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John Van de Walle Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Van de Walle
Margaret Overton
December 31, 2006
Dr. Van de Walle was one of the most dynamic and delightful people I have ever known. When I worked with adults who were illiterate, we asked Dr. Van de Walle to do a workshop for our adult education math teachers. Before he did so, he tried out his methods on adult students himself to be sure that what he did would work. It is this kind of dedication that made him the wonderful teacher and writer and person he was. He will be very much missed by everyone but he leaves behind him a legacy that will last forever.
Sheila Cunningham
December 14, 2006
The world of mathematics will be changed forever without the spirit and insight of John Van de Walle. He has truly impacted the lives of endless students who have been taught by teachers trained by John, or those who used textbooks written by John.
John Van DeWalle's legacy will be one that is seen in the successes of the students he has touched now and forever.
Sheila Cunningham
December 14, 2006
The world of mathematics will be changed forever without the spirit and insight of John Van de Walle. He has truly impacted the lives of endless students who have been taught by teachers trained by John, or those who used textbooks written by John.
John Van DeWalle's legacy will be one that is seen in the successes of the students he has touched now and forever.
Raymond Little
December 13, 2006
John Van de Walle's text impacted my thinking about the teaching of mathematics at a pivotal point in my career. I had just left the classroom to become a math coach, and was being challenged to rethink how to teach math. His text brought together many of the different ideas I had been exposed to, and helped me make connections between them.
Later, I had an opportunity to hear him speak at a Professional Developmnet for math coaches in Los Angeles. I asked him to "autograph" my copy of his text. Besides his signature, he wrote "Believe in kids".
I think this captures the spirit of what Dr. Van de Walle was suggesting in his books. If you believe that kids ' thinking is something to be valued and shared in the classroom, you can create classroom environments that let students truly understand mathematics, rather than merely following rules without thinking.
He has touched the lives of countless students and teachers.He will be missed.
Cynthia Souza
December 13, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Van de Walle's passing. He was such an inspiration to me as a math teacher. I know he had so much more to teach us all.
Karl Kolada
December 13, 2006
I had the honour of watching and listening to Dr. Van de Walle on several occassions through out his professional travels in Canada. Afterward at dinner I was always struck by how easily our conversations spun for hours on a myriad of topics sometimes so far removed from Mathematics and teaching. Teaching was his passion but he was a man who embraced all facets of life. He touched and influenced a generation of teaching professionals and his work was only just beginning. My deepest sympathies go out to Sharon and the family.
The Pond Family
December 12, 2006
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Van de Walle was helping in my son's math class at Robious Elementary, and made a huge impact. What a great loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael Curtis
December 12, 2006
MR Van de Walle was a true inspiration to me as a teacher. The insight that he provided throught his written word and spoken word was something that I will always hold on. It is such a major loss in the field of education. You will be surely missed by many
Anne
December 12, 2006
I had the great pleasure of seeing and hearing Dr. Van de Walle on several occasions. His energy and enthusiasm for math and learners was infectious.I have used his text in my course for preservice teachers and the students' comments about the suggested activities are always positive.
I hope that his vision of math education continues to inform and influence teachers and learners for many years in the future.
As educators, we have benefitted a great deal from the wisdom of Dr. Van de Walle and we shall miss him.
R. A. Campbell
December 12, 2006
I have recently completed a Masters Degree in Mathematics Education. Dr. Van de Walle, through his texts and articles became a virtual mentor - allowing my growth, both personally & professionally, in both mathematics knowledge & at last - mathematics understanding. A life lost far too early, but a life whose influence will endure.
Teri Hanson
December 12, 2006
I canot express the emotions I felt upon learning of John's death. As someone who was very limited in my mathmatical understanding, he took me on a journey that has led me to being the teacher I am. He never made me feel dumb, just one who hadn't had the chance to learn. He treated me with respect.
The last workshop I attended with John, he recognized me in the audience, and stopped a moment just to say hello. Wow--he took time for me.
I saw the passion in him for his family and friends. His texts will live on for him. He is already missed.
Kelly Cichocki
December 12, 2006
Dr. Van de Walle was one of my favorite professors at VCU. He scared us to death the first couple of classes, but he made us work and I am grateful that he pushed us to do our best! He was an excellent teacher and a good man, and I thoroughly enjoyed the debates we had in his Teaching Elemtary School Mathematics class. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.
