Search by Name

Search by Name

GEORGE VAN CLEVE Obituary

George P. (Lad) Van Cleve 6/11/23- 10/22/09 The world has lost one of its best. Lad, age 86, passed away peacefully at home in Eatonville. He was a beloved member of the community, known for his eye-twinkling smile and his huge, generous heart Lad was born in North Dakota, but moved to Eatonville when he was eleven years old. He worked as a mechanic at his family's Ford dealership, Van Cleve Motors, from the time he returned after WWII until his retirement in 1993. Everyone knew Lad was the master mechanic and could fix anything. `He is survived by, his wife of 58 years, Rosemarie, son Steve (Paulette) Van Cleve, daughter Chris (Glenn) Campanoli of Tacoma, grandsons David and Jon Van Cleve of Florida, and his sisters Ruthie (Rich) Williams and JeanAnn (Jim) Miller. His funeral mass will be held Friday, October 30, at 1:00, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Eatonville. A reception to celebrate his life will be held afterward in the fellowship hall. Donations may be made to the Eatonville Fire Department or the Lady of Good Counsel building fund.

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

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Oct. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE VAN CLEVE

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Kathy Omlin

November 1, 2009

Dear Rosemary and family,

So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband lad. I remember coming to visit your home on our way back from Mount Rainer with my folks and how much they thought of you and lad. May god guide you through the coming days. With love and sympathy.
Karl, Kathy and Karli Omlin-Schilter
Sacramento California

Lloyd Marvik

October 28, 2009

Lad was truly one of the best. Always a great smile and a guy that you enjoyed talking with. He will be missed. I would like to speak for many folks and express our condolences to the family. And -- Lad -- don't be showing up in Heaven driving a Chevy truck.

Renee McKay

October 28, 2009

I'm sorry to hear of your loss Rosemarie and family. I loved Lad dearly. You and Lad did a wonderful job in creating a great family. What an example you have been to me. I'm truly blessed to have known you and your family since the time I was born. Thank you Lad for all of your encouragement and love all of these years. I will miss seeing you at the 4th of July celebrations. Your hugs were full of love and sincerity. I'm deeply sorry for your loss - Rosemarie, Chris, Steve and family members. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I love you Lad, now and forever. May you rest in peace with all of your loved ones up in Heaven Lad. I hope you have many fancy cars to drive and enjoy; see you again someday.
Love Renee McKay and Michael McKay

Bruce Snyder

October 28, 2009

Lad was a walking manual when it came to Fords. He was truly a kind man and what a smile. I always enjoyed hearing about the old days when "cars were cars". When he spoke, everybody listened!
God just got the best mechanic around.

Margaret Braunberger

October 27, 2009

What a Truely Happy Couple you two were..Deepest Sympathy to all of your families... God Bless........

Tom Foote

October 27, 2009

So sorry to read of Lad's death. I always enjoyed visiting with him at "Grumpy Old Men" lunches at the Old Country Buffet, Puyallup, monthly. He was always very kid to me. My sympathy to the family.
Tom Foote

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in GEORGE VAN CLEVE's name

Memorial Events
for GEORGE VAN CLEVE

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support GEORGE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor GEORGE VAN CLEVE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more