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William Heyde Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for William Heyde
Robert Nazarene
December 27, 2025
I knew Bill in the late 1960s. He influenced me greatly. My writing today is greatly informed by his encouragement.--Robert Nazarene
Amy Miles Copeland
April 22, 2023
To sit in a Bill Heyde´s class was a privilege. 1976 and I believe it was advanced lit. I´m lost for some details but I do remember the invitation to gather at his home near the end of the course. And feeling so welcomed in a charming space filled with elephants. I felt seen and heard in his presence. What a gift.
Amy Miles Copeland
Mark Routburg
October 22, 2019
Miss you Mr. Heyde!!!
David Kaiser
November 4, 2016
The dry sense of humor, wink of the eye and the passion for learning. What a Great American.
How you can show support
Randy Rubin
Sally (Fleischmann) Ember
November 4, 2016
Scott Anderson and Glenn Caplin
Sally (Fleischmann) Ember
November 4, 2016
Doug Cassell and Tom Newmark
Sally (Fleischmann) Ember
November 4, 2016
Tom Newmark
November 3, 2016
What an honor to have been first his student and later his friend. Wild Bill exemplified the finest qualities of being a teacher. Filled with happy memories....
Darlene Goldstein
November 1, 2016
Yo!! I love you so much. You have blessed me and so many others with your gifts. Thank you so very much.
Wendy Ellen Fleischmann
October 31, 2016
For those of you who did not know, Mr. Heyde taught at a Yeshiva after he retired from Ladue, and donated his salary to charity -- for 18 years!
http://www.stljewishlight.com/news/news_schmooze/article_5b0b664c-c30d-11e2-aa9a-0019bb2963f4.html
Brian Hurley
October 31, 2016
He told me once that he wanted to be a pastor. But he was born for the work he was devoted to. The titles he collected were just the by products of his service to others. Always had time for others and never took himself too seriously and never played favorites. In his own words he was, "a great American". He will be missed. RIP.
Wendy Ellen Fleischmann
October 31, 2016
Dear Wild Bill: You taught me so much more than English and Debate. You taught me to believe in myself, to stand up for truth and justice, and not to settle for anything less than excellence.
Your dedication to teaching, your tolerance and humor will be missed.
Thank you. May your memory continue to be a blessing.
Andy Follman
October 31, 2016
You'll be remembered for so much!
As a wonderful educator and teacher...
the great attention to detail...
the inspirational discourse...
the styling and delivery of lessons and theme...
the boundless enthusiasm and humor!
YO! (Ladue '92)
Julie Follman
October 31, 2016
Dr. Heyde was my favorite English teacher in high school and one of my favorite teachers of all times. I still have my "Great American" judge's gavel he gave me in my keep save box in the basement. And, I can still hear him walking down the halls of Ladue High School greeting everyone with a boisterous, "Yo!"
Steve Zafft (Ladue '92)
October 30, 2016
Mr. Heyde's family and friends and I count his students among his friends have lost a Great American. Inimitable, irreplaceable, unforgettable.
Yo!, Mr. Heyde, and thank you.
October 30, 2016
A Great American, indeed! Bill Heyde taught generations of students that no matter how good something was, they could always make it better (how many re-writes could you do on one paper?). Teaching so many people to aspire to and pursue excellence is a tremendous legacy to leave.
-Steve Grand, Ladue Class of '80
Berkeley, CA
Daphna Rodin
October 30, 2016
MY FIRST MENTOR, WITH A "YO" '76 TWIST
The first time that I was
spiritually alive
was my last year of high-school.
I was just content to vaguely wander to class
after class, learning intentionally
nothing at all.
The first time I met
The Head of the Department
I changed my thinking completely.
I was taking 'A' tv courses
of comparing 'Bob Newhart' versus
'Mary Tyler Moore'
until then.
I still remember writing essays:
Five copies of Dineson's "Sorrow Acre",
Tennyson's "Ulysses" and
Albee's "The Zoo Story"
to get an A-minus
as a final great grade!
I worked severely
yet Mr. Heyde was there
for each one of us
who persevered!
He was courageous and firm
in a lovable way
that created excitement and awe
and enriched us with
Real joys of
True literature
of other Gods!
He himself was
an equal God
to a lot of generations
at our school: Ladue...
He looked at us
as useful beings
and dug bits and pieces
of love, understanding
and hard work throughout!
I love you, Mr. Heyde
because you created visions of
past or future imagination
That You (to my thinking)
Emotionally Started!!!