Grace Anne McKay
December 12, 2006
I had the great pleasure of hearing Dr. Van De Walle speak this summer. It was one of the most thought provoking and enlightening talks I had ever experienced. He will be sorely missed.
Leana Lucero
December 11, 2006
We just heard of John Van De Walle's passing. Our condolence. We will keep him and his family in our prayers.
Susan Smith
December 11, 2006
Sharon, I just heard of John's passing. You are in my prayers.
Susan (from Dumbarton Elementary)
Charles Savitt
December 10, 2006
I have fond memories of debating the merits of the Macintosh computer vs. the PC platform with John while working with him at VCU. I am shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with all of you.
CRISS ASP
December 8, 2006
TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. JOHN WAS
A LOT OF FUN AS A CHILD AND VERY
CREATIVE. ALWAYS REMEMBERED
CRISS STATTMILLER ASP
Janet Beardsley
December 7, 2006
I've had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Van De Walle speak on several occasions, most recently in Palm Springs. I commented on his lack of professional rivalry as he quoted Marilyn Burns and Randy Charles throughout his presentation. He didn't care who came up with an idea/strategy as long as it worked! His books will live on so we won't lose his wonderful way of making sense when teaching math. My condolences to you all.
Nancy Royall
December 7, 2006
Dear Family:
John worked with us in Richmond County for many years and helped make us one of the best local school divisions in math education. I appreciated every minute I had with him and value greatly his guidance and enthusiasm. He enriched my life and that of our teachers and students. I will miss him greatly.
Nancy Royall
Retired Director of Technology
Richmond County Schools
Warsaw, VA 22572
Judith Sowder
December 7, 2006
Dear Sharon and girls,
All the folks that knew John from his NCTM years have written emails that have made me even more aware of the goodness of John and the love and respect he garnered. My memories of John are repeated here so that you have all the messages in one place.
I was shocked and saddened by the news of John’s death. John served on the editorial panel of the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education while I was editor. He was a thoughtful, kind, and thorough reviewer and I knew I could depend on him to tell me whether or not a particular paper was really worth publishing. But more than that, he was admired and respected by all panel members, including me, and we especially enjoyed our social times together. Later, I served on the NCTM Board of Directors and John and I overlapped for a year. I feel that through these two experiences I came to know John and I treasured that friendship. It was always a delight to see him again at conferences.
My colleagues here at San Diego State are also saddened. My husband, Larry, is also a mathematics educator and knew John and was equally shocked with the news from Jim Rubillo. Other colleagues use his textbook almost like a bible. When I meet with instructors in our Professional Development Collaborative and a question comes up about how to present a particular math concept, someone will always say, “Well, let’s see how John Van de Walle does it.”
John has been a valuable contributor to the mathematics education community, and we all regret his passing. I suspect you will have many letters telling you this. I don’t know if it will help you overcome your grief, but please know that it is shared by many people.
Melissa Miller
December 7, 2006
Dear Bridget, Gretchan, Mrs. Van de Walle, and your extended family, I am so sorry to learn about your father's death. My heart goes out to you and all your loved ones. God bless. Love, Melissa Poliquin Miller
Joanne Adomeit
December 7, 2006
I send my deepest regrets about your sudden loss. I was inspired by John's work and forward thinking about mathematics teaching and learning. His work lives on the the classrooms of hundred's if not thousands of teachers in Calgary.
Math Office Jefferson County Public Schools
December 7, 2006
We work in the math curriculum office for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, KY. We have often talked with great esteem of Dr. Van de Walle, including his professionalism and his knowledge of mathematics. We truly admired him.
We certainly would like to extend our condolences to you, the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judie Howard Hise
December 7, 2006
My sincere condolences to all the Van de Walle's on the loss of John at such an early age. I remember all of you and your family well from our days at Holy Rosary.
It is wonderful to know that John had such a meaningful life filled with everything he loved. John was passionate about things in high school and that passion was a huge part of his personality. He surely made an impression on me.
I also remember Jane from playing softball --- what fond memories.
My heart goes out to you all at this time and in the days ahead.
