing buddies). I have tremendous respect for him as an attorney and as a human being! I will deeply miss him! Blessings to all of his family . . .
William Brooks
My condolences to Natman's family and to the loved ones in his life and to the AZ Capital Representation Project. I got to know Nat a little through the music project that produced the CD "No Noose," and eventually got to meet him at his home in Tuscon. I liked and admired him very much - he was always friendly, amiable and a joy to talk to. And on top of that is the admiration for what he chose to dedicate his career to, i.e., fighting for justice for the oppressed. It is said that "Every man's work, whether it be literature, or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of himself." That is the case with Natman. The world was blessed to have him. It has also been said that "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope." With the many ripples of hope he sent forth through his lifetime, Natman lives on.
I sent a couple of texts to Natman in early February. Last night, I decided check the internet to see what project he was involved in. Unbelievable.
I was blessed have known Natman for around 25 years. I am heartbroken at his passing. He was one of a kind. I’m going to miss skiing with him, and talking about college basketball.
I am sending my prayers and deepest sympathy to Jody, and his family. This world will miss this truly good man.
Greg “Popeye” Boyle
NATMAN CAME TO MY HOME IN FREDERICKSBURG VA AS A LAWLER I WAS A WITNESS . I was shock to hear his passing . Great loss to those he is trying to help .To the family sorry of your loss .
Though I haven’t had any contact with Nat for about seven years, getting a heartbreaking note that he was gone, was and continues to be, keenly wounding.
I first met Nat about 45 years ago. In 1981 he was instrumental in my meeting my wife Tacy.
Never having had the pleasure of observing him in his professional practice, I was nonetheless,once on the receiving end of his persuasive, impassioned, unrelenting, and ultimately successful argument in favor of adding a steamer unit to a shower during a bath renovation. Great shower. Thanks Nat.
I met Nat in Chicago in the early 90s when I was dating his cousin Neil. I mean the following in the most loving and respectful way: Nat was such a weirdo. This is one of those takes-one-to-know-one situations. Because of this, I always felt like I could let my freak flag fly when with him. Though he would give me his signature quizzical look, I still knew it was okay. He was singular! Having just recently watched Ava DuVernay's brilliant documentary 13th about the 13th amendment, I have even greater respect for Nat for the work he's done. Though I'm somewhat of an adjunct family member these days, I join you all in mourning the loss of this great and generous man.
Natman was a wonderful man and an excellent lawyer. I am very sorry to his family for this enormous loss.
As a young attorney, I had an argument in a death penalty case in the Arizona Supreme Court. Natman prepared an amicus brief and argued in support of my position before that Court. Even more importantly, he met with me multiple times before the argument to coach me and give me the confidence to do a good job and to care deeply about the importance of our case, as he did. Natman is an inspiration to me, and the criminal defense legal community has lost a titan. Rest in peace, Natman. We will miss you, pal.
Mike Shaw
I've known Natman for about 35 years and we worked many federal death penalty cases together. We've taught the Colorado Method together over the years as well. His tragic passing is a blow to not only his family and friends but to the world generally. He made the world a more humane, kind and gentle place. He was a mentor and teacher to countless young lawyers for many years, and they have all benefited from his wisdom. His humor was always there. He'd give me a hard time about my ever-receding hair line and I'd give it back about his bow-legs. We'd both laugh a lot and tip a beer. I'll miss him tremendously and send my thoughts to his family and friends. I guess the definition of bitter-sweet is that this loss feels like a sharp knife to the heart right now, but over time, while the twinge of pain will never end, the memory of Natman will also bring a smile to our faces while at the same time, bring a tear to our eyes. Travel well old friend.
David Lane