Daphna Rodin
1994
Rest in eternal peace
October 30, 2016
The best teacher i have ever known in my life. Everyone matter to Mr Heyde. He loved America and the SF giants. I will remember him foreever. He will be greatly missed. Marty Hogan Ladue class of 76.
with Jim McKelvey
October 30, 2016
with "Tripp" Frolichstein
October 30, 2016
with Mark Zooie
October 30, 2016
with Bill Weiss
October 30, 2016
circa 1970, Ladue
October 30, 2016
circa 1968, Ladue
October 30, 2016
October 30, 2016
Bill Heyde was my good friend since I first met him in 1954, when I went to work as an usher at the Palace Theatre in Jackson, Missouri, and he was already working there. As I wrote a few weeks ago in an article on the Palace for the local paper, he was both a friend and, in many ways, a role model... both he and his mother, also an excellent English (and French) teacher. He was encouraging and tolerant about the fact that I, who like him like to write, became a comic book writer/editor rather than a novelist or journalist... but we kept in touch, and I'm sorry that I hadn't had a chance to get together with him in person for many years. I'm sure he was one of the great teachers... and for me, the world's flame will burn a little less bright, knowing that Bill Heyde is no longer in it.
Roy Thomas
Steve Levin
October 29, 2016
Wild Bill Heyde was an inspiration to so many of us at Ladue high school.
At a 2015 gathering I delivered a "rap" poem that touched on his unique qualities. I was fortunate in researching his life to learn so much from his beloved sister Adelaide Parsons and his close friend Hank Kauffman (also my high school math teacher!) The more I learned, the greater my respect and gratitude for the privilege of having known him.
Everything I learned about Bill is in the rap here: https://youtu.be/tA5F3XdNcwI or
http://bit.ly/BillHeyde2015Rap
Bill, your memory is a blessing to us all.
Jeffrey Spitzer Class of 1983
October 29, 2016
I have been teaching for over twenty years, and I consider Bill Heyde to be one of my models. He was, in the words with which he often praised others, a great American!
Neal Osherow
October 29, 2016
Yes, Mr. Heyde was a great and demanding teacher and coach, but even more a mentor, and later, friend. He devoted so much of his energy, attention, skill and even his wallet to his calling and his students that he sacrificed much of his personal life and his health. I am personally indebted and grateful.
Neal Osherow, Ladue 1973
Mark Zoole
October 29, 2016
Yo, Mr. Heyde: You remain very much alive and at work in the hearts and minds of the thousands of people like me who are better writers, better talkers, and better thinkers, because you cared so much about teaching and inspiring us, your students.
Lesley Sterling
October 29, 2016
Mr. Heyde you taught me (Lesley '78), my brother Drew '82 and my other brother Rob '86. Each time the next one came around, you instantly remembered each of us who came before. You are truely an "All American." All the schools you taught at will certainly miss you and your ability to reach all students. Thanks for bringing out the best in my siblings and I. Rest in peace and tell Ms. Roschke hello.
Sally Ember, Ed.D.
October 29, 2016
Please read my letter to him in my blog post: http://wp.me/p2bP0n-1bh available after 9:30 AM CDT Sat., 10/29/16. Mr. Heyde is the reason I became a writing teacher, writer and editor! R.I.P.
Sally Fleischmann Ember
Scott Halliburton (Ladue Class of 1980)
October 29, 2016
What an outstanding teacher. A great American as he would say! I frequently used the skills Mr. Heyde taught me in English. RIP Mr. Heyde.
Yo!!!!!
Lisa Wertman Crowe
October 29, 2016
Mr. Heyde was a very rare and wonderful teacher whose love of the craft shone through every day. I don't remember much from my high school classes, but my days in his class are far clearer than most due to his incredible enthusiasm, humor, and insight.
I grow old . . . I grow old . . .
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled
With love and deepest condolences,
Lisa Wertman Crowe '78
Quiana Atchison
October 29, 2016
Mr. Heyde was a great teacher and left an unforgettable impression on many.
- Quiana, Ladue 94
Gail Furman
October 29, 2016
Fantastic teacher and human being. Sincere condolences to his friends and family. I hope you find comfort in knowing how much he was loved.
Margo Saunders
October 28, 2016
Thank you to the National Forensics League of Metro St. Louis and to everyone else -- I couldn't say it better. I was fortunate to know Wild Bill Heyde as a debate coach and valued his wonderful commitment to high school debate and to his students. Very sorry to hear of his passing.
October 28, 2016
R.I.P. Mr. Heyde.
S. Fouche
Ladue Horton Watkins Sr. High, C/O '91
karen doyne
October 28, 2016
I remember him so well. The things he taught me at Ladue have stayed with me for more than four decades, and helped pave the way for my career. What better legacy for any teacher? Rest in peace, Mr. Heyde.
Cynthia Bishop
October 28, 2016
Mr. Heyde was truly an inspiration. I am so fortunate to have been one of his students.
Ruthellen Osherow
October 28, 2016
My high school experience was enhanced by your presence - both as my teacher and just being in the building and giving your energy to Ladue High School - the English Department, and other teachers and students. You were the GREATEST AMERICA ever...YO!!
