Van Oren Chaney

1931 - 2015

Van Oren Chaney obituary, 1931-2015, Anchorage, AK

BORN

1931

DIED

2015

Van Chaney Memoriam

Van was born on October 10th, 1931 in the country home of Ray and Mildred Chaney in Bloomville, Ohio. (A home not yet plumbed with running water nor wired with electricity.) He departed his earthly life on July 30th in the Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage. As a youth he earned money by picking out nut meats for baking, delivering political posters (for both Political Parties), mowing lawns, shoveling snow, plowing fields with horse teams, throwing bales of hay, and planting and harvesting crops. Following his graduation in May of 1949 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp for four years. During those years he served as a mechanic on the planes that were involved in the atomic tests on the Bikini Atoll.
In 1954 he returned to Bloomville by train. Six months later, on December 19 Van and Alice were married.Van decided to become an elementary teacher. He enrolled in Heidelberg College, using the GI Bill. He worked part-time to pay for college by being a School Bus Driver, a Coach, an Ohio Highway worker, a laborer in a limestone quarry - a steel foundry - a commercial dairy, a barn painter and a holiday Mail Man delivering mail by foot. During this time their first two children, Rebecca and David were born.
Van taught in Bloomville, Republic and Tiffin, Ohio. After graduating from college in June of 1959 he and his family flew to Alaska to fulfill their dream of becoming teachers in bush Alaska. They taught in Old Harbor, Ouzinkie (where they experienced the 1964 earth quake and tidal wave), Egegik and Manokotak. In these early Alaskan years daughters Mary Ann and Melissa were born. He loved working in Bush Alaska. As the Principal Teacher he was the mechanic, plumber, electrician, you name it. In Manokotak he and his wife enjoyed teaching adult education classes. The family enjoyed riding in the Eskimo dog sled that he pulled with his "snow go."Several summers he did commercial fishing around Kodiak Island and in Bristol Bay.
In 1974 Van's teaching career continued on US Naval Station Adak Island. He and Alice loved the luxuries of this "large" city. He joined many clubs and attended the multi-denominational Chapel. In May of 1983 both of the Chaneys retired to Anchorage and started yet another life adventure.
In "retirement", Van worked for 16 years as the Office Manager for his daughter Rebecca's ReLy Tax Service. He served on various Committees in the First United Methodist Church one of which was unofficial – always welcoming the worshipers as they entered the Narthex or the Sanctuary with a warm handshake for the men, a hug for the women and a large smile for all. He was an usher for "Ushering in the Arts".
Van was a member of Masons, Shrine, Scottish Rite, and Eastern Star.
Van and Alice loved traveling the world with their family. They enjoyed visiting son David in California or having him visit the rest of the family in Anchorage.
Van loved life, adored his family and embraced people without any prejudices. He performed random acts of kindness like snow blowing neighbors driveways, visiting folks no longer able to leave their homes or patients in the hospitals, or running errands for the homebound. He helped with any job without being asked and never expected a thank you. He never met a stranger and he made everyone feel special. One friend said, "Van loved well, and he was well loved." Upon learning of his passing a former 6th grade student wrote, "Mr. Chaney was a big man with a big voice but we always knew he loved us."
Van is survived by the love of his life, Alice, with whom he shared a marriage of over 60 years and his children Rebecca Chaney-Riggins, David, Mary Ann and Melissa and his sister Ann (Harold) Kelbley and brother Ralph (Deborah) Chaney and sister-in – law Eileen Chaney and 5 nieces and 3 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill, Jack and Dean (who died in a Prisoner of War camp in the Korean War), his son-in-law Lyle Riggins and his dearly loved dogs Stubby, Dottie, Mookie, Sparky and Barney.
Memorial donations may be made to "Friends of Pets", P.O.Box 24098, Anchorage or Al Aska Shrine Children's Travel Fund, 1930 E Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage 99508.
His service will be held on Saturday, September 12th, at 2 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 725 W 9thAve. (with parking behind the Church). Pastor Steve Fisher will officiate. A reception will follow.

Published as a memorial advertisement in the Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, edition of Alaska Dispatch News.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Sep. 9 to Oct. 7, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Not sure what to say?





Sorry for your loss

Helena Tiger Gish

October 12, 2015

Sorry for your loss.

Helena Gish

October 12, 2015

My heart go out to your family during this grieving time. Our God of Heaven promise to comfort you and He's just a prayer away.
Psalms 83:18

Sharon

October 1, 2015

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76

September 30, 2015

Death was not God's original purpose for us, it is something for which we can never be completely prepared. Ecclesiastes 3:11

September 28, 2015

My sincere condolences to you all...Mr. Chaney the best principle in Manokotak. Hugs and a big hello to all of you. Many prayers.

