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Lieve Bill, wat een schok om te lezen dat je er niet meer bent. s’Morgens vroeg, we waren meestal een van de eersten in school altijd een kletspraatje. Heerlijk om al die jaren jou mee te hebben mogen maken. Ik weet nog dat je het niks vond om thuis te blijven toen je last had van je rug, je verveelde je en kwam liever naar ASH. 

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Lieve Bill, wat een schok om te lezen dat je er niet meer bent. s’Morgens vroeg, we waren meestal een van de eersten in school altijd een kletspraatje. Heerlijk om al die jaren jou mee te hebben mogen maken. Ik weet nog dat je het niks vond om thuis te blijven toen je last had van je rug, je verveelde je en kwam liever naar ASH. 

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Dank je wel dat je altijd klaar stond voor iedereen en zeker ook voor mij. Sterkte voor je familie.

Connie

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If ever there was someone who epitomized the backbone of ASH through the years, it was Bill van der Zwan.  Along with other maintenance workers like Mr. Toet and bus drivers like Fritz, Bill infused an important Dutch (Scheveningse) element at ASH – even after the move to the practical but less charming campus in Wassenaar.  Bill was a crucial fusing component of a school that spanned as many as seven buildings across The Hague.   He helped make that model possible.

During several summer breaks, I worked alongside Bill, preparing the school for another year.  I recall when the library at the Rotterdamsestraat was moved from the 1st to the 4th floor (attic).  He and I schlepped I-don’t-know-how-many boxes of books up those stairs.  Bill was a motivating force, for sure.

Bill was kind, calm, hard-working, giving, and funny.   He will be missed by all who knew him, and I suspect that circle is very large.

Tot ziens, Bill.
Peter Boonstra (ASH '81)

(picture 1973 “Small World” year book)

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Bill was a constant force for me throughout my years at ASH. For close to 12 years, he drove my sister and I to and from school almost every day, in the specially-dubbed van known as ‘Bill’s Bus.’ Over the years, I had the chance to graduate from a seat in the back row and corner of the bus until I ultimately could claim the front seat, adjacent to Bill. Eventually I had the chance to become a pseudo co-pilot, switching between radio stations, controlling the temperature, and suggesting faster routes. Bill usually stubbornly and reluctantly stuck to the roads he knew, though on a few occasions I managed to persuade him  – I like to think that, like a true ‘hagenees,’ he enjoyed the debate.

As many others have said, Bill’s presence extended far from just these morning and afternoon bus rides. At an international school where people inevitably come and go, Bill was a familiar face and part of the ‘truly Dutch presence” in our community. During my years at ASH, he became a trusted partner. In Middle School, I was caught having snuck off to the Concierge’s café room – on the other side of the campus – instead of taking the brief trip to the bathroom I’d requested. Before the days of ‘healthier eating,’ Bill and his team would keep ‘flippos’ included as part of crisp packages for my friends and I to trade. And, as responsibilities, activities, and classes ramped up into High School, he would even regularly pick up or bring home my (often forgotten) saxophone – just in time for practice with Mr Yarnell and the Jazz Band. All of this culminated in a promise he made me at the start of High School…that he would come to our graduation wearing his ‘jasje’ (blazer). As you can see, he wore it well.

In hindsight, the positive influence Bill had on my life can’t be understated – from his frankness, serious strength, and near universal, no BS can-do attitude, to his genuine care and loyalty – he really was the cornerstone of my ASH experience, and in many ways my childhood. In the daily rhythm of school days though, I would say I was mainly just incredibly lucky to count him as my friend.

Bedankt voor alles, Bill. On behalf of Tara and I, we send our best wishes, heartfelt thanks and condolences to the Van der Zwan family.

Jazz Advaney (The Hague, 9 April 2020)

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When I started at ASH in 1997, I felt young. Bill, already ever so much older than I, was always so kind to me, even though I didn't speak a word of Dutch and he didn't speak that much more of English. He made me feel welcome. When he retired, not much had changed. I still felt young at heart, and I still saw him as ever so much older than I. Even though I still didn't speak much Dutch, and he still didn't speak much English,  he remained kind, his gaze direct and a smile at the ready. When he left ASH, I missed him; I miss him again today; and he will continue to be missed in our collective ASH memory.

Robin Christopher

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As with so many people who have written here, Bill met us at Schiphol when we landed here in 2004 to begin our new life in the Netherlands and at ASH. The fact that I worked in the library meant that I got to see him regularly as he would deliver us book deliveries (always "Cadeautjes for jullie!") and bring us fresh flowers every Monday. Bill is irreplaceable and was a kind and reliable person to ask for help from. He will be missed very much indeed.

