OBITUARY FOR VAN C. JAMISON March 24, 1948 – May 18, 2020
On May 12, 2020 Van played a great round of golf. On May 13, Van suffered a stroke. On May 18, in Scottsdale, Arizona Van died. He was surrounded by his beloved family at the time of his death. His wife held and kissed him until he was taken from them all. As Van had been in good health and vigorously embraced each new day, his passing was unexpected and left this world with one less good and decent man.
Van was born to Charles Hayden and Sarah Von Neida Jamison on March 24, 1948 in Denver, Colorado. He was the first born of four brothers who all grew up in Beloit and later, Madison Wisconsin. As Van’s Rabbi said, “He knew where he came from and spoke lovingly and reverently of his parents and siblings.” He loved them all and thoroughly enjoyed the family reunions where the brothers would debate the politics of the day and the best baseball players of all time. Van’s vote always went to Hank Aaron.
Van loved education and learning throughout his life. He received his Bachelor of Sciences Degree with a major in Biology from the University of Wisconsin in 1971 and his master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Montana in 1974. Being a voracious reader of American History and with an unmatched memory for detail, Van shared his knowledge with friends and family and often delighted them with little known stories of historic persons and events. He was always quick to describe America’s real history and heroes as related by historians and debunk the myths that had developed over time.
After receiving his master’s degree, Van got his first professional job working at the Montana State Department of Health and Environmental Sciences. It was there that he researched and wrote a book about “The Mosquitos of Montana,” not a best seller, but one that his family often enjoyed teasing him about. From there he went on to work at the Montana Department of Natural Resource and Conservation which later reorganized to the Department of Environmental Quality. After working in many capacities in that Department, Van retired from state government after many years and having lastly served as Division Administrator of the Energy Division. He took great pride in overseeing the regulation and development of renewable and energy projects around the state. Van was particularly interested in energy conservation and renewable energy resource development. Van concluded his career as Vice President of a wind energy development company working tirelessly for the development of alternative energy in Montana and for the elimination of the political and structural obstacles hindering such development. For Van, working was a purposeful endeavor that enriched his life. He always believed that working as a public servant was gratifying and a way to serve the state he loved and its people.
In 1968, while talking with a friend at the student union at the University of Wisconsin, Van often told the story how he felt an energy enter the Rathskeller. When he turned around, he said it was love at first sight when he saw the woman who was to be his soul mate and to whom he would be married for over 50 years. In 1970, Van, a Wisconsin boy, married Mona Friedman, a New York girl, which seemed an unlikely match, but which turned out to be the perfect match for a lifetime. During their half century together, they discussed and debated many issues, talked about books, travelled, often spoke about the spiritual forces in life and most of all enjoyed being with their children and grandchildren.
Van and Mona raised two children, Seth, and Rachael, whom he adored. He often reminisced about the times he spent hunting, golfing, and exercising with them. His love of those activities was enhanced because of the amount of time they provided him to know and bond with his children. He especially enjoyed telling them about their family history dating back to early America. Van and Mona were also blessed with three grandchildren, Freya, Asher, and Nora, whom he all believed to be precious and extraordinary.
Van was preceded in death by his father, Charles Hayden Jamison whom he loved, admired and aspired to be like; his father-in-law Samuel Friedman whom he loved and thought was generous to all; and Jill, his sister-in-law, wife of his brother Scott. Van is survived by his cherished wife, Mona and their children, Rachael (daughter Freya), and Seth (wife Kelly and children Asher and Norah); his beloved mother Sarah Von Neida Jamison who exemplified the importance of family and benevolence of spirit to him; mother-in-law Geraldine Friedman who embraced him and loved him as a son; brothers Scott (and his children); Craig (Lisa and their children and their children’s children; and Kent (Mary Jo) and their children; and his sister-in-law Janet whom he loved as a sister.
