I love Bill.  He is an extraordinary man.

Stephen White
(formerly of Knoxville, Tennessee)

Dear Brad, Laurie, Eric, and Andrew,

              I was deeply saddened to hear of your father's (father-in-law's) passing but also deeply touched at the fond memories I had of him and embarrassed, admittedly,  that I have been remiss in not recognizing his impact on my life.  My time at Derryfield (1978-1982) exactly matched your father's too-short tenure.   Unconsciously at the time, and with clarity later, I saw Bill Pfeifer as the very model of a Headmaster.  Kind, witty, approachable, intellectual, student-centered, and warm, Mr. Pfeifer really shaped the wonderful time I spent at Derryfield.  I was very active at Derryfield in a variety of pursuits, including student government, theatre, and music, and I enjoyed English and History, especially (I think I worked with Mr. Pfeiffer on my senior thesis).   I went on to study English and History at Middlebury, and later, in a doctoral program at Oxford.  Now in my 16th year as a Head of School myself (at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, TN, and, currently, Ranney School, in Tinton Falls, NJ), after a long career in education, it is very clear to me how much of an influence he had on my own career and how much of a template he was in my vision of independent school leadership.  Very belatedly, but humbly, I wanted to express my deep condolences and gratitude.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Warm wishes,


John Griffith, '82

Mr. Bill was a delightful docent at Whalehead in Historic Corolla during my tenure there 2011-2014. I loved how he delved headfirst into our new audio tour and as a character in our evening tours.  He was a good mentor to our interns and loved creating new content for our organization.  He is greatly missed.

My husband and I were neighbors of Bill's at Heatherwood.  In the short time we had to know him, we realized that this was a man of integrity, good humor, and many interests.  Sports, politics, science, people, music, trivia - Bill loved it all!  He was a popular attendee at the morning coffee get-togethers, a wonderful story teller, and an interested listener to anyone and everyone.  What a talent!  He was one of those individuals who made a true difference.  

So sorry about Bills passing my dad spoke fondly of him many times god bless you all RIP Bill

Mr. Bill was a fixture in our school library. He had his own desk in my office and his own mailbox with the rest of the staff. He always came in with piles of Our State magazine for us, a kind word, some coffee, and a book recommendation or two. He was always reading fascinating nonfiction (usually about some president or one of David McCollough's books) or talking about a book his wife had just finished. He loved working with Mrs. King's students... the running joke was that he was born the same time as George Washington and they knew each other. The smiles he brought to the students' and staff members' faces were pretty much constant. There was just something about him that made you smile- some spirit that just shone through him. He was a naturally witty person- so great at one liners and funny commentaries. But he was also so wise. He would speak to our staff and impart words of wisdom... and the greatest thing he would always say was "LOVE YOUR STUDENTS". And he really did love us all. He was really a wonderful and special unique person. I will miss him so much!

I will always remember Bill as a very kind and thoughtful person, and a very accomplished one. He dedicated many years to Colonial Williamsburg, and helped to make it a better place. I remember being at the Roscoe-Cole house in the historic area one day, where Bill had a first floor office at the time, and his window was open. One of our character interpreters, Dennis Watson, was on horseback on Market Square right next to Bills office. Upon my suggestion, he directed his horse to Bills window. The horse stuck his big head in the window and just calmly looked at Bill. Bill loved every minute of it and thanked the horse for stopping in. Great memories. RIP, Bill. 

OBITUARY

William B Pfeifer

July 3, 1934 – February 5, 2021

Doane Beal & Ames

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