Janet Armstrong
October 28, 2016
It is with great sadness that I learned of Mr. Heyde's passing. He truly made english come alive and taught all of us so much! I remember his booming voice, his passion and vibrancy. He was indeed a great American and I am grateful to have been his student. God bless you Mr Heyde for the huge impact you had.
Lisa Crawford (Hara)
October 28, 2016
I student taught for Bill and was inspired everyday by his energy, brilliance, and selfless dedication to helping students. I will forever be grateful for his ability to teach me through his actions instead of words. He never lectured me about what it takes to be a great teacher; instead, he showed me.
Aaron Bianco
October 28, 2016
I invited two teachers to my wedding, Mr. Heyde was one of them. Ladue 85
Neil Okun
October 28, 2016
Bill Heyde was a fantastic teacher and debate coach,and a wonderful person. He had energy and a passion for his calling, a playful sense of humor, and it was always clear that he loved what he did. His impact on the lives of his students can't be overstated. He was one-of-a-kind.
October 28, 2016
I hear Mr. Heyde's voice in my head when I help edit my kids papers. When I tell them "this is passive voice, and could be stronger," I am channeling him. He was a Great American, and he made me a much more confident writer and human.
National Forensics League of Metro St. Louis
October 28, 2016
The METRO ST. LOUIS REGION of the NATIONAL FORENSICS LEAGUE of High School debaters, faculty and instructors offers its sincere sympathy on the passing of legendary forensics/debate instructor, coach, and judge WILLIAM A. "Bill" HEYDE of the Ladue School District and other positions during his long tenure in this field.
BILL was an exceptionally gifted oratorical instructor and verbal communicator, who generously shared his time and many talents in this field with decades of high school students whose public speaking, debate, oratorical and analytical talents he helped develop--some into championship speakers!
BILL's talents as an instructor and faculty peer were also complemented by his roles as a thoughtful mentor, coach and friend to many he taught the art of debate and public speaking to over his four decades of diligent service.
BILL's gifted blend of professionalism, mentorship and encouragement are fondly remembered at this sad time by generations of high school debaters and fellow faculty who benefitted significantly from his dedicated guidance and presence.
May BILL Rest in Peace--and his esteemed memory will be long-lasting among members, instructors and coaches of the NATIONAL FORENSICS LEAGUE.
Sincerely,
The Bereavement Committee of the
NATIONAL FORENSICS LEAGUE
High School Debate Society, USA
October 28, 2016
Reaching into our lives and showing us how to find and express the deeper meanings. Yo heaven. You got another great one.
Christian Lau
October 28, 2016
Bill,
You were always with a smile from ear to ear, very contagious, very bright. Your sense of humor was unique, your kindness immense, and your positivism are among the very many that made me enjoy being around you! Rest In Peace my friend!
Mark Routburg
October 28, 2016
Mr. Heyde didn't fully appreciate you as a high school student but since getting older I realize you are everything a teacher should be and much more. You dedicated your life to your school and students and we are all much better off for it! Thank you, we love you, we need more like you, God bless!
Arthur Katz
October 28, 2016
There is so much respect and affection for Bill Heyde among those whose lives he touched. As a well-deserved blessing, he was aware of this, yet ever modest and even grateful himself for having had the opportunity to impact positively so many young persons in the ways that they remember fondly even decades later. What a Great American. (In his honor, please avoid use of the passive voice in this guest book.)
Mercury Roberts (formerly Bob Foster)
October 28, 2016
Yo!
What a model and what an influence Bill Heyde was for me!
• Positively.
• Absolutely.
• Enthusiastically.
• Amazingly.
With writing the English language cleanly and clearly.
With understanding deeper meanings in words, sentences and language.
With believing in myself.
With approaching life with joy and passion.
And loving baseball . . .
Richard Green
October 28, 2016
He encouraged me, just in an unexpected moment, after school one day-- "I've heard good things about you! I wish I'd had you for a student!" he said, as I collected my things from my locker. I was stunned and flattered.
October 28, 2016
Yo, Mr. Heyde: You remain very much alive and at work in the hearts and minds of the thousands of people like me who are better writers, better talkers, and better thinkers, because you cared so much about teaching and inspiring us, your students.
Arlene Rosenberg (Boxerman)
October 28, 2016
Mr. Heyde was one of the best teachers I ever had. He taught me how to write, and I have passed his lessons on to my kids. Even more importantly, he gave me confidence in myself. I think of him often and still hear his voice in my head. He will be missed.
Garth Gersten
October 28, 2016
A Great American. An inspiring teacher. A terrific human being.
Jimmy Kolker
October 28, 2016
Mr. Heyde
Your death just a few days after the 50th reunion of the Ladue class of 1966 really does provide a bookend to the amazing influence you had on me and generations of students. Thanks for your encouragement, enthusiasm and example.
Steve Schneider
October 28, 2016
A remarkable teacher, and one who inspired me greatly. RIP, Mr. Heyde.
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