SHAVER LAKE - After a courageous two-year battle against cancer, Van Christian Neely, age 58, departed this earth March 16, 2012 to sail with a gentle breeze on crystal, blue heavenly seas. He died at his home in Shaver Lake surrounded by his loving and caring family.
Van was born June 4, 1953 at Dearborn Hospital in Madera, California to Bryan Thomas Neely and Elizabeth “Betty” (Pistoresi) Neely. He attended John Adams elementary, Thomas Jefferson Junior High, graduated from Madera High School in 1971, and received his AA at Fresno City College.
As drum major his sophomore, junior and senior years he led the Coyote Marching Band onto the football field at every game, and in many events, including the Old Timers Day Parade. He was also a filmmaker during his senior year and developed a love for sports cars, especially MG’s and Porsche’s.
In 1974 Van began his professional photography career. He met the love of his life, Debra Lynne Parker and they were married July 13 of that same year. He opened Van’s Studio of Photography in 1978 and in 1981 moved to the current location at 600 North D Street now operated by his daughter Tess.
Van loved sailing and throughout his life had several boats. He shared his love of sailing with his family, friends, and those less fortunate. Fulfilling the family motto: “Do anything, for anybody, at anytime,” in 1980 he began “Sail Day” at Huntington Lake. This special day brings together fellow sailors, their boats, and children of all ages fighting cancer, for a day of smiles and laughter on the lake.
After moving to Shaver Lake Van became an active member of the community. He became the “Music Man” for school presentations, and the many special events at China Peak and Fourth of July celebrations on Shaver Lake. He also was the adviser for the film class at Sierra High School and gave guitar lessons for elementary students at Pine Ridge School.
He continued his business in Madera specializing in wedding photography, graduation, senior pictures and even youth sports photos. Through his tireless efforts to provide the best in service thousands of adults, parents and children have precious photo memories for a lifetime.
Van traveled throughout the country doing photography and enjoying life. His daughter Tess described his legacy as “Always keep the wind in your sails and a guitar by your side; Life, love and happiness will follow.”
Van is survived by his wife, Debra, daughter Tess, and sons Jonathon and Christopher and a grandchild, Troy Dannik Erdman. He also leaves behind his sister Kimberlee Imrie of Madera, twin sister, Jill Unterein of Jamestown and his mother-in-law, Alice Parker of Madera.
Cards and condolences may be sent to Vans Studio of Photography, 600 North D Street, Madera, Ca 93638. Remembrances in Van’s name may be sent to Camp Sunshine Dreams, P.O. Box 28232, Fresno, Ca 93729; Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Ste A-5, Fresno, Ca 93711 or the American Cancer Society, P.O Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718.
A service in honor of Van will be held on Monday, March 26 at 11:00am at the Shaver Lake Community Church at 41340 Tollhouse Road, Shaver Lake, CA 93664, a reception will follow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Huntington Lake on June 16th, detailed information will be available at a later date.
In 1974 Van began his professional photography career. He met the love of his life, Debra Lynne Parker and they were married July 13 of that same year. He opened Van’s Studio of Photography in 1978 and in 1981 moved to the current location at 600 North D Street now operated by his daughter Tess.
Van loved sailing and throughout his life had several boats. He shared his love of sailing with his family, friends, and those less fortunate. Fulfilling the family motto: “Do anything, for anybody, at anytime,” in 1980 he began “Sail Day” at Huntington Lake. This special day brings together fellow sailors, their boats, and children of all ages fighting cancer, for a day of smiles and laughter on the lake.
After moving to Shaver Lake Van became an active member of the community. He became the “Music Man” for school presentations, and the many special events at China Peak and Fourth of July celebrations on Shaver Lake. He also was the adviser for the film class at Sierra High School and gave guitar lessons for elementary students at Pine Ridge School.
He continued his business in Madera specializing in wedding photography, graduation, senior pictures and even youth sports photos. Through his tireless efforts to provide the best in service thousands of adults, parents and children have precious photo memories for a lifetime.
Van traveled throughout the country doing photography and enjoying life. His daughter Tess described his legacy as “Always keep the wind in your sails and a guitar by your side; Life, love and happiness will follow.”
Van is survived by his wife, Debra, daughter Tess, and sons Jonathon and Christopher and a grandchild, Troy Dannik Erdman. He also leaves behind his sister Kimberlee Imrie of Madera, twin sister, Jill Unterein of Jamestown and his mother-in-law, Alice Parker of Madera.
Cards and condolences may be sent to Vans Studio of Photography, 600 North D Street, Madera, Ca 93638. Remembrances in Van’s name may be sent to Camp Sunshine Dreams, P.O. Box 28232, Fresno, Ca 93729; Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Ste A-5, Fresno, Ca 93711 or the American Cancer Society, P.O Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718.
A service in honor of Van will be held on Monday, March 26 at 11:00am at the Shaver Lake Community Church at 41340 Tollhouse Road, Shaver Lake, CA 93664, a reception will follow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Huntington Lake on June 16th, detailed information will be available at a later date.