Van loved to golf, read, root for the Packers and Wisconsin Badgers, and travel. He and Mona explored many countries to observe other how other cultures lived and built their societies. He especially loved his trips to Israel and Africa. Van thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his many friends in Helena and Scottsdale whether on the golf course, at a show, at a dinner table or discussing the issues of the day. He felt his friends made the communities he lived in the special places they were and the places he loved to be. When asked, Van loved helping his friends with their golf games and sharing in their excitement when they bettered their game. While not a clothes horse, Van really enjoyed dressing for golf and providing his friends with many good laughs.
Aside from his wedding, birth of his children and grandchildren, Van found his self-motivated conversion to Judaism on May 22, 2019 to be a monumental and special event in his life. He said he had found the spiritual home for which he had been searching and that allowed him to question life’s premises. Van was buried exactly one year from the date of his conversion. As his Rabbi described Van’s passing “It was one of those rare times when we witnessed-both with our eyes and with our senses – as his soul was handed from the loving grip of his family to the arms of angels who sheltered him on to his next journey.”
Remembrances in Van’s name may be made to the Prickly Pear Land Trust, 40 West Lawrence St., Helena, MT 59601; the American Friends of Magen David Adom of Israel, western@afmda.org; or to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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jeff and melissa sherlock says
Mona and family, so sorry to hear about Van’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing him. He was always willing to give me a golf tip and always tried to get me to dress a little more colorfully. Peace to you all
Myral & Jerry Robbins says
Van’s intellectual input for any discussion was notable. We were pleased to know him and share in the celebration of his conversion to Judaism. His larger than life presence will be missed. Our thoughts are with Mona and family.
Steve Bressler says
Van’s passion for Judaism and his substantive depth in it made him an illuminating presence in Torah study. We will greatly miss him. Mona, I am very sorry for your loss.
Sharon Luber says
The Luber/Trevino Family will certainly miss Van’s warm and caring smile In Arizona. What a very special man…
We are ALL sending our love. ❤️
Mary Kay & George Bennett says
Mona, I am so sorry.
I’ve thought about you so many times during the past winters..happy that you were enjoying a warm place with your beloved, Van.
My love and prayers to you and your family.
Your friend & Fitness teacher,
Mary Kay Bennett. 💙
Tom Naegele says
Mona and Family,
The Vanman and you have been joyful friend’s in my life. Enjoyed the years golf and Friendship. I will miss Van and so sorry for your loss. Prayer support and condolences.
Tom
Rick Cooper says
Van was such a warm and caring person. We will miss him greatly. We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you.
Rick and Judy Cooper
Linda Cameron says
Mona and family, My condolences to all of you. We are so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourselves and if we can do anything as a Helena neighbor, please let us know.
John and Linda Cameron
Richard & Marcea Azimov says
From the moment we met Mona and Van we knew they were special people. Van exuded warmth and he embraced people as he did life with enthusiasm. He will be sorely missed but always remembered.
Marcea & Richard Azimov
Bob and Lori Fearon says
Mona, blessings to you our friend ! We are so sad and sorry about the news of Van ‘s passing. We will miss his smile and wonderful conversations !! Bob and Lori
Leon & Lynne Rigberg says
To know Van was to love him. His smile lit up the room and he had an ability to make you feel special. We were intrigued by his family history, his outdoor experiences, his intellect, and finally his conversion to Judaism. The first priority in Van’s life was his love and devotion to his wife Mona, and his children Seth and Rachel. He will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him.
Richard and Karen Feldman says
I’ve known Van through the Gel meetings and my life has been the better for it. On many occasions he would render informed opinions with incredible amounts of historical, political and even geographical iInformation. In particular he helped me plan my vacation to Yellowstone Park. I am so grateful for our association. Karen and I send our sincere condolences to the family.
Rae Olsen says
Mona, so sorry to hear of Van’s passing. He was one in a million and will be fondly missed by all who knew him.