Molly Lar
December 6, 2006
I was a very fortunate person who had the privilege of meeting John on several occasions and discussing mathematics with him. I remember a man who was so passionate and dedicated to teaching and learning mathematics. He taught me that math can make sense at any age and that it is so much fun to play around with it. Your journey into the minds of Ontario Educators will leave an impression forever my friend. You are sadly missed. My condolences to John's family and friends.
Molly Larin
Ontario Educator
Malinda Williams
December 6, 2006
I didn't know him personally, but I felt like he mentored me through my reading of his book, Elem & Mid. School Math. I'm a better math educator because of him. May his legacy live on in the education of our children. My condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing him with the world of education.
Mary Therese Grund
December 6, 2006
Dear Sharon, we will miss him, but especially his twinkling smile and beautiful voice. You and yours are in our prayers, M.T. and Larry
Lynne Boggs
December 6, 2006
Dr. Van de Walle was my inspiration to become a math teacher, and has continued to mentor me for over 25 years. This week I am finishing my Master's Degree paper on Problem Solving, a subject he was passionate about. I was excited about sending him a copy. I will now be dedicating it to his memory. I am so thankful for leaders like Dr. Van de Walle. I will truly miss him.
Karen & Doug Smith
December 6, 2006
Sharon and family,
How saddened we were to hear today of John's sudden passing. Although we have not been in touch the past several years, we have fond memories of you both. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jenny Rickman
December 6, 2006
Sharon, Gretchen, and Bridget,
I will always have wonderful memories of John while growing up in Highland Hills, and of the fun times our families spent together. Please know my heart and my condolences are with you all right now.
Ronald Stilwell
December 6, 2006
Bridget and family,
John touched so many lives. It deeply saddens me that he will no longer be making mathematics understandable to people like me, who trembled at the thought of trying to teach something I really didn't understand. John was a gift to educators, students, and the world. He will be sorely missed. My God grant you grace and comfort during this difficult time.
Peace,
Kathy Smith, Gayla Reid, Cindy Sullivan, & Adrian Lopez
December 6, 2006
Not only did his work in mathematics education impact teacher knowledge across the nation, but his work will impact children for generations! This is a great loss for mathematics education.
Bill Heipp
December 6, 2006
John was a good man and a man of faith. He was serious when required, but he was always a man with a great sense of humor. More importantly, John was a lover. He loved God, he loved his family and he loved the people he met. If you needed light all you need do was ask John about his grandchildren then watch him glow. He was a thinker who explored with you and helped you to enlighten yourself. John was generous. And, he was courageous enough to set you straight when that was what you most needed. What he cannot do is fill the void left by his departure. I count myself among the many who feel a deep personal loss now that he has gone.
Lisa Brown
December 6, 2006
Bridget and family,
We're thinking of you during this difficult time. Always cherish your many fond memories. God bless you all!
Hal Hughey
December 6, 2006
Obviously John has touched many lives with his incomparable passion for life, friends and work. He was a great person and I count myself blessed to have been his friend and neighbor.
Susan Kutt
December 6, 2006
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with John for three years through a staff development opportunity offered by Stafford County Public Schools. Among my many memories is his ability to form a perfect circle on the chalkboard with nothing more than his arm. I still haven't figured out how he can do that. John personally touched me professionally and personally by enabling me to grow to my potential as a mathematics teacher. He will be sorely missed by me and my colleagues of Stafford County Public Schools.
Pamela Hagen
December 5, 2006
I am very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Van de Walle. He has had a big impact on the learning of mathematics for mathematics educators, pre-service teachers and students in classrooms here in Canada (British Columbia). He has touched the lives of many and will continue to do so for many years. Thoughts and prayers with the family at this difficult time.
Pamela Hagen
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Val Stensland
December 5, 2006
I worked with John for many years at Scott Foresman Publishing. He was such a true teacher, and genuinely cared about our careful instruction of Mathematics. He made many trips to Washington State and took the time to help us move forward instructionally, and I believe DID make a difference in all of our lives -- teachers and students. He will be sorely missed.
Lisette Johnson
December 5, 2006
I liked Dr. Van de Walle. He made math so it was interesting. I'm very sad that he died. I'll miss him.