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Everyone loved him He was a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face. If anyone needed anything, we’d say, “Ask Bill.” In all the years I knew him, he was always there for everyone. He loved the kids and the kids loved him. I first met him when I taught on the Parkweg. I also remember his wife and children. I am very sad to hear about Bill’s death. He was “simply the best!” He will always be a part of the family of the American School of The Hague and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

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Everyone loved him He was a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face. If anyone needed anything, we’d say, “Ask Bill.” In all the years I knew him, he was always there for everyone. He loved the kids and the kids loved him. I first met him when I taught on the Parkweg. I also remember his wife and children. I am very sad to hear about Bill’s death. He was “simply the best!” He will always be a part of the family of the American School of The Hague and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

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Roberta Enschede

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So sad , condolences to the family , he was a real ASH family member.

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So sad , condolences to the family , he was a real ASH family member.

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Ineke

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A terrific man, always quick with a smile and we'd daily share a laugh. "Good morning, Bill." "Good morning, Bill."

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A terrific man, always quick with a smile and we'd daily share a laugh. "Good morning, Bill." "Good morning, Bill."

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Bill Stevenson

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My heart is broken, I have so many fond memories of this dear man. He was always there to help or just provide a hello and smile.

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My heart is broken, I have so many fond memories of this dear man. He was always there to help or just provide a hello and smile.

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Lauris Cady

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I remember him having a smile whenever I saw him at school

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I remember him having a smile whenever I saw him at school

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Eva Konka

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Bill was legend! Knew him for many many years! He will be missed. Condolences to all his friends and family. God Bless

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Bill was legend! Knew him for many many years! He will be missed. Condolences to all his friends and family. God Bless

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Guy van Polanen

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This is so sad - my mom was pregnant with me when she was teaching at the Parkweg and Bill was working there, I saw and spoke with him many times during my time at ASH. He was straightforward, decent and honest. What a great guy. Our condolences to his family and may he Rest In Peace. What a loss.

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This is so sad - my mom was pregnant with me when she was teaching at the Parkweg and Bill was working there, I saw and spoke with him many times during my time at ASH. He was straightforward, decent and honest. What a great guy. Our condolences to his family and may he Rest In Peace. What a loss.

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Andrew Enschede

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 Bill vd Zwan was a giant in the history of ASH. Like many, Bill was one of the first ASH community members whom I met on my arrival, and he remained a powerful figure in school life for all of my years at that fine school. Such a professional commitment to ASH by one person for half a century will likely never be seen again. Bill was one of a kind, always true to himself. With Bill, what you saw was what you got. We will not see his like cross the ASH threshold again. I am sincerely glad to have known him. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his daughter and his family.

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 Bill vd Zwan was a giant in the history of ASH. Like many, Bill was one of the first ASH community members whom I met on my arrival, and he remained a powerful figure in school life for all of my years at that fine school. Such a professional commitment to ASH by one person for half a century will likely never be seen again. Bill was one of a kind, always true to himself. With Bill, what you saw was what you got. We will not see his like cross the ASH threshold again. I am sincerely glad to have known him. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his daughter and his family.

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Richard Spradling

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Het was met grote verslagenheid toen ik het bericht ontving van je overlijden. Wat hebben we veel samen gedaan en gepraat. Ik heb je leren kennen zo'n 40 jaar geleden, in de Rotterdamse, de Haagse, de Duinstraat en ook in Wassenaar hebben we altijd prettig samen gewerkt. Je stond altijd klaar om iets te doen en er was altijd weer die glimlach. Zal nooit vergeten hoe fijn je het vond om met het busje kinderen op te halen of naar huis te brengen. De kinderen hadden een veilig gevoel als ze met jou op stap waren. Wat heb jij op de vele terreinen die een school bevat veel goeds gedaan.Bill, je bent een mens geweest om nooit te vergeten. Je hebt het in je leven ook moeilijk gehad, ik weet nog goed toen we je bezochten bij het overlijden van je zoon. En toch was je er altijd voor de ander en bijna altijd in goed humeur. Bill je was een oprecht en eerlijk mens, iemand die je kon vertrouwen en iemand die je niet vergeet zolang je zelf het leven nog hebt. Het deed me pijn toen ik het bericht las dat je niet langer bij ons was. En zo wens ik allen die jou zullen missen uit de diepte van mijn hart de sterkte en moed die zij nodig zullen hebben.Er zal stilte zijn waar jij eens was en ik hoop dat die stilte hen die je zullen missen sterkte zal geven om verder te gaan. Bill, je bent tot rust gekomen en wij zijn onrustig vanwege jouw heengaan.
Bert Boonstra

