This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: VANALLEN, MORRIS, ROGERS Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/22745/mb.ashx Message Board Post: VAN ALLEN, Piet Fredrik Formerly of Kalamazoo Died tragically April 14, 2008 in a motorcycle accident in San Jose, CA. He was en route to the Yew Chung International School where he had been the music and art teacher since August 2007. He was 53. His father, William D. Van Allen, Sr., predeceased him in 1998. His mother, Joanne B. Van Allen of Rotonda West, FL, passed away in the Venice (FL) Regional Medical Center just two days after Piet died. Surviving are his siblings, William D. Van Allen, Jr., Sarasota, FL; Susan K. Morris (William), Clarksville, NY; and Marcia J. Rogers (Richard), Vicksburg, MI.; an aunt, many cousins and extended family. Piet was born October 16, 1954 in Lebanon, IN. He began his musical studies in piano, folk dance and children's operetta in a pre-K summer school program in Indianapolis, IN. While in Kalamazoo, he studied voice, viola and piano, sang in school choirs and played in the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony. After graduation from Loy Norrix H.S., he attended WMU, where he received his BME i! n 1980. He could speak, read and write German, French and Dutch, and was learning Mandarin. Over the last 25 years, Piet taught school, sang tenor, played viola and conducted music in community organizations and churches in Brussels, Belgium, Kansas City, MO and the San Francisco Bay Area. He passionately enjoyed singing in the choruses of the Kansas City Lyric, Pocket, and San Francisco Operas, as well as soloing with the Berkeley and West Bay Operas, and most recently in the Opera San Jose's production of "The Magic Flute." Piet took an unpretentious delight in the simple things in life; cooking an inventive dish for friends or family, growing flowers and vegetables, and making things with his hands. He was overjoyed to have finally found his niche at YCIS and was enthusiastic about encouraging students to explore their universe, develop their imagination and initiative, and to sing or play musical instruments of all kinds. He was amazed at how quickly his students learne! d, and the last year was the happiest of his life. His quick wit, genu ine smile and good humor will be missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held May 6, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Trinity Cathedral in San Jose, the Rev. David Bird officiating. Memorials may be made to the Yew Chung International School, Opera San Jose or the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony. Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 5/3/2008. (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.