Henrik (“Hank”) A. Schutz

Schutz—Henrik (“Hank”) A. Schutz, 79, on February 16, 2025, peacefully, from complications of a lengthy battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in Charlottesville, Va. Hank was born on February 19, 1945, to Harald and Adele Schutz, who were refugees from Vienna, Austria, in Newtonville, Mass. Hank’s older sister, Trudi, was born in Hanover, N.H., in 1943. The family moved to the Baltimore, Md. area when Hank was three, and that was home to him until his marriage in 1967.

Hank’s academic training included a bachelor’s degree in engineering and applied science from Yale University in New Haven, Conn., and master’s and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., with a thesis in computational linguistics. He worked for General Motors in Michigan and for General Electric/Fanuc and National Optronics in Charlottesville, Va.

Hank was a lifelong Quaker whose spiritual journey began in Baltimore. He and Frances Preston met at a Quaker camp as teenagers, and the two later married under the care of Nottingham (Pa.) Meeting. Together, they were active in Friends meetings where they lived, including Bethlehem, Pa.; Birmingham, Mich.; and Charlottesville, Va. Hank served on nearly every committee in Charlottesville Meeting and served for a term as its presiding clerk. He was a member and then chair of the board of Tandem Friends School. He served on several committees of Baltimore Yearly Meeting.

One of Hank’s most cherished contributions was his vocal ministry during worship. He repeatedly and with relish taught First-day school, where his influence on young hearts and minds was immeasurable. His gifts for speaking to people of all ages and for sharing his love of music left a lasting impact.

Hank had a scientist’s skepticism about a higher power and often pondered what such a power might mean or be. Despite this skepticism, he remained an anchor in the Quaker community, embodying the values of peace, simplicity, and truth. He had an extraordinary ability to know when things were becoming too serious and could be counted on to lighten the mood.

Hank quietly displayed a deep commitment to building teamwork, promoting fair play, and nurturing community. He cherished conversation, especially with people superficially unlike him. His curiosity, kindness, and empathy made him approachable and congenial. He was always ready to listen, help, and offer thoughtful insight whether in a formal meeting or a casual exchange. Hank will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to truth and his ability to share his truth with others. His unflappable presence contributed richly to the lives of those around him. His legacy of community building, music, and thoughtful service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Music was a lifelong passion. Hank’s musical collaborations in the Charlottesville area comprise nearly a dozen groups, from “gigging” trios and quartets to classical chamber music ensembles, and many pit orchestras. The most regular of these were the Piedmont Chamber Players (about 30 years) and the Blue Ridge Chamber Orchestra from its inception in 1987 until he retired at the end of 2023. Hank served as concertmaster for about 30 years.

Hank is survived by his wife, Frances Preston Schutz; two children, Allen David Schutz and Kathryn Elizabeth Schutz; sister, Gertrude C. “Trudi” Schutz; two brothers-in-law, Forest Preston III (Chris Williams, partner) and Vernon Harkness Preston (Margaret Lane Preston); sister-in-law, Elizabeth Preston; and three grandchildren.