Live Design is saddened by the news of the passing of Richard "Nook" Schoenfeld. From his early days at See Factor to his career as a lighting designer—with clients ranging from Kid Rock to Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, The Eagles—and editor of PLSN, Schoenfeld was a respected industry veteran, as well as a Parnelli Award-winner. He passed away on December 14, 2022, at the age of 65.
In memory of our colleague:
"Rest in peace my friend. I will miss you as will many.." —Blaine Engel, Acclaim Lighting
"Oh my friend Nook, it breaks my heart I'm never going to hear 'ahhhhh, buddy.....' again. I have learned from you, laughed with you, and had so many adventures with you. We've created wonderful things together, entertained people, and shared family. I promised you I'd keep an eye on Mary Lou, Lenny and Hunter, and I will. Ad Astra Per Aspera my friend, I'll look for you and Jeffy J in the sunrises and the sunsets...." —John Featherstone, Lightswitch.
"Get off a plane to hear the news about the passing of Nook Schoenfeld, and the day suddenly turned a lot sadder. I feel grateful to have shared a bunch of time with Nook over the years. He had the biggest heart you could imagine and he gave it all out as often as possible. A stark reminder to hug those around you and not waste a moment on this planet. Rest in peace Nook, you legend." —Mark Ravenhill, GLP.
"My friend and mentor Nook Schoenfelf passed away today. A true legend in our business and one of the early pioneers of what we take for granted today seeing shows on the road.
We shared a lot of times together ever since I moved to the US, but especially after I moved to Minneapolis, he became one of my golfing buddies and I was frequently his chauffeur to check out tours coming through town. It was on one of those shows last fall that he told me his terrible health news which he just learned about. He was ever the optimist and positive he will be fine, but also incredibly blunt when he said:
"I had a great life and saw and did things no one ever gets to do. I had a great run and if it's over I will be ok with it. I am upset to leave my wife and kids behind. But hey we'll try and beat it and make the best out of whatever time I have left."
I met countless people through Nook who was always up for a fun story and good anecdotes about everything and everyone. I reviewed dozens of products with him and often ran a desk for him while he did product reviews for his magazine. I will miss those times and the ever "what's happening" and "hey buddy" with a big smile in his eyes. There will never be anyone like him.
My fondest memories of Nook will forever be when he asked me one day if I could spend an afternoon with him and his son Hunter at our local theme park. Nook wanted him to have a good time, but wasn't a big fan of roller coasters. I am never to say no to a roller coaster and I was honored that he trusted me to chaperone Hunter around. I made sure Hunter was comfortable with crowds and taken care of with his unique character.
We got a special pass (the parks were amazing that way) for Hunter to skip the line and even a free chaperone pass by the parks and man did we ride some roller coasters for hours. We were best buds for the day and the appreciation of Nook that I took care of his son meant everything to me. We always ended the day with some burgers and a beer and shared some stories with a very exhausted Hunter having a great day and memories behind to cherish. Nook was so grateful, but I was just so happy to help and spend time with Hunter. I was fortunate that we managed this several times over the years.
I am sad to wave my friend goodbye, who now joins the great band in the sky.
They will have an amazing lighting guy with the best stories.
Farewell Nook..." —Matthias Hinrichs, Elation Professional
"Nook, the only saving grace here is knowing that undoubtedly, the ‘Big Guy Upstairs’ having approved your plot, when it comes my time to ‘see the light’, I can look forward to a hell’ova show! And then over a beer at the circle bar (…you know, since it died, it went to heaven too…) …I’m dying to hear the story of how you told the Angels, in heaven, gruffly, “If you’re going to work backstage, you gotta wear work boots!” —Jay Robert Harmon, Eggshell Lighting Company.
Live Design will continue to add quotes: if you would like to send a thought about Nook, please send to [email protected]