Stan Bradshaw says
Mona I am so sorry to hear about Van. He will be missed
Liz Gundersen says
Mona and Seth and Rachel –
I am so sorry to hear this – I somehow thought that there was a lot more time to meet with you and Van in the community – stay well yourselves –
Tom Livers says
I had the privilege to work with Van for 15 years. His enthusiasm and commitment to innovation was contagious. I enjoyed most how he was always pushing the envelope and pulling his colleagues along with him, constantly striving to be better and bolder. I’ve lost a friend and a mentor. Our thoughts are with Van’s family, whom he loved powerfully.
Tom & Ellen Livers
Howard Leshtz says
I only knew Van go a short time. My loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Mona and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May you hold onto many cherished memories. Blessings,
Kathleen Hunthausen
Joe Widoff says
I met Van through GEL. He was a thoughtful and kind person who was enthusiastic and eager to learn and share with others. May his memory be a blessing to his family and all of us.
Peter Gruber says
Peter and Jane Gruber
Jane and I were so sorry to hear of Van’s passing. He was a real gentleman who had a special presence. He will be missed but remembered.
Our thoughts are with Mona and the Jamison family.
Billie Teders says
So sorry for your loss. Hold close all the beautiful memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
A friend,
Billie Teders
Chuck Butler says
So sorry Mona to read of Van’s passing. Bless you and your family and may Van rest in peace.
Chuck Johnson says
Mona and family,
Pat and I were saddened to learn of Van’s death. He was a kind and good person who contributed greatly to our community. He was a great advocate for alternative forms of energy. He will be missed by many.
Aaron and Lori - The Rizzo and Bebee Family says
Mona and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
May his memory be for blessing !
Sandy Quickenden says
Mona, Rachel, and Seth- I was so sorry to learn of Van’s passing. We all go back many years and have fond, happy memories. Van and Ken were not only professional colleagues, but good hunting buddies. I am very sorry for your loss.
Janice & Stuart Doggett says
Mona and family,
What a sad loss for you and everyone who was fortunate enough to know Van. He was so interesting, expressive and well read that you truly looked forward to spending time with him. We also deeply admired his thoughtfulness as a supportive spouse, father and grandfather. Plus, he was always the most colorful and best dressed golfer on the course! God bless Van and the many positive memories he left for us to share and remember him by. Janice and Stu Doggett
Nan LeFebvre says
Mona,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. May the good memories bring you comfort and peace.
Nan
Della Dobbins says
Mona,
I’m sorry to hear about Van. He was a very nice man.
Take care.
Jim Nolan says
Van was a smart and caring guy. I had the honor to work with him often over the years and was so impressed with his intellect and commitment
Deborah Schmidt says
Van was a bright and warm presence whenever I had the pleasure to encounter him. I loved his passion, his intellectual curiosity, and his devotion to you, Mona, and the kids. I am so glad he graced Montana with his idealism and sense of joy. His legacy is great, and I am thankful for his life. Love to you, Mona.
George Lane says
Mona,
I am so sorry to hear of Van;s passing. I always enjoyed our chats on the golf course. He was a kind man,
Lou Moore says
Mona, Seth and Rachael,
We are so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Van for many years. He was visionary in his understanding of energy issues and how to move Montana and the nation forward in sound energy policy especially the development of energy conservation and renewable energy resources. He was nationally recognized for his leadership as well as being a strong mentor to his Montana staff. I learned much from Van and am grateful for the opportunity to know and work with him. One thing he was always clear about was that family was most important. He loved bragging about Seth and Rachael and their accomplishments and was so proud of you all.
Lou Moore and Hal Aasen
Jeff Genzer says
Mona, Seth and Rachael – I had the honor and pleasure of working with your father for many years, beginning in the early 1980s, in his role as the Montana State Energy Director. He was highly professional, funny and a loyalreat s and great friend. He would always talk about all three of you. He was a proud and loving father and husband. He will be missed. I have reached out to his colleagues from his energy office days in the other states, and they were terribly saddened, but had one story after another. They brought great sadness but the stories also brought back lovely memories of a tremendous human being and friend. We share your terrible loss.
