Allan Schifman, 84, passed away on Dec. 15 after a heart-related illness.
He lived a rich, joyful and deeply meaningful life filled with devotion to family, enduring friendships, curiosity, adventure and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.
Born on June 6, 1941, at Menorah Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, Allan was the beloved son of Morris and Bernice (Frischer) Schifman. He attended J.C. Nichols and Southwest High School, and after his family moved to Kansas, he went on to attend Shawnee Mission North High School. In 1959, he proudly graduated from the first graduating class of Shawnee Mission East.
Allan’s youth was shaped by his deep love for the Boy Scouts, where he cultivated leadership, independence and lifelong friendships. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout was among his earliest and most meaningful accomplishments. His adventures with his troop took him on a memorable trip to Europe by ship during high school — an experience he cherished throughout his life.
He attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman, where he pledged Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, before returning to Kansas City to work in the family business, Schifman Printing Company. Working alongside his father, uncles, cousins and brother-in-law, as vice president, Allan built a long, successful career at Schifman and later at another printing company, defined by integrity, sales acumen and genuine care for their employees and others around him. He formed lasting relationships with competitors, vendors, customers and the staff at his favorite lunch spots (Jack’s Stack and Hereford House), treating everyone with kindness and respect.
In 1962, Allan met the love of his life, Brenda (Unell) Schifman, and from their first dates — one of them at Winstead’s on the Plaza — it was clear they had found something extraordinary. They married on Feb. 23, 1964, embarking on 61 years of treasured partnership. Allan and Brenda shared a truly special bond: best friends, equals, travel companions and steadfast supporters of each other through every season of life.
Allan was a man of many passions. A devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, he was a season ticket holder from the team’s first year in Kansas City, cheering them on with loyalty through the good and bad times. He loved cars, boating at the Lake of the Ozarks and poker with his buddies, and he always cared about what the spread was for pro and college football games. He went on trips to Las Vegas and Scottsdale with the boys and always looked forward to these adventures. After retirement, he and Brenda traveled extensively, enjoying memorable trips throughout Europe, Israel, Australia and New Zealand and an annual visit to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they developed another cherished community of friends.
A true audiophile, Allan had a lifelong love of music. He took pride in acquiring one of the earliest Bang & Olufsen stereo systems sold in Kansas City. He also loved his CB radio – going by the handle of the “Blue Goose” and talking to the truckers while he was on the road.
More recently, Allan treasured his weekly ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) gatherings, where he relished good conversation, good friends and the opportunity to keep learning. His curiosity never waned.
Allan is survived by his loving wife, Brenda (Unell) Schifman; his children, Ken (Lisa) Schifman and Jodi Steinberg; and his beloved grandchildren, Jared (fiancée Alexa), Drew, Charlie, Mitch, Max and Tommy. He is also survived by his sister, Hanie (Jeff) Langner, and her sons Erik, Brad and Travis; his niece, Shari Gilblair; his brother-in-law, Robert (Barbara) Unell and his children Justin and Amy; and dear friend, Linda Smuckler.
The family thanks all the great caregivers and doctors that worked with Allan his entire life as he battled Type 1 diabetes since his early 20s. They especially thank the devoted staff at St. Lukes South and St. Lukes Plaza cardiovascular unit and his internal medicine and endocrinologist doctors. The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made to the Jewish Community Center; The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; and the American Diabetes Association.
A funeral service was held on Dec. 17 at Louis Memorial Chapel.
Allan will be remembered for his amazing and kind smile, kindness toward others, empathy, humor, loyalty and the remarkable way he made others feel valued. His legacy that his family and many friends will always cherish is a life lived with love, generosity and purpose.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
