Obituaries

I'm so sorry to hear that Van is no longer with us. Van was a warm and funny man with a quick wit and insightful observations. A talented musician, Van added a lot to the songs we recorded in our home studio. Van & Edith once visited me in San Francisco and I still remember the fun times we enjoyed. My condolences to his family, I know he will be missed.

My sincere condolences to Edith and all of Van's loved ones. I first met Van when we were in high school (likely around 1969) and the first "real" band I played in was with Van and Stan. I didn't really keep in touch as much as I should have but we did see each other occasionally (usually when he was out biking and he dropped by for a visit). I'm glad that Stan, Van and I got a chance to play together again back in 2017. I remember playing "Presence of the Lord" with Stan and Van at a church service way back when. Hopefully, he is there now.

Van was my friend. I treasured his opinion always. He and I shared many talks about drumming, playing music, drummers, computers, high-tech, bikes, life and everything else under the sun. He was an expert drummer, amazing at twirling drumsticks - the only person I knew who could do that well. I had hoped to continue our ongoing discussions in the near future. Now I am crushed and deeply saddened to hear the news of Van's passing. My wife, Briana and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences to Edith, Richard and all of Van's family.

I am so deeply saddened about Van's passing. My deepest condolences to Edith and family. I have the fondest memories of Van during those early years of EDEN. He often would keep us laughing and enjoying life with his great attitude, interesting facts and occasional pranks. He truly will be missed.

What a shock Jane saw a message from Jim Folk saying Van had Past, I said no way can’t be I’m still in shock I feel like a part of me is missing playing bass with Van was the highlight of my career as a bass player as well as my brothers in EDEN I was happy to have seen him and played with him at our reunion gig and another with Will Putz our first guitar player. Our condolences to Edith and Donovan and Jenna nothing really helps but he will always be in your hearts like he is in mine and ours, I will love him and miss him always.

I just heard the news of Van’s passing, which came as a sudden jolt to me. Certainly the reality of our mortality is inevitable, but it’s always a jolt when it happens to someone we have a friendship and a longstanding connection with. My first connection with Van was in the rock band EDEN that we formed in Regina along with Jim Folk and Stan Dorsett back in 1971. Rehearsing together, socializing together, travelling together and performing together created a strong brotherly bond between us all. We were like family. Van was the comic relief of the band and could make us crackup with laughter if things got too serious or too tense. But he also offered some straight forward common sense to help keep us grounded. Van was a very talented drummer; definitely an above average talent of his day in Regina. The last time we were together face to face was in Calgary back in 2005 for a reunion of the band EDEN. Van will be missed by so many from his present and from his past. My love, hugs and condolences to Van’s family.

I just heard about Van's passing. So very sad. My deepest condolences to Edith and family. I played with Van in Eden for many years (also with Dale). Super fellow and a wonderful drummer. We had a lot of fun times together. I'll hold those memories dear to my heart. He also helped me buy my "special" bike. Always willing to help. Again, so sorry to hear about his passing. He will be missed.

Edith, Donovan and Jenna I was very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Van and your Dad. I hope you can find comfort in all the wonderful memories you’ve made. As you navigate through this new path in your lives, think of him often, speak his name by sharing your memories and love with each other remember him always.

I was saddened to hear the news of Van's passing. Thinking of you Edith, Donovan and Jenna❤️🙏

Deep condolences to the family. Vanny was a big part of my childhood, always bringing with him energy and adventure. Qualities he carried all his life. Such a loss.