Jeff Genzer
Art and Linda Compton says
Mona and family, Sad to hear that Van is gone so suddenly. Art and I have so many great memories of him. I hope that we can celebrate his life with you soon.
Chuck Clinton says
Mona, Seth and Rachel, I too had the good fortune to work with and learn from Van when I served as director of the DC Energy Office. A particularly vivid memory is being invited by Van out to Montana to speak at a conference he had organized. That in itself was exciting, but he then proceeded to take me (and Don Milsten) on a memorable tour of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. His stories along the way were proof of his love of your part of the USA, his joyful expertise as a tour guide, and that he was a loyal friend as much as a fellow — and inspiring — energy director. May he rest in eternal peace, and may you all find solace in the wonderful life he led and how much he loved you and provided for you. He will always be in my memory and I will keep him — and you — in my prayers! Be strong. Peace. Chuck Clinton
Dr. Donald Milsten says
Dear Mona and family,
As you know Van was among the founders of the National Association of State Energy Officials so I knew him for many years. I met you too at some of our conferences. I grieve for your loss; it is our loss too. Jeff Genzer noted the many “Van” stories we have shared; indeed! Van was a larger than life person and the power of his personality and dedication to his work and his colleagues was legendary. I am so sorry I didn’t know about your trips to Scottsdale because I have family there. I would have loved to share stories — and Torah — with him.
We have lost others in our national energy family but no one who brought such a rich blend of practicality and professional knowledge seasoned by an enormous love of life. Truly we were stunned and saddened by his passing. We are blessed that you and your children shared Van with us. We are all richer for having known him.
Zichrono L’vrachah – May his memory always be for a blessing.
Sheldon Migdal says
I knew Van thru GEL meetings in Scottsdale over the last few years. He was a nice, nice man whose soft spoken style only made what he said more impressive. It was a pleasure to know him and a loss to me because of the relatively short time.
Shelly Migdal
Susan Zissman says
Mona and family: We were so sorry to hear about Van. He was truly one of the nicest and kindest person to be with – always a smile and a hug. He will truly be missed and our deepest condolences go to you and your family..Your memories will certainly always be a comfort to you, as he was such a positive and loving force…with love, Susie and Mike Zissman
Lynda Saul says
Dear Mona and Family, I am so sorry to learn of Van’s passing. Van and I met in the mid 80’s. He was my first “big boss” and quickly became a trusted mentor, and over the years a good friend. Always ready with a warm hug, a sports analogy, and a generous laugh. Van will be deeply missed.
Lynda Saul
Richard L. Mendelson says
Mona, so sorry for your loss. Van was a well liked and respected member of GELofAZ..
Sherry Widman and Richard Mendelson
Mark Ginsberg says
Van was such a positive spirit. He was everyone’s friend and everyone had a “Van story.” He loved Montana and introduced a bunch of us State Energy Officials to it. Always thoughtful, always positive, Van could quietly and gently help us through an issue. The world is a better place because of Van. He will be terribly missed. Please accept the condolences from all of his State Energy friends.
Pat Baird says
Such a shock to hear of this, Mona. I was just thinking of Van exactly a week before he died. Very weird, since the last time we saw you was in Missoula many years ago.
Parker and I have great memories of our many dinners together and hikes around western Montana. With you in spirit. Courage.
Linda Vaughey says
Many memories shared throughout the “Van stories” contained in this page. A few legislative sessions ago I ran into Van in the Capitol and he invited me to share lunch with him. In the hour we had he gifted me with a lot of fascinating information about Wind Farms – and his passion for the topic of Energy reminded me so much of my Bill years ago. I was saddened beyond measure to read of your loss dear Mona. Arms around, and blessings to you, Seth, Rachel and their families.
