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BORN
1927
DIED
2017
W.F. VanCleave Obituary
1927-2017
Van Van Cleave, 89 years old, passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2017 at his home. Van was born September 13th, 1927 in Homer, Nebraska. He spent his growing up years in Homer, joining the U.S. Marine Corps, and being honorably discharged in 1950.
Van joined the San Diego County Sheriffs Dept in 1952 and spent twenty-five years as a law enforcement officer serving in Jacumba, Fallbrook, San Diego, Julian, Valley Center, and retiring in 1977. In 1978, Van and his wife Joan "picked up stakes" and retired to McCall, Idaho where they spent seventeen wonderful years enjoying the community, the beautiful mountains, snowmobiling, and living the retirement dream.
Ill health contributed to their move to Melba, Idaho in 1994 and finally to Nampa in 2002, where he, Joan, and their family have enjoyed joyous times together. Van is survived by his; wife, Joan, sons Ron (Connie) and Don (Kris), daughter Cathi Roberts, grandsons, Kyle (Ellen) and Kelly (Lindsey), and great grandson Owen. There will be a great grand-daughter in August.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Van's life will beheld Saturday, April 8th, 1pm at Southside Blvd United Methodist Church located at 5420 Southside Blvd, Nampa, Idaho 83686
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for W.F. VanCleave
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
Van and Keith Woods (age 5) at Keith's home in Valley Center, CA (1969)
Keith Woods
October 22, 2017
Hari and Bee Clark
April 4, 2017
To all the Van Cleave family we send our deepest distress to hear that Van is no longer with us. It was a joy and privilege to have been neighbors of Van and Joan during their McCall years; we always slept better knowing Van was just down the road if we needed his help. Our hearts are with you at this hard time.
April 3, 2017
Cathi and family, you all are in our thoughts during this hard time. Sending you love and hugs from Pocatello. Love, Ash, Eric, and Dexter
Diane Ryan
April 3, 2017
Dear Joan:
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your family memories will be of much comfort to you all.
Diane Ryan
April 3, 2017
Dear Joan:
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure your family memories will be of much comfort to you.
Robin (Galloway) Clark
April 3, 2017
My sincere condolences to you Joan and your family. You probably do not remember me from so many years ago but I have never forgotten how warm and kind your family was in the short time I knew you. Van was such a wonderful man. Prayers go out to you during this sad time. May God bless you... Robin (Galloway) Clark (previously from McCall Idaho)
Catfish Williams
April 2, 2017
Joan May God Bless and protect you and your family. I served with Wilber on the Sheriff's Department for several years.He was one of the toughest Deputy I ever knew. But always fair and courteous.
Chuck Cross
April 2, 2017
Deputy Wilbur Van Cleave left a legacy in the San Diego Sheriff's Department that many of us used as an example of what a Deputy Sheriff should be. A man known and remembered for his integrity, honesty and for being fearless in the performance of his duties. Chuck Cross Commander Retired San Diego Sheriff
Sue Burroughs
April 2, 2017
To Joan
Thinking of you. John had the greatest respect for Van. God bless you, and your family.
April 2, 2017
Dear Joan, Cathi, Don & Kris, Ron & Connie, Kyle and Kellie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. May your many happy memories bring you comfort. Love Ron & Denise Baune
ds
March 31, 2017
My sincere sympathies to the Family. May God the Hearer of Prayer bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time-Isaiah 51:12
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