Van is widowed with two sons.  Van started in the officer line and served as Junior Stewart in 1981/82; as Junior Deacon 1982/83; as Junior Warden 1983/84; as Senior Warden 1984/84 and Master 1985/86. He owns Richfield Auto Center and Richfield Auto Parts.  Hobbies include shooting sports, collecting stuff, and cooking.  He is a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason, Valley of Akron and a member of Al Koran Shrine.  Van always draws a crowd for our dinners when he fixes his Buzzard Breath Chili.  For years, Meridian Sun held an "Outdoor Lodge" at Bro. Ed Haslem's farm but sometimes that created a problem the with inclement weather.  As a replacement, Van started the tradition of a "Barn Raising" to confer the MM Degree.  For over 20 years this event was held every fall in Bro. Ora Baumgardner's barn. (info from Van)