It has Been a Week of Grieving

In memory of William (Bill) J. Zee III

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart,
and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
-Kahlil Gibran-

William J. Zee III

We all have those moments in our lives when one text, one phone call, or one moment rocks our world in a way that tells us from the moment it happens that we will never be the same. This was my Monday when I learned of the death of my friend, William (Bill) J. Zee III. I met Bill at a Trauma Sensitive Schools Conference and recommended him as a candidate for board membership. We were thrilled to have him join the board, and he walked beside me during my two years as board president. I valued his wisdom, caring heart, welcoming smile, and exquisite humor. I will forever be grateful for his support of me as president.

What a remarkable human! You can read about Bill’s love for his family, how he embraced life, and his accomplishments in his Obituary, but this statement is the one I hold closely, as it mirrors my story and the stories of many I work with.

As an organization, we have been gutted by the empty space Bill’s passing leaves in an organization that often feels like family. Though my board service has ended, the ATN community is still a significant part of my life. Bill’s life and death have given me an even greater understanding of the importance of my trauma-informed advocacy and writing. We have lost a champion for the children from hard places.

Attachment & Trauma Network:
We have Lost a True Trauma-Informed Champion

It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors and staff at the Attachment & Trauma Network announce the loss of our dear friend and colleague, William “Bill” Zee, III. Bill has been a member of our Board of Directors since 2022 and volunteered for our conference and fundraising efforts.  For those of you who had the opportunity to meet Bill at one of our Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools Conferences, you met a man who was truly selfless. He cared deeply about every person he encountered. He listened. And if he had advice to offer to help a child in your classroom or care, he would provide it, with no expectation other than for you to advocate on that child’s behalf.

Bill started his career as an educator, teaching high school and then at the college level, before pursuing his law degree.  As the education law chair of Appel, Yost & Zee, LLP, he built a thriving practice in the areas of student services and special education.

As a member of ATN’s Board, his wisdom navigated us through some intricate business decisions, and his objectivity was much needed as a member of the finance committee. When the Board and staff were together as a whole team, be it at a retreat, in a meeting, or before the conference began, we all looked to Bill for laughter, for recommendations on what books to read or what music to listen to. We couldn’t wait to hear the pride in his voice as he talked about his three children or the love for his dear wife, Seana, who is also making an incredible impact for children as a school teacher in PA. 

Bill will be greatly missed by so many. His passion for helping children impacted by trauma was profound and personal. ATN is proud to have played such a special part in Bill’s life, and honored to be one of the non-profits he championed. 

Lean more about the Attachment & Trauma Network.