Steve Albert says
Mona, so sorry for your loss. I will miss talking to Van at Gel meetings and playing and visiting with him on the golf course. He was well liked in the group, respected and a true golfer and gentleman. Deepest sympathy from Steve and Nancy Albert
Bob Anez says
Mona,
So sad to hear of your loss. You have the thoughts and prayers of many friends supporting you.
Alan & Carol Goldstein says
Mona and family
I was saddened by the news of Van’s passing. Our first meeting was at the GELof AZ golf outing 4 years ago. We car pooled and I got to know a lot about him. One of the most likable individuals I had met in Arizona. Carol and I give our condolences to your entire family
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Mona,
We are saddened to learn of Van’s passing. Such a gentleman and kind to everyone he encountered. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Tom and Judy Rolfe
Tom and Barbara Keegan says
Mona, We are very sorry for your loss of Van. We have great long ago memories of you, Van and all the other young couples making our marks in Helena. You are in our prayers.
Elinor Edmunds Miller says
Mona, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your beloved Van. Please cherish your memories of him and share them with Rachel and Seth. You’re all in my prayers.
Jack Haffey. says
Mona and Family – I am greatly saddened to learn about Van’s passing. For the many years I worked at Montana Power and regularly had opportunities to work with Van in his managerial positions for the state of Montana, I always treasured his integrity and competence. He was a great administrator,
leader and person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kevin Hart says
Mona and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Van passing. He was a mentor and cherished friend. I greatly enjoyed the years we worked together. Hope you can find peace in his passing; a hole exists that will be difficult to fill.
Craig Dickson says
Mona, Rachael & Seth.
This is such a hard time and it’s difficult to accept this loss. I feel very fortunate to have known Van and blessed overall to be a part of the Jamison family. I’ll miss Van’s laugh, his advice for living and his love of knowledge. I’m sad my parents did not have a chance to meet him, knowing that they’d get a kick out of talking with him. I’ll always hold onto those memories such as your visits to WA, our vacation in Mexico and Freya’s graduations.
Love,
Craig
Jim and Angela Spall says
Dear Mona, Rachael , Seth and family,
Jim and I are so sorry for your tremendous loss. It is difficult to imagine our neighborhood without him and his pleasant and kind manner throughout the years. Please let us know if there is anything at all we might do for you. May your many wonderful memories be a comfort to you all. With sincere sympathy, Jim and Angela Spall
Paul Stolen says
Dear Mona and family. I am very sorry to hear about Van. It is so sudden and unexpected and such a loss for you and his friends. I hope I can participate in the future memorial for him, but don’t know in these times of uncertainty. He was one of the best supervisors I have ever had, especially because I had big tendencies to cause political difficulties for my supervisors! Every single time he treated those circumstances with wisdom and humor. I worked for the DNRC from late 1979 until I came back to Minnesota from Montana in 1985. Van made my job there easier, and backed me up even when the FBI had questions about my behavior. (Just a clue about the stories I can tell.) One time when I was bragging about the size of the mosquitoes in Minnesota’s BWCA, I reached into his desk and pulled out a picture of his thigh encased in Levi’s. It was covered with a funny looking fuzz. He said the picture was taken on a windy day in the Milk River Valley. “That’s mosquitoes, in the lee of the wind,” he said gleefully. I wish I could have had the pleasure of seeing him again after these years….Written from Fosston, MN
Beth Baker says
Mona, I am very sorry for your loss.
Renee and Steve Liston says
We are so sorry Mona. I am glad I got to meet him and have some good PEO times together. Praying for you and your family through this most difficult of times.
Gene and Julie Huntington says
Mona and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.
Sandi Smith says
Mona, Seth & Rachel,
What fond memories I have of Van as our boys were growing up. He was such a calm supporter of every boy on those soccer teams. In later years he never failed to ask how Adam was. My heart goes out to you as you grieve for this beloved man. May the wonderful memories you created together sustain you during this difficult time.
