Willem H. Thorbecke

THORBECKE
WILLEM H.
Willem H. (Bill) Thorbecke died on February 20, 2006, after a long illness. He is known to many as the founder of W.H. Thorbecke Associates. Established in 1980, it was designed to help companies and entrepreneurs streamline their operations, expand their sales and increase their profits. Some of the clients went on to attain Fortune 500 status. In 1982, Mr. Thorbecke co-founded Energy Support Services Inc. (ESSI). During his tenure with ESSI, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year for 1987. Prior to ESSI he served as a Senior Executive of Royal Dutch Shell, Mobile Chemical and Dravo Corporation. Furthermore, he served as a Director of the World Affairs Council and the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors, a member of the American Management Association's International Management Division Council and The National Association of Corporate Directors. He was Chairman of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Enterprise Forum from 1987 to 1988 and again from 1993 to 1994. Mr. Thorbecke lived all over the world and the United States before settling in Sewickley, PA in 1976. Born in Paris, France, on July 4, 1924, the son of a Dutch Diplomat, W.J.R. Thorbecke, he spent many years in Holland, China and South Africa. During World War II he enlisted in the Dutch Army on his 18th birthday and became a Flying Officer, operating the Lancaster Bomber for the Dutch RAF. He and his crew successfully completed 30 missions. For his efforts he was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Cross medal and the Vliegers Kruis medal. In 1948, he graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with degrees in Engineering and Business Administration. He leaves his beloved wife of 59 years, Sonya Thornbecke, three children; Noel of Boston, MA; Bill of Seattle, WA; and Chris of Houston, TX; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded by his eldest son, Johan of Sewickley, PA. A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Sewickley, PA on Friday, February 24, at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Achieva at 711 Bingham St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Arrangements by SIMONS FUNERAL HOME INC. 412-367-3100
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