David Ray Schanker

David Ray Schanker, author, playwright, and Clerk of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals of Wisconsin, died on Monday, July 5th, from complications that arose following a heart transplant.   He died at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, where he received expert and thorough care. He was 55 years old.   Beloved by young and old, students and colleagues alike, David will be dearly missed.   He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Buchko of Madison, Wisconsin, daughter Inez Cheshire Buchko Schanker of Brooklyn, New York, daughter Julia Xhikuang Buchko Schanker of Madison, Wisconsin, sister Beth Hume of Boston, Massachusetts and parents Robert and Claire Schanker of Union, New Jersey.   A prolific and insightful writer, David published many short stories and two mystery novels. His most recent creative endeavor was Kiritsis, a play performed by the Forward Theatre Company of Madison Wisconsin.   David also loved his work at the Supreme Court. David lived a full life.   In a recent letter he wrote: ""I am happy with having been who I am.""   A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 1:30 pm on   Sunday, July 11, 2010 at the First Unitarian Society of Madison, Wisconsin ( 900 University Bay Drive).   In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Forward Theatre Company, P.O. Box 14574, Madison, WI, 53708, or through their website: www.forwardtheatre.com