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George Van Arnam Obituary

Services for George M. Van Arnam, 80, New Smyrna Beach, who died at home Sun., Sept. 2, 2007, surrounded by his loving family, will be 2 p.m. Wed., Sept. 5, at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond, 733 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. The family will receive friends today (Tuesday) from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Van Arnam was born June 12, 1927, in Erie, Pa., to George and Alta Van Arnam. He moved to the area in 1969 from Chautauqua, N.Y. He was a registered EMT and an EMT Instructor for DBCC, and managed and operated the Volusia County Ambulance Service for 10 years. He designed and implemented the original rapid communication system between ambulances, hospitals and police departments, and was a member of the original 911 Committee. He was the founder and chairman of Vann Data Computer Services. George also served as former assistant security chief for Daytona Beach Regional Airport and was a member of Sheriff's COP Program, LST Association, Mine Warfare Association, andVFW. He was a Past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #2193 and a Navy veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. He enjoyed computers, sports, photographs, and flying, making his first solo flight at age 65. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Mary Jane Maas. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Patricia, New Smyrna Beach; sons, Mark Van Arnam and his wife, Lisa, Boone, N.C., Jon Van Arnam, West Palm Beach, and Scott Van Arnam, Sarasota; daughter, Janice L. Huffstickler and her husband, Todd, South Daytona; four grandchildren, John and Emily Huffstickler, Emerald Scout Van Arnam and Mark Van Arnam Jr..; and sister, Betty A. Hatch, Bartlett, Tenn. Share condolences with the family online at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal from Sep. 4 to Sep. 5, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for George Van Arnam

Not sure what to say?





The Swirka Family ~ Tim, Diane and Darian

November 4, 2007

Dear
Friends ~~
Tim and I just heard the news about your father's passing and we are
stunned. Tim worked for George for 13 years and enjoyed him as a boss
and mentor. His affable ways made him a delight to know and when Tim
and I decided to marry, we asked George to officiate. Unfortunately, he
had a stroke before our wedding and could not marry us. Tim and I were
so impressed with the many different accomplishments George had under
his belt. He will be missed by the Swirka family. Knowing George, he's
probably patting God on the back telling Him what a good job he's
doing...

Joe Ruck

October 18, 2007

We were young EMTs and Paramedics. We believed in our cause. George believed in us. The bond that we share now as former "Beacon Boys" started with George ... the Godfather of EMS in Volusia County. God bless him.

Monique & Pat Gebicki

September 5, 2007

Dear Pat and Family,
Altough we have not kept in touch for some time, the both of us have always thought of you as special friends. We are so sorry for your loss and will be in our prayers. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Phil Kleinberg

September 5, 2007

So much time has past since George gave me the opportunity to become an EMT/Paramedic at Beacon Ambulance. Memories of that time have passed fondly through my thoughts many times over the years.

I sincerely wish your family peace and comfort in this time of loss, and know that the prayers of many of his old employees go out to you.

Goodbye George.

Pam & Paul Wells

September 5, 2007

Dear Lisa, Mark, Scout and Family,

Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Much love,

Andrew Doehrel

September 4, 2007

Aunt Pat, Mark, Scott and Janice
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.The great one's like Uncle George are always remmebered in our hearts and minds. All our love from the Columbus Doehrels, Andy, Joan, Grant, Amber, and Adam

Stan Wyllie

September 4, 2007

George we go back many many years in 'Daytona when I was a Deouty Sheriff Investigator,and State Attorney Investigator, God Bless you and your family.

Graham Smith

September 4, 2007

George was always approachable by all that worked for him, and by his actions you knew he was working for you. He listened to the needs of his employees and made sure that everyone was able to do their job to the best.

Mike Staley

September 4, 2007

Pat, Mark, Scott and Janice,
My heartfelt condolence to you, George was a visionary who had the courage to believe in the future of a handful of individuals that continue to improve the world we live in today, one life at a time. I am eternally grateful and cherish the life experiences gained by his leadership and love. Beacon Medic 52 Seabreeze Circle 1974-77.

Tim Hopkins

September 4, 2007

My heartfelt thoughts go out to all the Van Arnam family. George was just a great guy. He gave me a chance, as a newly graduated RN, to step up the emergency rescue efforts in the county, with the Ormond crew having some of the latest equipment in order to transmit EKG's to Peninsula Medical Center. I've got to say it was a blast and George put it all together. It (the job) focused my efforts into emergency medicine for the next 10 years. Thanks George.....

tony lewis

September 4, 2007

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.I used to work at WESH TV 2..mark i hope you and your family will be just fine. tony lewis..knoxville tn. mark remember i bought your xtra gun when your workrd ay beacon ambulance..tony

Randy Thompson

September 4, 2007

Some of my best times and memories ever were working at Beacon Ambulance under George's leadership. George was also a good friend to my father, John Thompson, who had much admiration and respect for him. He will be missed. My condolences to all of his family.

Jim Brantley

September 4, 2007

My thoughts and heart-felt support to the entire Van Arnam family. I owe George so much for what he was willing to risk on my behalf..... to give a very young guy a shot at a career in EMS back in 1977. Never was there a more fair-minded leader then George. When so many people in his position made their decisions based on the financial aspect of the business, George's decisions were always aimed at doing what was right for the community and the patients we served. He will be missed.

Dawn'c Wilkes

September 4, 2007

Hi Scott,
My thought are with you and your family during this sad time. I know you will miss your dad, but you have many great memories to help keep him close and in your heart.
Dawn'c

Denny Hare

September 4, 2007

My warmest thoughts of the Man that changed my life and brought a young EMT to FL on nothing more than a phone call. I wish your family peace and comfort as we all remember you with fond memories.

My prayers are with you Mark, Scott, Janice, Jon and especially Pat in this time of sadness. George will be remembered well and greatly missed!

Skip Camp

September 4, 2007

Pat, Mark, Scott and Janice:
Many of us owe our success in life due in part to George’s help and guidance. He was patient and honorable. Even when we road down the beach after finishing a call with a hot mike, George was fair and I even think I saw a slight smile behind his stern words. When we jumped off the Seabreeze Bridge, George was the first to make sure we were ok. Because of George, a lot of good work was accomplished in the name of public safety. He will be missed. Warmest regards, Skip

Kenneth Lampel

September 4, 2007

Janice and family,

Our family is very grateful for knowing such a wonderful person as George. He touched many lives with inspiration and will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Ken and Rachel Lampel

Jeff riedel

September 4, 2007

My thoughts go out to you scott in this time of need.

Paul Clark

September 4, 2007

Go with God.I say good bye to the old Beacon leader.

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