Jan Willem Niklaas Zuidveld

Seems like Jan has always been a part of our world. Our son and Jan have been good friends since elementary school and their friendship enriched our lives as well as theirs. We enjoyed getting to know Fred and Miriam and Zoe - such great people. We love the positive, nurturing home they created and deeply appreciated their generosity in sharing their world with Zack. They encouraged exploration and discovery and John and I got such a kick out of hearing about the boys’ inventions,...

I am will forever be grateful to Jan for talking me out of getting this “cute little tortoise” it was at a pet store and I asked him if it would be a good pet for Dominic. In true Jan fashion he explained to me ever single reason why an individual should never own one as a pet, and then had me come to the reptile zoo and meet an adult one.
He was so good with my kids, he would answer ever single question they had about any frog, snake or turtle they saw. He loved sharing his knowledge...

He looked like me, only younger with bigger muscles. He loved animals like me, only with an all consuming verve that could rival any animal personality you've ever watched on TV. He was funny as hell and extremely principled. We we're joking around on the 29th, and on the 30th he took his own life. It doesn't matter how many push ups you do and share on Facebook for awareness; it doesn't matter how much you love them -- depression is a deadly scourge.
We loved you Jan. I do not...

I met Jan at the Humane Society of Huron Valley. At work Jan was always very focused and a bit standoffish when I first met him. Once I began to really get to know Jan I realized not only did I admire his amazing work ethic (I can’t stress this enough!), but I was taken back by how knowledgeable and informed he was, about well, everything. I’m not sure there was a topic Jan didn’t know something about. Some of the most off-the-wall stuff Jan would surprise me, knowing exactly what I was...

With overwhelming sadness and broken heart, I remember Jan as a young boy with so much joy and enthusiasm, especially when it came to his reptiles. Being fearful of snakes around our pond, he taught me to stomp the ground, to scare them away. No words can ease your family's pain, but take comfort in the many great memories we have of him.

Jan was a great kid. He came into our lives back in 2010, I believe. He was influential in my young boys love of animals. And he was a kind, funny and inspiring person to be around. We had some laughs. Rest in power Jan. And condolences to his parents, sister, family and friends. I donated to the conservation charity in Jan’s name. ❤