- FAIRFAX - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Ned I. Shulman on Nov. 1, 2014, at his home in Fairfax. He was diagnosed in July 2014 with an inoperable brain tumor. Following treatment, his wishes were to be at home, in the care of his family, where he could remain comfortable and be surrounded by love. The son of Julius and Sara (Davidson) Shulman, Ned was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on Oct. 6, 1941, and raised in Los Angeles, Calif. After graduating from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, Ned earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA, and continued on to receive his MD in 1967 from the USC School of Medicine. Prior to completing medical school, he joined the US Army. Upon graduation, Ned married Gail Ellen Hirschman and moved to El Paso, Texas, where he began an internship as a captain at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. One year later, he and Gail were transferred to Silver Spring, Md., where he began his residency in internal medicine at Walter Reed General Hospital. While completing his residency, he simultaneously pursued a pulmonary fellowship. Upon completion, he was transferred to West Chester, Pa., and there began practicing pulmonary medicine at Valley Forge General Hospital. Upon its closure, he relocated to Fitzsimmons' General Hospital in Denver, Colo. Upon completing his Army service, Dr. Shulman moved with his family to Vermont in 1975. He joined the private practice of colleagues Dr. Bruce Lindberg and Dr. John Carmola in St. Albans, and began his affiliation with NMC, formally known as Kerb's Memorial Hospital and St. Albans Hospital. For the next 34 years, Dr. Shulman maintained a large internal medicine practice and served his community well. He was known for being a selfless, compassionate healer who delighted in serving people with intelligence, kindness, and his endearing sense of humor. In 1998, Dr. Shulman joined the VT National Guard as a Lt. Colonel and resumed his service as a medical provider for soldiers at Camp Johnson in Colchester. He held the position of VT State Surgeon from 1999 to 2003. He loved every aspect of being in the VT Guards, and especially enjoyed the monthly drills, the camaraderie he shared, and the service he provided. Deployed from September 2005 to January 2006, he served as the medical officer of the CBHCO in Birmingham, Ala. Though he found his responsibilities to be a challenge, he took great pride in helping his fellow servicemen and women rehabilitate to be able to return to their homes whilst rebuilding their lives. At the time of his military retirement in 2007, he had risen to the rank of full Colonel. Prior to retiring from private practice in St. Albans, in 2009, Dr. Shulman became a hospitalist in New Mexico. In 2010, he accepted a position at Union County General Hospital in Clayton, N.M. Clayton, it's community, and the southwest would soon become his second home. Working in Clayton allowed Dr. Shulman to practice medicine in both the ER, on the hospital floor, and in a clinic setting. He loved the variety. Additionally, this unique position allowed him the freedom to travel every two weeks back to Vermont to spend time with his wife, family and canine crew. While home in Vermont, he continued to serve his community at NMC as a hospitalist. While in New Mexico, he became enchanted with all things Western and thus inspired his colorful collection of cowboy boots and hats, belt buckles and western wear. He wore these with pride! As in Franklin County, the community of Clayton warmly embraced Ned and cherished his presence, attentiveness and sense of humor. As an active member of Temple Sinai Reform Congregation in South Burlington, he held positions of President, Past President and Trustee of the Board of Directors. He enjoyed attending Friday night services with his wife, singing in the choir, and raising a Jewish family, complete with traditions and rituals. Those that knew him well, remember his passion for food. He delighted in being fed and enjoyed planning his next meal while eating the one placed before him! Our family would like to thank the many special people who supported us during this difficult time. Your prayers, meals and offers to help, sustained us. We are indebted forever to the home health agency and especially to LNA's, Erin and Sophia, for their loving care and tenderness. He leaves his wife, Gail, of 47 years; three daughters, Jennifer, Kathryn and Heidi; brother, Sandy and wife, Ina; and his dear cousins, Nita, Fred and Bobby. Services for Dr. Shulman will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Temple Sinai Reform Congregation, 500 Swift Street, South Burlington. Burial will take place immediately following the service, at Lakeview Cemetery, 455 North Ave., Burlington (in the city's New North End). Shiva will be observed Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the family's home located at, 128 Wagner Road, Fairfax. Arrangements are by Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Directors. Those wishing may make donations in Dr. Shulman's name to Temple Sinai, 500 Swift St., S. Burlington, VT 05403; or Alvis Elementary Afterschool Program in Clayton, NM. Please contact Claudia Montoya (575) 374-2321.
