David Hasbrouck Van Dyck, 94, of West Hartford and Bolton Landing, New York, died peacefully on Christmas morning. The last of eight siblings, he leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Margaret (Briggs) Van Dyck, two daughters, Louise Van Dyck Shipway of Avon and Emily Van Dyck Frederick of Glastonbury, and three grandchildren, Claire Guild Frederick, James Bevier Frederick and David Emmet Shipway. David was born in Schenectady, New York. After graduating from Storm King School in Cornwall, New York, he enrolled in Union College until World War II intervened. He served on a destroyer in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific, including battles at Leyte Gulf and Iwo Jima. After the war, he resumed his education at Union, graduating with honors in English and Economics in 1947. He then began a life-long career as a secondary school teacher and coach, at Storm King School from 1947 to 1959, and at Kingswood Oxford School from 1959 until his retirement in 1988. David's acerbic wit and encyclopedic knowledge of American and European history inspired generations of students. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake George Land Conservancy, www.lglc.com. To leave online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com

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Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 7, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for David Van Dyck

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5 Entries

Robert K. Kaplan

December 19, 2020

Dave Van Dyck was my teacher in 12th grade of a class called something like “Contemporary Issues w/The NY Times”. It was a seminar-type course...and by far the best class I took at KO...and perhaps ever...even through my Graduate Studies in Int’l Relations. He was superb...insightful, w/his usual wry humor ...and pushed us to think beyond our “bubble” lives. He further cemented my appreciation and admiration when he attended most of my wrestling matches in my junior and senior years. Much of my success then was shared with him...and inspired by him.

Today, my daughter is a high school senior and taking a class about the 60’s...which she loves. We discuss many of the topics...and I remind her of my teacher at KO who 48 years ago inspired me in a similar class. I smile every time he comes to mind. May he Rest In Peace.

Peter Viering

January 11, 2018

Mr. Van Dyke was more than a great teacher and coach - he was a Treasure! - and someone I have thought about regularly and with deep affection over the 55 years that have passed since I entered his first floor classroom in one of the houses as a 12 year old 1st Former in 1963. Although a strict disciplinarian, Mr. Van Dyck's wry sense of humor cracked me up almost daily, sometimes causing me to laugh hysterically in the classroom! He taught me to become a serious and lifelong student of history, and I loved the subject and the man!

Robert Kaplan

January 11, 2018

Some 45-50 years ago...Professor Van Dyck was my best teacher at KO...bar none. His wit was well-known...but his empathy was not as evident though always there. He wanted his students to be sincere about learning. He believed in respect...for people, events and things...and returned that to those who embodied such decency. He attended all my home wresting matches...and some travel ones...throughout my career at KO...and was an inspiration to me. He was the same as a teacher in my 11th grade US History and NYTimes current events course. He was a noble man. We were blessed to have him as our teacher.

Gregg Mastriforte

January 10, 2018

To the Van Dyck family,

I was saddened to hear about Mr Van Dyck's passing. Last October, I was able to see Mr. Van Dyck when I attended Coach Lorden's 90th birthday celebration. Mr. Van Dyck was my offensive/QB Football Coach and History teacher. In both roles, I appreciated his teachings and leadership. What I did not know until now was his WWII military experience. We just lost another one from our Greatest Generation. To quote an old Navy saying ; Mr. Van Dyck, "Fair Winds and Following Seas..."

Jerry Rosenbaum

January 10, 2018

Mr. Van Dyck taught me ancient and medieval history and coached me in "lightweight" baseball and basketball in 1960-61. I remember him to this day with great fondness and appreciation for his teaching, coaching and respect for his students.

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