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Wat was dat schrikken toen ik zag dat Nel afgelopen donderdag mij telefonisch had geprobeerd te benaderen. Ik voelde instinctief aan dat het niet goed zat en de schrik sloeg me bijvoorbaat al om het hart. Ongelooflijk eigenlijk .......vandaag de dag hoor je helaas dat er veel mensen op hoge leeftijd komen te overlijden aan het corona virus en dat gaan we triestgenoeg bijna vanzelfsprekend vinden, maar jij hoorde voor mij helemaal niet in die groep. Nee Bill, jij zou alles en iedereen overleven. Jij zou 120 worden of zoiets. Niet kapot te krijgen die ouwe 'Hagenees'.....ojee dat mocht ik nooit zeggen want dan werd er gelijk boos gekeken en geroepen 'Scheveninger'. Want daar was je trots op. Toen ik bij ASH kwam werken, 18 jaar geleden, had jij de pensioenleeftijd alllang overschreden. Je was altijd een voorbeeld voor die jongehonden om je heen. Niet opgeven maar gewoon doorwerken. Als er een vrachtwagen uit Duitsland kwam en de laadbak ging open dan vroeg je eerst naar je fiets........... Het boterhamzakje met je lunch werd nooit weggegooid, dat ging weer mee naar huis, want die kon je de volgende dag weer gebruiken. Je borreltje bij je cluppie Scheveningen en het kijken naar je kleinzoon die aan het voetballen was. En dan je erfstuk...........ik noem het maar zo want jij riep altijd als ik een grap maakte over je bollenbuik (met heel veel respect!!), omdat we elkaar weer aan het uitdagen waren, dat ik er jaloers op was en dat ik hem zou erven..... Maar als we over je echte erfenis praten hier op school dan is het wel wie je was als mens. Jij maakte geen onderscheid naar rangen en standen. Iedereen was voor jou gelijk en iedereen droeg je op handen. Je was een eerlijk en oprecht mens. Jij gaf nooit op, jij bleef gaan. Bill ik heb zoveel respect voor jou, je was voor mij een voorbeeld en ik ga je verschrikkelijk missen. Rust zacht!!!
Ton

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Je bent er niet meer ... je bent nu weer samen met je lieve vrouw, en hopelijk hebben ze daarboven lekkere jenever!
We gaan je missen op ASH ... ook al was je met pensioen, je hoorde er nog steeds bij en het was altijd erg fijn om nog steeds diezelfde Bill te zien als je even langskwam.
Ik heb Bill leren kennen toen ik als vrijwilliger met groepjes studenten en Bill op donderdagochtend naar de Foodbank ging ... waar Bill net zo ijverig meehielp als alle anderen.  Hoeveel ritjes naar de Foodbank heeft Bill niet gereden?
Daarnaast leerde ik , toen ik bij ASH aan het werk ging, Bill kennen als  een van onze concierges die altijd klaar stond om je te helpen met wat dan ook, die wekelijks de bloemen langsbracht in de verschillende kantoren, die de pakketjes maar weer eens ging afleveren in de juiste lokalen en bij de juiste personen, die nooit een slecht humeur had ... ook al klonk hij soms als een oude brombeer.
Rust zacht, lieve Bill!  Sterkte aan de familie en dat de vele mooie herinneringen aan Bill een troost mogen zijn.
Griet van Kuyck

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Lieve Bill (Ouwe Kloot)

Met enige regelmaat zitten we tijdens de koffie in de conciërge kamer nog mooie herinneringen aan jou op te halen. Je was voor mij als een opa op het werk. Altijd geweldig genoten van je verhalen en je anekdotes. Nog steeds roepen wij jou Scheveningse worden en zinnetjes waar jij zo vol van zat. We groeten elkaar met; Joi (hopelijk goed geschreven) we roepen nog steeds door de sporthal; Gooi maar over kokkie!!!!! En zo zijn er nog tal van voorbeelden van uitspraken die je deed die wij nu nog steeds doen. Ik denk dan ook dat je op deze manier voor altijd met ons mee door de gangen van de school zal blijven lopen.

Rust zacht Ouwe Kloot, we zullen je nooit vergeten.

Je collega's

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Het was vreemd om Bill niet meer in de gangen van ASH te zien toen hij met pensioen ging omdat hij voor mij zo sterk onderdeel uitmaakte van de gemeenschap van ASH. En het zal nu nog vreemder zijn dat hij er niet meer is. Veel sterkte in de komende tijd en ik zal in gedachten virtueel aanwezig zijn bij de plechtigheden om hem te eren. 

