William Edgar Van Order

Mr. Van O. was my dorm master, as well as football, and wrestling coach during my two years at Eaglebrook. I was a fairly mischievous middle schooler who often engaged in pranks, inappropriate behavior, and creative rule breaking.

Van O. always made me, and so many others, feel that he deeply cared for us, even when he was setting boundaries. In moments of frustration with my immaturity, he refered to me as "Peahead" with his expressive Tennessee drawl. I took it as a term of...

Mr. Van Order was a big man in every respect. He was always fair and principled. He had all the best qualities you'd want in a coach and teacher. Supportive. Full of encouragement. A model of discipline and hard work. Consistent. Taught excellent sportsmanship controlling the exuberance of our annihilation of the Fessenden Wrestling squad one year. As a math teacher, he was patient and clear, always rooting for each one of us and celebrating in our accomplishments and discoveries. As...

I am saddened by the news of Mr. Van Order’s passing. He definitely made a lasting impact on my life as our 1974-1976 Head football coach(undefeated 1976, 6-0-1!). I vividly remember his daily football practice look with the black framed glasses, flat billed sun hat, sweats and hiking boots! His appearance alone made you work 110% along with his southern expressions, “Pea head”! My condolences to the family.

Mr Van Order was the best math teacher I ever had and a kind, supportive dorm master. He was one of my highlights from my years at Eaglebrook. Just a great guy in every respect.

I’m truly saddened to read the passing of Mr. Van Order. He was my football, wrestling (undefeated season) and lacrosse coach throughout my senior year, in addition to being Halstead dorm Master/parent.
He taught me a lot in being a good sport with winning, losing and humility. He was an exceptional man and I feel lucky having known him. My thoughts and prayers for Mrs. Van Order, Louise and Alan.

Mr. Van Order was my wrestling coach at the Eaglebrook School in the early 1970's. He was kind and supportive and in the classroom he was an excellent instructor. I recall him fondly and was pleased to enjoy his company many years later at an EBS reunion. He was certainly a gentleman and what I leaned from him has enriched my life. To his family I send my most sincere condolences. May his memory be a blessing.

Like countless students across a couple of generations, I remember the Van Orders well. Thoroughly decent and relatable to their charges, Mr. Van Order was my Eaglebrook math teacher and dorm floor leader. Fifty years later, I can still hear his distinctive voice. Sending condolences from Vermont to his wife and family, but also appreciation for his gifts as an educator and coach, for a life well lived.

This makes me so sad. I have many good memories of him, his wife, and Alan. I enjoyed his math class. Funny what sorts of little details we remember. I particularly remember admiring his Rolex watch. I hope that watch lives on!
– Alexi Phinney ‘86

I still remember Mr Van Order's math class. One of his go to moves was removing a shoe lace and using it to draw circles on the blackboard. As he promised, I can recite the Pythagorean theorem if woken from a deep sleep. "BVO" was a friendly caring man that pushed us to be better. What a great guy.