Graham Johnson - Mrs Pettit's 1st Grade Class Robious Elementary
Jim Stattmiller
December 5, 2006
We grew up together on the southeast side of Columbus, Ohio in Holy Rosary Parish on Main Street. He lived on Berkley Avenue a working class neighborhood with narrow streets and steep hills in the front of the homes that tumbled to the sidewalk making lawn cutting for a 12 year old boy a challenge. John was three days my junior, both born in October 1943. We had sleep-overs at each other’s houses with pillow fights till his mom, Margaret, or mine came in and said that was enough.
John joined Boy Scouts before I did, so he encouraged me to join soon after. We went camping with them many times. A favorite place was Crystal Springs maybe 35 miles from Columbus toward Lancaster where we drank from a trickling spring whose tiny shelf pool was cut out of the rock and tasted delicious year round after a laborious hands and knees steep climb to the cave.
Only small boys could fit into the fifty foot tunnel. We crawled on our stomachs with our shoulder blades scrapping against the ceiling passing white cave crickets and most feared, white spiders the size of silver dollars clinging to the moist walls. Sometimes it felt better to turn your flashlight off so as to not see those ugly creatures next to your face as you pulled yourself forward, your elbows wedged against the cold stone. Once you entered the tunnel there was no turning back till it opened into a wondrous room about nine feet square with a rising ceiling from six feet to eight feet.
There was an unfathomable sink hole almost in the middle of the room that we had never explored. The entry was too little for almost all of us. John and I were usually the smallest among our peers. He weighted two or three pounds more than my 81 pounds during 8th grade foot ball season. It was decided among the five of us to lower someone into the hole. I knew it was not going to be me. The ropes were 5/16 inch frazzled, swiped from our dads’ garages and basements. We tied them together to make one long piece.
John said, “I’ll go.” “What,” I thought, “are you crazy?” We doubled the rope in half and John stuck his foot into the loop at the end. The two biggest boys slowly lowered him down into the space which widened immediately once he got passed the opening.
Down, down he went twisting, pushing off a rock to guide himself. The rope stopped at about 50 feet. We listened silently to his grunting and to his description of the expedition-- the tunnel he found off to the side, the slimy cave dwellers. His light never found bottom.
“Hey, pull me up. I ‘m getting tired.” After some good natured threats to leave him, we pulled him slowly up. The rope held, and my admiration for “Punchy" grew a bit that day.
There were many other days and many other childhood adventures that only added to my respect for a great friend. I will miss the updates on our wives and kids, the rooting for the Buckeyes together, and I will cherish always growing up with John Van de Walle.
My deepest sympathy for Sharon and Gretchen and Bridget whom John loved with every breath he took.
Kimberley Parnell
December 5, 2006
Bridget,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if you need anything.
Take care,
Kim
Jennifer Harton
December 5, 2006
Bridget and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I have read one of your father's textbook but never had the pleasure of meeting him.
God Bless!
Suzanne Damm
December 5, 2006
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Van de Walle last month in Palm Springs. In person he was even more inspirational than in his books --if that is possible. He will be sorely missed but his vision and passion for mathematics will live on through all he has touched. The world has lost a wonderful man. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Carolyn Moore
December 5, 2006
John Van de Walle was my math hero. He was brilliant, funny, and inspiring.We have lost a master teacher,but will remember his teachings.
Loren Pitt
December 5, 2006
We will miss you John.
Valerie Borchers
December 5, 2006
I never met John Van de Walle but his mathematical insights greatly influence my work as a math coach on a daily basis. His passing is a great loss to the mathematical community but his legacy will live on through those who knew him and/or his work. He will be missed but my fellow math coaches and I will help keep his work alive!
Becky Parker
December 5, 2006
Dr. Van de Walle will be missed tremendously by the math education community in Stafford County, VA. We had the pleasure of working with him and learning from him for over five years. He changed the way I teach math to students as well how I approach the training of other teachers in my role as a math specialist. Everytime I use one of his books I will think of the learning times we had, enriched by his teaching. My condolences to his family.
