Book of Memories for Howard W. Vreeland

Condolence From Helen Seymour

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:15:25 EST

I'm so sorry to hear that Dean Vreeland has passed away. I was his secretary from 1963 until 1966. I have a few memories to share with Barbara and Billy. He told me at one time regarding my kitchen that his wife Margaret could cook a Thanksgiving Dinner and leave the kitchen absolutely spotless! I have always remembered that. He called me about five years ago before caller ID with this opening--"you'll never guess who this is." I said "You're kidding - Eva and I knew you were on the way down the hall in the morning because of the jingling change and the squeaky shoes". He was less than amused. I don't know if that was because I knew his voice immediately after perhaps 40 years or because of the shoe reference. Your father was a very special person in my life. I am sorry that we did not talk again.

Memorial Candle lit by Karen Paradis

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:10:52 EST

The Paradis Family

Condolence From Edward Leonard

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 10:33:31 EST

I knew Howie from my first days at Columbia in 1958. He was unfailingly constructive and helpful through all the years I knew him -- as professor of graphics, exponent and director of Camp Columbia, and associate dean. He was eminently practical and never left a problem more complicated than when he found it -- quite the opposite. He came to our department's 100th anniversary in 2006 and shared his reminiscences of Camp Columbia with us. He was indefagetible in his help to others. A fine, utterly decent ma devoted to goodness and decency in all he touched. I am currently in Europe and will be unable to make the service.

Condolence From Bob Cooper

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 23:15:22 EST

My relationship with Howard Vreeland dates back to 1955 when I was his student and he later asked me to be his teaching assistant and then a full time instructor. We worked closely together for over a decade. He was a very effective and caring teacher and a highly regarded administrator in his department and the Engineering Dean's Office. Above all Howie was a delightful person to be associated with.

Condolence From Bob Furno

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:07:42 EST

I was 18 when I was a work-study student at SEAS (I was a Columbia College freshman), so I was very impressionable. Howard was a teacher, mentor and guide. He was one the people at Columbia for whom I had the utmost respect and admiration. It wasn’t until I finished my Master’s degree and was well into my 30s that I could call him Howard, instead of Dean Vreeland, even though for all those years, he wanted me to address him by his first name. Out of respect I could not. If you knew Howard and his late wife Margaret, they were truly the most wonderful people and will be sadly missed. I am happy to have called Howard friend!

Condolence From Robert and Mary Vreeland

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 13:56:28 EST

We have all had so many wonderful memories from sitting at the little table at Thanksgiving to earlier this year having both Uncle Babe and Uncle Jack visit on Skype. Next Thanksgiving, they (Jack, Eileen, Margaret and Babe)will all be together once again. God bless them all.

Condolence From Eleanor Fujita

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:45:50 EST

I worked with Dean Howard Vreeland at Columbia Engineering from 1977 to 1986. He and his wife, Margaret, gave all of us who knew him on the "Fifth Floor" memories galore. My sympathy to his family.

Condolence From Charles Clos

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 22:44:50 EST

I was a freshman engineering student at Columbia in 1959. My very first class at Columbia was with Professor Vreeland in September 1959. I never forgot his professionalism and humor to this day. His teaching was inspired. He taught Engineering Graphics that year. I was saddened to hear of the passing of this special teacher. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Photo shared: Howard_W._Vreeland.jpg

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 16:06:07 EST