Jeweline Gloko

September 26, 2015

I am truly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God's word at Ps.34:17,18. God promises to comfort the broken hearted. May he give you strength to endure.

September 17, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during this difficult time. (Ps 83:18)

AC

September 17, 2015

To the Chaney family you have my condolences my heart goes out to you during this sad time ,I didn't know Van personally but from what others have said it sounds like he was a joy to be around. I pray that the God of Jesus Christ (The Most HighPsalms83:18) will comfort you during this most trialsome time, may he hear your prayers and help you in the days to come
neighborly Love

Joe and Connie

September 16, 2015

To Alice and Family, Our sincere condolences to you and yours. We have nothing but good memories about the times we were able to see you. It was unfortunate we never got to participate in lots of Masons/Shriners events because of family obligations.We didn't get to visit with you
as much as we would have liked. Sounds like Van was one heck of a guy, and had many great experiences throughout his life to say the least. We know you have lots of prayers and support to get you through this challenging time. including ours. Sincerely Aedene and Jerry Arthur.

September 15, 2015

Dear Alice and family, We will all surely miss Van with his big smile and what a jokester he was. He was a man of great character and a friend to all. I know you will miss him the most, as only the family can. Take joy in all the memories that will pop up and share them, it will bless you and the ones you tell. He will not be forgotten. Bless you all.

Dennis and Joan Morgan

September 15, 2015

To the Chaney Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May the God of comfort be with you. Romans 15:33. Marguerite Hyde.

September 15, 2015

The stories he could tell. Beverley and I hold him in fond memory. His voice was louder than the Adak wind. We extend our sincere condolences to the family.

Beverley and David Sadoski

September 14, 2015

Mary Ann, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. I lost my mother one year ago today. It is never easy. I hope you find peace in the memories.

Debby Heiker

September 13, 2015

Van was a wonderful mentor. I was a science teacher on Adak and we served on the faculty team to negotiate the teacher's contracts for several years. He will be missed.

Bobbette Morgan

September 12, 2015

Our condolences to the family. May you find comfort in God's word found at
Isaiah 612.

September 12, 2015

Alice,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You and Van always had a special place in our heart. Van was a very loving and caring person and will be missed.

Robert and Sandi Molloy

September 12, 2015

Van was a wonderful part of my Adak family and he and Alice met up with me annually every year afterwards! Always fun to reminisce about our Adak years! He helped me with advice and came with me to purchase my first new Suburu when I left Adak! He colored pictures with my kids when they were young at Village Inn! He always was a true friend with a great heart! To the family, I express my deepest sympathy. May your memories help ease your sorrow as time goes by.

Sue Dukowitz

September 11, 2015

Find comfort in the God who is close to the brokenhearted.

September 11, 2015

Pam Martin

September 11, 2015

To the Chaney family-Kent and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of such a beloved husband and father. His spirit was so vibrant-and it will live on in each of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen and Kent Williams

September 11, 2015

Alice: I was certainly saddened to learn of Van's passing. Van was one great guy and you two made such a wonderful couple. Of course my knowing both of you was during our many meetings in the FUMC. I always admired Van as he always seemed to have that smile with the booming voice behind it. May your faith carry you through this difficult time and keep your life filled with love and caring as you move on in life's journey without Van, a great man. I will be at the FUMC Sat. to express my deepest condolences and support to you. May God Bless and Keep You; Roger Schnell

September 10, 2015

Condolences to you all from Carl & Nettie Evon of Manokotak.

Carla Moore

September 10, 2015

As we read about Van's life and all the things he accomplished, he did indeed live a wonderful life. My God bless you and your family in this time of adjustment to life without Van.
Our love and prayers to you all.
Pat & Vic Watson - Sun Lakes, AZ formerly of Anchorage, AK

September 9, 2015

I know that a lot of people believe they have the best dad in the world. But I KNOW that I truly was blessed with the best dad ever. I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Mary Ann Chaney

September 9, 2015

I was so lucky that he was my dad. He enjoyed and embraced every day. When out and about if someone said, "Have a good day." He would respond, "Every day is a good day!" He truly believed that every day of life should be enjoyed and embraced. I miss him every day.

Melissa Chaney

September 9, 2015

Alice and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will dearly miss Van as a friend and my "pew partner". Sue Brogan

September 9, 2015

Van will be missed by many people. My prayers are with Sister Alice and her family. Margaret Bunch

September 9, 2015

I was so lucky to have him as my Dad. I miss him every day. He was such a positive person....when we went anywhere and someone said, "Have a good/nice day." He would respond by saying, "Every day is a good day!" I love you big guy...you left a hole in my heart.

September 9, 2015

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