Annie Robinson
December 5, 2006
Dear Sharon and The Family:
I just learned of this sad news at mass. I will miss not working with him on the Arts and Environment Committee and all of his input. My/our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Cheryl Haddon Baker
December 5, 2006
What a TERRIFIC person John Van de Walle was! I had the pleasure of getting to know him as a father to his girls while swimming with Gretchen and then he was my college professor as I worked to become a teacher. I was blessed to know
"Dr. V" and he impacted my life in many ways. You are in my thoughts and prayers Van de Walle Family.
Kathy Stattmiller Ackland
December 5, 2006
Just last week I enjoyed a memory of John and I as teens going to a Winter Wonderland evening party of ice skating and playing cards by the fire. He is in many childhood memories (state fair, watching our first TV shows, family picknics, track meets, high school ball games, amusement parks, bowling...) He was my older brother's best friend and the three of us had lots of energy and fun.
I'm sorry he is gone so young.
My condolences to Sharon and all his children, students and colleagues.
Jane Fantom
December 5, 2006
We are very sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Love, Jane and Kevin Fantom
Clyde Bragg
December 5, 2006
Sharon, Gretchen, and Bridget - Ruth and I as well as the girls (Jenny, Julie, and Josie) send our thoughts and prayers in this time of need.
Judy Stattmiller
December 5, 2006
On behalf of the Stattmillers from Columbus, Ohio I would like to offer our condolences to the VandeWalle family. We were classmates and our parents were good friends as we were growing up at Holy Rosary grade and high school. I wish my very best to Sharon, Mark and Jane and his children and grandchildren. God Bless all of you in your time of grief. Love, Judy Stattmiller
Retella Jones
December 5, 2006
Mr. Van de Walle's book is the text for a graduate class I teach at North Carolina Central University. I had never heard him speak and was fortunate to be able to sit in the audience and learn from his awesome brilliance at my last two NCTM meetings. This is a tremendous loss for education. He will truly be missed. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Dawn Ault
December 5, 2006
When I think of all my friends and the relationships they have with their fathers, myself included, I think of Bridget as having the closest relationship with her dad. She always talked about the things they did together. She has such respect and admiration for him and proudly followed the math path. I am very sad for all of you, especially for Bridget...
Debra Mitchell
December 5, 2006
I thought I was a second grade math teacher until Dr. Van de Walle became my teacher. He not only changed the way I teach math, he changed the way I teach. Richmond County Schools are better because of Dr. Van de Walle. We who knew him speak of him often and share with others what he gave us.
Everly Broadway
December 4, 2006
Through his delightful smile and passion for excellence, John inspired and influenced more than one generation of teachers of mathematics. I know I speak for many when I say that I feel blessed to have known John. John has left a legacy as a mathematics educator. May God comfort your family in the loss of your loved one.
Harold Stills
December 4, 2006
I remember well John's great contributions to mathematics education when I served as supervisor of mathematics for Hanover County Public Schools.
Harry Doyle
December 4, 2006
I am friend of his son-in-law and daughter, but I gained a friend in John as well. He was one of the gang at baseball games and cookouts and was able to make me feel like we had our own personal connection. I looked forward to seeing him at those events and knew he would be armed to provide or receive comedic relief followed by an insightful perspective. I'll miss his quick laugh and dynamic thinking. My heart goes out to his family.
Frances Thompson
December 4, 2006
John contributed to math education in a variety of ways. His influence will be greatly missed.
From his TX Woman's Univ friends
K. Brown
December 4, 2006
Mr. Van de Walle was a legend in the field of Math education. His devotion to improving math education for children impacted numerous lives. He will truly be missed but his legacy will live on.
Ginny Blanford
December 4, 2006
I worked with John on several editions of his textbook and came to know him as a friend--a wise, funny, wonderful man with an extroardinarily supportive family. I will miss him personally, and all of us in educational publishing will miss him as a consummate professional.
Gary Nelson
December 4, 2006
John will be greatly missed by the mathematics education community. His contributions to the field will live on as his legacy. He was a good friend whom I will miss.
Cora-le Donham, NBCT
December 4, 2006
John Van de Walle changed the way I taught math to my students. I have gone through several copies of his orginal book and later versions. Watching him in person explain about guiding students to understand math was a joy. His books made it easier for me to explain to new teachers why "hands on" math is the first step. I am very sad at his lost.
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