VAN SUCH, John Edward

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Saturday, April 26, 2003 John Edward Van Such, 75, of Munds Park, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, after a month long struggle from a stroke. Mr. Van Such served with the Army Special Services in Europe during WWII. Memorial Mass will be in Phoenix, on April 28 at St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Church, 8141 N. 16th St. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to the Flagstaff Medical Center Foundation, "Caring Canines" Dog Therapy Program, 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001, 928-773-2093. Courtesy of Pat Wilson. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, April 27, 2003 John Edward Van Such, 75, of Munds Park, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, after a month long struggle from a stroke. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, he attended Car-negie Institute before joining the military, serving with the Army Special Services in Europe during WWII. After returning he moved to Phoenix in 1949, where he met his wife of 52 years, Helen Joyce. He graduated from Arizona State in 1952 and from the Los Angeles College of Optometry in 1955. First locating in the downtown area of Phoenix, he then established an office on Thomas Rd., where he practiced for 33 years. He moved to Munds Park saying he wanted to slow down, but never did. He loved his work as an optometrist and had examined patients the day before his stroke. Besides optometry, Dr. Van Such's other occupation was a professional musician, with talents on the accordion, piano and organ. From playing with the Dusty Walker Trio, or various other bands, including Frankie Yankovic, and finally his own band, The Saints, he was never far from his songs. He perhaps never achieved great fame, but that was OK because he enjoyed just making the music rather than the greatness. "Little Doc," as he had come to be known, had also been active in many civic and community organizations - Phoenix Jaycees, Lions Center for the Blind, Arizona Optometric Association, Phoenix Moose Lodge, and the Phoenix Elks. Along with being a ham radio operator, his hobby was gardening and people would make special trips to see his water lilies or to delight in his tulips. In later years he and Helen enjoyed traveling all over the world, but he was always happy to be home in his garden. Friends far and wide know he loved to tell a thousand corny jokes, and his favorite parting wish was always - "May you have health, happiness & love and the time to enjoy it all." John is survived by his wife, Helen; daughter Kathryn; son Daniel; granddaughter Hillary; sisters Mary Taylor and Mildred Bukovi; brother Joe Van Such; and many nephews & nieces. Memorial Mass will be in Phoenix, on April 28 at St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Church, 8141 N. 16th St. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to the Flagstaff Medical Center Foundation, "Caring Canines" Dog Therapy Program, 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001, 928-773-2093. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.