Cj says
My dear Mona, so sad to hear of your loss. I didn’t know Van well, but loved his sense of humor! I pray you find strength in the good memories! Miss you. Cj
Larry Nordell says
Mona, Rachel and Seth, what a shock and what a loss. So many years of working together and so many years of friendship. We challenged each other and I hope we both were better for it. What great memories I have of our hunting trips and bringing home the elk, and family canoe trips, and sharing family joys. I miss our friendship, and Betsy and I miss our long friendship with all of you. May the love of all your friends help comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Cory Plantenberg says
Mona, Rachel, and Seth, I am so sorry to hear of Van’s passing. I remember many good times working with Van at the Energy Office. Please take care, Cory and Tom Plantenberg
Randy Dix and Katherine Orr says
Mona: An ancient memory of you and Van extending your hospitality to us during the high holy days. Your mom was there as well. We are deeply sorry for your loss and hope you take solace in the many friendships you both forged across the years.
Darrell and Beth Shew says
Mona we were so sorry to hear about Van! We will alwayes remember how supported the Bengals when our kids were there! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Rick and Betti Hill says
Mona, we were so sorry to hear of Van’s passing. What a surprise. He had such a huge impact on the stare of montana and will be so missed. He was taken tooooo soon. God bless you during this difficult time. You are in Rick and my hearts and prayers.
Doug Larson says
Mona, over the decades I had the pleasure of working with Van he never failed to cut to the heart of the issue with pointed action, humor and persistence. Van was a huge asset for the State of Montana and he made the West a better place. He will be deeply missed. My prayers are with you and your family.
joel joseph says
Mona,
After 50 years I was just thinking of you and Van. So sorry to hear of his passing
Marcia Wall says
Dear Mona and family ~ I have been thinking of you for weeks Mona and then dreamed about seeing you last night helping a family with sorting and packing boxes or something? Anyway, wanted to let you know how terribly sorry I am for your loss of Van. He was a gentleman and always perfectly dressed for the occasion! A great smile and handshake for those he encountered. My love and prayers for you Mona, Seth and Rachel that many fond memories will flood back into your hearts to help heal your souls. Take care!
Ray Beck says
Mona and family,, I’m so sorry. I considered Van a close friend, he will be missed by many.
William P. Lombardi says
So sad to hear about his sudden passing. He was a passionate and caring man, and had such a great and infectious laugh, and strong handshake. Will miss his caring and compassion for Montana and Helena, and great devotion to friends and family. Take care, Mona and family, and know that we are thinking of you. I always felt better after seeing and talking to Van. That is a mark of a caring individual. Bill and Jan Lombardi
Jon Dilliard says
Dear Mona and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Van’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy. I first met Van when the DEQ was formed and thoroughly enjoyed our occasional hallway conversations about the latest topic concerning DEQ, or national issues, or international events. After Van left DEQ, I cherished our occasional meeting during a legislative session or when he returned to DEQ on business. Van will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gordon "Corky" Brittan says
All who knew Van will miss him greatly – his intelligence, his wide-ranging interests, his warmth, his enthusiasm. Those of us in the renewable energy vanguard looked to him for leadership. We all thought of him and his wonderful wife Mona as one of the two or three “power couples” in Helena, among the handful of un-elected people who made things move, and made them better.
Hal Harper says
Mona,
I feel blessed to have called you and Van friends for so many years. Folks of his wisdom, humor, and grace are quite uncommon. So wish we could have landed that wind contract we worked so hard on, but we did push that vital effort forward and he continued it. When I would occasionally bump chests with Van, you knew you were colliding with a real man!
Hal
Dan Sidor says
Mona – I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Every time I saw Van, it brought an immediate smile. You always knew you were in for a lively conversation, with a good dose of humor included.
Joyce Brown says
Mona, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that losing your life’s mate suddenly like that has to be incredibly difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joyce Brown
Ann Brodsky says
Mona, I glanced through the very kind words about Van, above. I want to add that, in reading his obituary, I learned we have more in common than I had appreciated. Wisconsin, UW, Ratskeller, natural resources meets NY Jew lawyer – and form a love for the ages. That love still keeps me strong and laughing, and I can only suspect it will, too, for you, over the long haul. Big hugs your way.
