Willem Jan Pieterse, 84, of Peterborough died at home November 22, 2011.

He was born in Rotterdam the Netherlands on March 8, 1927, son of Wilhelmus Jacobus Pieterse and Anna Minna Margarethe Muller. He was predeceased by his sister Anna Minna Koning.

He served in the National Reserve for the Royal Dutch Family from 1945-1960.

Bill married the love of his life, Annemarie, on November 20, 1958 in Bilthoven the Netherlands. The couple moved to Canada in 1960 where Bill worked in his family business importing merchandise from Europe. In 1965 Annemarie and Bill moved to the United States with their two young children.

Business opportunities brought the family to America where Bill worked as an export manager for Nashua Corporation. Later he founded Bedford International and Performance Technnology and several other exporting companies, earning the President’s award for Excellence in export.

He spoke many languages and was very successful in international business. His love of travel combined with this career allowed him to travel extensively in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. He was a member of the PanAm Clipper Club.

He leaves his wife of 53 years, Annemarie, his son Ronald of Peterborough, and Ellen Smith, mother of Ron’s children. Also his daughter, Karin Pieterse Knight and son-in-law Bradford Knight of Amherst.

His six grandchildren Kendall, Marajka, Sabina, Bryce, Sophie and Fiona will miss their Opa.

He will be missed at the holidays and the many family gatherings throughout the year. Winter vacations in Sanibel, Florida were some of the family’s favorite times. Bill loved the multitude of dogs he and his family had over the years. MacDuff misses him terribly and now sits in Bill’s chair.

There will be a private family celebration of his life.

Please no flowers, but donations can be made to Juvenile Diabetics and Hospice.