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Het was vreemd om Bill niet meer in de gangen van ASH te zien toen hij met pensioen ging omdat hij voor mij zo sterk onderdeel uitmaakte van de gemeenschap van ASH. En het zal nu nog vreemder zijn dat hij er niet meer is. Veel sterkte in de komende tijd en ik zal in gedachten virtueel aanwezig zijn bij de plechtigheden om hem te eren. 

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Annika

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Bill greeted and treated us all kindly, and I feel so fortunate to have known him during my eight years at ASH. My husband Allen and I would like to send our sincere condolences to his family. He was one of a kind! Rest in peace, Bill.
Peggy Ryals

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I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Bill for more than a decade at ASH. He always had a glint in his eye, knew how to laugh and was always there to help, as needed. I hope that his family find solace in their memories of Bill. We are all better for having known him.

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Bill’s amazing career at ASH is unparalleled, and his record of service will almost certainly never be broken. His dedication to ASH was like no other; he will forever hold our deepest appreciation, respect and love for his countless contributions to making ASH a better place.

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Bill’s amazing career at ASH is unparalleled, and his record of service will almost certainly never be broken. His dedication to ASH was like no other; he will forever hold our deepest appreciation, respect and love for his countless contributions to making ASH a better place.

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Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/2Rcjp2e

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Altijd even een praatje, stond altijd voor je klaar en droge humor. Je hoorde bij ASH en het was toch een beetje raar toen je met pensioen ging. ASH zonder Bill.... Fijn dat je toch nog even hebt kunnen genieten van je pensioen. Rust zacht en veel sterkte voor de familie.

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Do you know how there is that one staff at school that reaches out to you.  This man always could make me smile on my hardest days of school.  I despised school because of my dyslexia and language disorder.  I hid my struggles well, but he could see me and knew when to pat my back or walk a lap around the playground to cool down.  Simple conversations, but meaningful to a little girl. RIP  Pleasure to know him from 1980-1993.

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I will always remember Bill delivering orders to the classrooms and laughing together him trying to pronounce the names on the parcels!.
He loved the children and was especially pleased to be invited to talk to the children about his career in the navy, the children loved him and his stories,.
For me three words describe Bill
Genuine, caring and ASH
Deepest condolences to the family and I am richer for Knowing him.
Matt

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Although I didn’t know Bill on deeply personal level like some others, he was such a presence in our community over the years that I have been at ASH. On one occasion something had run out in one of the machines while Bill was in the room with me and he pulled a key out of the drawer to open the machine. I said, “next time shall I just go ahead and open and refill it then?”. Bill patted me on the shoulder and said “you just call your friendly concierge.” :)   This is the kind of spirit that lifted our spirits and our school. Rest peacefully and best wishes to Bill’s family.    Ryan Davidson & family

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Bill was the first person I met when our family landed at Schiphol in 1997.  His kindness, wisdom, and sharp wit kept me company through until his retirement from ASH.  I enjoyed a few sips of jenever with him over the years and hearing stories of his days in the merchant marine...he so loved being on the water.   May your sails be full across calm waters...smooth sailing into the eternal, dear friend.
Peter Loy and family

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I have known Bill since I was a child growing up in the corridors and classrooms of ASH. I remember him as a friendly, helpful and jovial caretaker.  Later, as an ASH employee, I grew to know him as a colleague on the work floor. He was a genuinely kind, caring, and mindful concierge. Bill always went the extra distance to get the job done. He enjoyed his work and interacting with the kids. He didn't much like attention, being a bit shy and self-effacing, though he would glow in the respect and recognition from my young students when he would enter my classroom to deliver a package or perform a task and I would stop the lesson so we could all say "Hallo, Meneer Bill" and "Dank U Wel". Bill loved working at ASH and performing his varied duties, but he loved the students most. He was a real people person and loved to chat and do for others. I am so sad that Bill can't have the BIG funeral he so deserved because I know he meant a lot to so many people. He was genuine, a gentleman and a grafter in his quietly proud and modest way. ASH was lucky to have him for so long. He will be missed. My deepest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. Tot ziens, Meneer Bill, en Dank U Wel.
Allison Noble-Boonstra

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Ik herinner me Bill als een altijd glimmende en behulpzame collega in de gangen van ASH.  Zijn droge humor was altijd erg vermakelijk.
Sterkte aan de familie in deze verdrietige tijd.

Tim G

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Ik herinner me Bill vooral als de lieve "Kerstman", die het hele jaar door blij was als hij weer een pakje (een "cadeautje" zoals hij dan zei) kon afleveren op kantoor. En zijn oprechte waardering voor de "surprise" in de cafetaria door zovele collega's en leerlingen naar aanleiding van zijn 80e verjaardag. Met Bill verliest ASH een monument: we gaan je missen, Bill! Sterkte aan de familie.  

