Yde J. van der Meulen

Early Saturday Yde passed away peacefully, in the loving presence of his eldest daughter,
Marjolein. Born in Leiden, the Netherlands, Yde was conscious of the significant events that
formed his life. His childhood years during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World
War II influenced his view that we live, and are stronger, as members of a broader, interrelated
community.
He completed his PhD in solid-state chemistry in 1965 at Utrecht University. A favorite story was
how he met a fellow student, Marjon, who knocked on his door seeking help for a blown fuse
and later became his wife. With Marjon by his side, Yde felt equipped to take on life’s
challenges. She was a strong, positive partner to him throughout, whom he missed dearly after
her death. Together Marjon and Yde chose to emigrate to the US, first to Los Angeles where he
completed his postdoctoral work and then to Yorktown Heights, NY, where they raised their
daughters, Marjolein and Sabine. He enjoyed a life-long career with IBM, exemplifying “an
IBMer” and their values of humbleness, respect for others, and excellence over effort. Yde held
multiple management roles during his career, ultimately finishing his 30+ years as the Secretary
of IBM’s Academy of Technology. He enjoyed the many personal connections made during his
career.
At home, Yde was a gifted craftsman and spent many weekends on projects and renovations,
with his list increasing as his daughters bought their own homes. Yde and Marjon were intrepid
travelers, whether exploring US National Parks, snorkeling in the Galapagos or driving around
Syria. No country was off limits to the fearless driver, nor was cajoling the local traffic authorities
who appreciated neither his speed nor style. This mischievous streak was a key characteristic of
Yde’s. He loved to distract his girls to steal their dessert and enjoyed identifying foreign coins to
use in parking meters.
After retirement Yde and Marjon moved to Ithaca, NY. There he returned to his sport of choice,
rowing, with Cascadilla Boat Club. He channeled his love of driving to the yellow Gadabout
shuttle. Their transition to the Kendal community provided a new audience for his jokes.
Yde was a proud father to Marjolein and Sabine. He pushed them hard to excel and spoke
fondly of their endeavors and achievements. The US-based van der Meulen’s were a strong
family unit, separated by an ocean from their relatives. Nonetheless, his sisters, Lieneke and
Fenna, remained close with him over the years.
Yde is survived by Marjolein, Sabine, and his sisters: Lieneke Moll van Charante-van der
Meulen, Eric Peter, Titia, Gusje and Karen; and, Fenna Wong-van der Meulen and Eveline. We
will all miss him dearly.

A memorial gathering for Yde will be held on Friday, March 8th, from 2:00- 4:00PM at Kendal at Ithaca, 2230 Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY, we invite you to visit and share stories with Marjolein and Sabine.

We appreciate your expressions of sympathy. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting a charity in your local community in memory of Yde.

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