Theresa and Marc Racicit says
Mona, we just learned you lost Van. I know our paths haven’t crossed in years but always loved seeing both of you. What a great life he had and what a very special impact he made on all who knew him. Sending warm thoughts and prayers to you and your family. How you must miss him.
Theresa and Marc Racicot
Herb and Marti Zelikoff says
We have great everlasting memories of Van. At the first such memory at a well know Scottsdale restaurant , we were in awe of Van’s recollection of US history. From that moment, it was obvious that Van was a real force! From that point on, Van’s presence when he entered a room was such that he would seemingly wrap his huge arms around the four walls and made everyone within that room his immediate and lifelong friend. As Marti says, he was our Paul Bunyan.
I myself am fortunate to have played golf many times with Van and while it was never enough, I gained a lot of confidence from his knowledge of the game. My photo of him, myself, Michael and Shel at a golf tournament sits right in a prominent place in our library.
Mona…a day doesn’t go by without us thinking about you and Van.
Herb and Marti
Irwin and Sheri Mandel says
Mona–as you know so well, Van was loved and liked and respected by all. Very intelligent, extremely knowledgeable on so many subjects, a great intellectual curiosity, wonderful personality and compassion and charm and a zest for life. He also was not too shabby as a golfer. Therefore, since I do not want to damage his image as a successful golf instructor, I will tell a white lie and deny that he tried on numerous occasions to try to help me become a decent golfer!! Seriously, his commitment in becoming a knowledgeable and studious convert to Judaism was respected and admired by all of us. He adored you and the family, was a giant of a person, and all of us will miss him very much. There was one typo in the obituary though– Willie Mays’ name was misspelled as Hank Aaron. Sheri and Irwin
Susan Sacks and Jim Andrews says
Jim and I were among the very lucky ones when Mona and Van appeared at Beth Israel on that Christmas night. We got to share the first of many Friday night services and dinners with them. We were the lucky ones who got to number them as our friends. Jim was even luckier because he got Van to join his golf group and he and the other guys became better golfers for it! He was one of the smartest, most caring and most generous individuals we have known. We know what a loss this is for Mona and his son and daughter and their families. It is also a tremendous loss to our Beth Israel and Scottsdale communities. We will miss him and will never forget him.
Ken Toole says
Very sad to see this (and a little late). Van and I did lots of sparring over energy issues. Always good natured and always entertaining. He was steadfast in supporting human rights issues in Montana even when it was not th popular thing to do. My thoughts are with him and with Mona. Peace
Andrew Seidenberg says
As a close friend of my in-laws and members of the same temple, we got to see him quite often over the last several years. There was a warmth around Van that was magnetic. My kids, normally “stand-offish” or indifferent towards their grandparents friends as most young children, loved being around him. I was always amazed how he could make a person comfortable, engaged and happy during his interactions whether they were half his age or even a toddler. Lastly, I just played a great round of golf in July myself and I still hear his voice in my head before each drive – “inside-out” – “reset your shoulders” – both personalized tips breaking down old bad habits I still have. There are probably 100 people I have played more golf with in my life more than Van, but for some reason there is no other voice that I hear…
Mike and Joy McGrath says
Mona and family, We wish you all our sympathy in your loss. Treasure all your memories about a wonderful life lived. Joy and Mike
Dorothy McCarter says
Mike and I always admired You, Van, and the kids as a wholesome happy family. Van’s passing leaves a huge void in the world. Our vet deepest sympathies to you and your family.
David Laporte says
Always enjoyed Van’s Montana stories & sorry to hear this news.
Alan Blydenburg says
Mona, I was saddened to hear of Van’s passing. Although the time we spent together was short, I fondly remembered the times in the fall, prior to hunting season, when we fished the Missouri and scouted for Elk. My thoughts and best wishes to you and the family.