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Ik herinner me Bill vooral als de lieve "Kerstman", die het hele jaar door blij was als hij weer een pakje (een "cadeautje" zoals hij dan zei) kon afleveren op kantoor. En zijn oprechte waardering voor de "surprise" in de cafetaria door zovele collega's en leerlingen naar aanleiding van zijn 80e verjaardag. Met Bill verliest ASH een monument: we gaan je missen, Bill! Sterkte aan de familie.  

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Bill was a caring, charming and helpful man whose smile was always in place.  He will be sorely missed.

Heartfelt condolences to the family.

Pippa

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Je hebt een onuitwisbare indruk achtergelaten bij ons allemaal van de Amerikaanse School. Je kon ook wel eens brommerig doen, maar jij kwam overal mee weg.... Ik zal je niet vergeten!
Ik hoop dat je nu rust hebt en weer samen met je lieve vrouw bent. Heerlijk een borrel drinken samen en mooie herinneringen ophalen.
Een warme knuffel voor jou en je familie, helemaal in deze moeilijke tijd.
Martine

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Bill was ASH, and ASH was Bill through and through. His dedication to the school coupled with his caring nature and dry humor endeared him to everybody. I am sure that he saw incredibly change throughout his 50 years  at ASH (and I am sure many more changes before and after) but Bill was always Bill. Loved by everybody! 

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Bill was ASH, and ASH was Bill through and through. His dedication to the school coupled with his caring nature and dry humor endeared him to everybody. I am sure that he saw incredibly change throughout his 50 years  at ASH (and I am sure many more changes before and after) but Bill was always Bill. Loved by everybody! 

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Ik wens zijn hele familie sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd.
Owen

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I met Bill briefly when Kristin and I were touring the campus on the first day of interviews. He had retired by the time we arrived, but he stopped by in the office this Autumn to say hello and ask me how I was doing and how I liked ASH and The Netherlands. His thoughtful gesture warmed my heart. That is the way to create a legacy. Courtney

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Bill was the person who met me at Schiphol when I arrived to The Netherlands and ASH 20 years ago. I remember a very funny ride with him in the van and his "let's get on with it" attitude. He always had a sparkle in his eye. He always said hello in the hallways and smiled. I admired his stamina and how much he loved working at ASH.

My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Anthony Cunningham

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Bill was my Scheveningen buddy - he lived right around the corner from us and thought it was great that there were some ASHers that lived in “his village”. He was always the kind face I greeted every day of my working days at ASH. He was disappointed when we moved to the countryside but then discovered our plums and pears. Every year thereafter I brought him bucketfuls of the ripe fruit which he loved. Bill and ASH - somehow they were always one and the same for me. May you Rest In Peace dear friend! Michèle

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Bill was a kind man. When you entered school, he was there with his great smile. He always had time to help you or for a short talk. We will miss him so much. My sincere condolences to the family.

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Bill was a kind man. When you entered school, he was there with his great smile. He always had time to help you or for a short talk. We will miss him so much. My sincere condolences to the family.

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Bill was among the first people I met at ASH way back in 1986. He helped me buy my first car! Bill was also a very patient Dutch language teacher helping me learn even with all my mistakes. We laughed a lot together. I have missed him since he retired from ASH and I feel even a greater loss at his passing.  He was a real character and one of a kind. We will not forget him. Our heartfelt condolences to all the family. Sterkte.
Victor Ferreira

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Bill was a pillar in our school community. He was one of the first ASH members I met going back to the school in Scheveningen. He introduced me to the joys of eating Dutch haring, as a true Scheveninger wouId. I will miss him dearly. 

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Bill was a pillar in our school community. He was one of the first ASH members I met going back to the school in Scheveningen. He introduced me to the joys of eating Dutch haring, as a true Scheveninger wouId. I will miss him dearly. 

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With sad hearts we say goodbye to dear friend and colleague, Bill van der Zwan. Bill touched the lives and brought joy to countless students, staff and parents over the half century he worked at the school - always there to lend a helping hand  You will be in our hearts forever and always Bill, always remembered and always missed.

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With sad hearts we say goodbye to dear friend and colleague, Bill van der Zwan. Bill touched the lives and brought joy to countless students, staff and parents over the half century he worked at the school - always there to lend a helping hand  You will be in our hearts forever and always Bill, always remembered and always missed.

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In memory of Bill van der Zwan, our longest serving ASH employee of nearly 51 years.

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In memory of Bill van der Zwan, our longest serving ASH employee of nearly 51 years.