William Eugene VanCleave

So sorry to hear about William even though we did not know him, only you Martha and Trey. May you feel angels at your side daily during theo days ahead and during your time of deep mourning.

William is one of the most influential educators on my practices as a teacher. Just this morning I was testing a fourth grade student on her syntactical knowledge, and my first thought was to look back at William's presentations to refamiliarize myself with the knowledge I needed to effectively assess the student. I started tearing up reading through his notes thinking about the fact that I'll never be able to pick his brain or ask him for advice. He is truly missed by so many.

So many have written about what they learned from VC. I learned that he had a sharp but kind wit, he understood those of us with an "abundance of energy" and he was a Southern Gentleman through and through. His gifts were many and he graciously shared them and had a great time doing it. I have a son and often smiled as he shared stories of his mother, hoping one day that my son would have the same pride and love for me. What better gift is there than that? My heart has been and continues to...

When I finished up a 32-year career in teaching literature and came to Delaware Valley Friends School in Paoli. PA Catherine Schantz treated me to a course with William as I embarked on my second chapter as a Language Arts Teacher to students with learning differences. William was my lifeline that first year and I retook the course the following summer. It was so refreshing to be in the presence of such a young person who obviously knew his discipline so well and was so generous in bringing...

My heartfelt condolences to the Van Cleave family-- for the monumental loss of this extraordinary highly impactful educator with a brilliant mind and a keen sense of humor. He was a colleague and very dear friend of my mother, Diana Hanbury King.

I am so very sorry for your loss of your wonderful son and brother. I worked with William on the newspaper at the College of Wooster and he was incredibly talented.

Hello. I took several classes with William and really enjoyed him so much. He was enthusiastic and passionate about reading development and instruction. He will be greatly missed! So sad for your loss. Bonnie

I am so saddened to hear of William's passing. I taught him piano when he was about 10 years old and remember him as a kind and sweet boy. It's wonderful to hear how his life progressed and I'm only sorry that it was cut short.