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The family of Bruce Vanatta uploaded a photo
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
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crorkz posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
KkoJSw I think this is a real great blog article.Really thank you! Want more.
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Sarah Lyons posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2013
I had Mr. Vanatta as my 6th grade teacher. He was a great teacher and very compassionate to his students. I will never forget him. I will also never forget the 20 page Aleut report or the lemon drops.
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Tricia Barnett posted a condolence
Thursday, September 27, 2012
I had the honor of working with Van at Chugiak Elementary School. We truly laughed every day. We had grand ponderances daily about education, politics, social issues and model trains, of course! He was the embodiment of joy, passion, patience and friendship. Even though I have not seen him in years, I think about him often and am filled with feeling blessed to have had a person in my life that was so simply, joyful. I travel past his old Wasilla neighborhood each morning on my way to work, so indeed he is thought of often. I smile every time I remember he and Bill (two large men) getting out of their mini car each morning after their commute to Chugiak. Thanks for touching my life Van. Peace
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Debbie Ossiander posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Bruce Vanatta was a great teacher and caring person. I met Bruce as a parent at Chugiak Elementary and was immediately impressed by his gentle manner and obvious consideration for others. Once my daughter was actually in his class I learned about his extraordinary teaching skills. He reached every student in a diverse classroom and seemed to excite each of them. Mr. Van was and is a special person to me and my family.
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Lorena Stoll (Hoadley) posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Motorcycles, trains, and lemon drops. What great memories I have! My sixth grade mind will always remember Mr Vanatta as a gentle giant who never stopped smiling. As an adult, I see the patience, kindness, and tolerance he demonstrated to his students and hope that I can pass that on to my children.
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Janice Salmans posted a condolence
Monday, September 24, 2012
So sorry for your loss, your family is in my prayers fir strength and comfortAA
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Jayda Palmer posted a condolence
Sunday, September 23, 2012
I grew up in the church with Van's son Josh in Wasilla, AK. I remember Van to always be in good spirits and always so kind. Every year I would come back from college Van was always sure to check in on me to see how everything was going. I always appreciated him for that. You will be missed.
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Cathy McCain posted a condolence
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Bruce was a special friend. The bond that he and Bill shared was much like brothers, always there for each other. Being Alaskans without extended family close by, holidays can get pretty lonely. Bruce and Josh shared many special days with us. After the second year that we served turkey, I found out that 'fowl' was not a favorite of the Vanattas. So we did what you do for family, we changed the menu. Lasagne became our new main course for Christmas dinner and a family tradition.
When Bruce moved to Vona, we kept in touch with emails, but missed his presence at our holiday table and those Sunday afternoons of football games that he and Bill watched with enthusiasm. We so enjoyed our visit to Vona in 2010 where we met Bruce's family and saw how happy and healthy he was in his old stomping grounds.
I would like to send my sincere condolences to Josh and the rest of the family, for I, too share your loss.
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Bill McCain posted a condolence
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Bruce was my friend. He was fiercely loyal And passionate about teaching and children.
First the loyalty thing. Do you know anyone who keeps going back to the laundromat for six months after getting a washer and dryer because he can't bring himself to "abandon" the laundry lady? Bruce did.
He kept the same mail box in Chugiak even after retiring because "The people there are so nice."
Now the kid thing. We car pooled for the 18 years that I worked at Chugiak EL. That meant 35 minutes morning and evening and it was time well spent. I can remember times when I had had "one of those days" and just needed to vent about a particularly trying student. I would be ranting a raving about this or that and Bruce would be right in there ranting with me about those "little rat bags (an Aussie term). But then, by the time we were half way home, he would always say something like, "But ya know, that kid may be going home to a situation where he has learned to survive by being the way he is." Before you knew it we were making plans on how to best work with the kid the next day. By the time we got home I was all charged up and ready to try something different with the child. Bruce made me a better teacher and a better person.
Bruce was always such a happy and positive person, always a smile. But I don't think I have EVER seen him happier than the last 3 years of his life, surrounded by family and friends in Vona. He was HOME! He was so proud of "the Little Hubblets" and other family.
One last story. it was after Bruce had started teaching at Mirror Lake. I was driving that day and planned to go to the gun range at Birchwood after school so told Bruce I would be a bit late picking him up. "No prob", he said as he had grades that he could work on. Fade to black..... It's now 9:30 PM and I'm home watching tv when Cathy says "How's Bruce today?" and it hit me. I HAD LEFT HIM AT SCHOOL!!!! I called his room and he said, " I thought it was getting a little dark to be shooting......but I got all my grades done!"
I love you Bruce. You are a part of me and so many others that you will never really be gone. And we will meet again buddy.
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Sue McMurray posted a condolence
Sunday, September 23, 2012
I first knew Bruce as a fellow teacher at Chugiak Elementary. He won my admiration with his ready smile and cheerful attitude. When I had Josh in my fourth grade class I knew him as a parent and admired his loving, positive parenting skills. As time went on I came to know him as a friend and admired his love of life and the fact that he shared it with all of us. He was special and I feel blessed to have known him. I offer my condolences to Josh and the rest of Bruce's family.
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"Bj" & Peg Bjorgan posted a condolence
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Ya'll called him Bruce; but, we in the train club knew him as Van until 9/11. After 9/11 the club had to provide a list of 'civilian' members by full name and number and we found that Van wasn't really Van. But to us, he'll always be Van.
But regardless what he was called, he was the most jovial individual I had ever met. To him, thunder clouds had silver linings and there was good in everything that happened. I do believe it was him that defined the word "Jolly" for Santa Claus.
His model train adventures were truly that. One never knew what to expect or what fascinating scene awaited you around the next curve. His exuberant imagination put Walt Disney to shame. His ability to take ordinary everyday objects and incorporate them into a train layout left him with no piers. Not only did you find railroad scenes that boggled the mind, they all had a complete history and/or story behind them. Whether it was his portion of the club layout or his Wasilla layout, the Van magic was always there. It was always a fantastic weekend when we would park the RV at his Wasilla home, knowing that the door was always open and I could work on his layout, even when he had conflicting schedules.
His dedication to the club was second to none. During a few very lean years of membership, Van and two others kept the club alive and because of that the club just celebrated its 30th anniversary and has grown to our present size. Thank you Van !
Van was a walking historian for the Western Pacific and was always ready with pictures or stories of W. P. during its heyday. He was always ready to assist any newcomer to model railroading with more patients than I'll ever have. He was always promoting the hobby even in his school world. It was always rewarding to see some of his past students greet him at one of our train shows, introduce him again to their parents, and relate some type of railroad experience while he was their teacher.
It is with great sorrow that we bid Van farewell. He will be missed. But sad was not his forte, so we look at the good side. With his leaving us, he joins Ken Brovald and Jeff Child at the big round house in the sky, and with all the catching up those three have to do, none of them will get any sleep anytime soon.
So, as I always say, I'll see you next time. Until then, keep 'em on the rails and don't lose your steam.
Randy "Bj" & Peg Bjorgan
3038 Donington Drive
Anchorage AK 99504-3847
(907) 952-4353
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donald houk posted a condolence
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Van was a marvelous Christian gentleman whom I had the pleasure to know and learn from. He was one who believed in his Lord and was always living what he believed. I will sorely miss his smile and great spirit. It was my privilege to have known and associated with Van.
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Bill posted a condolence
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Van was the best friend, teaching colleague, fellow Vietnam vet, and human being all rolled into one. I am so glad I got to visit him in Vona and get the tour that only Van could give. I will miss his epistles, another lunch in the cafe in Stratton, his ready wit, and his kindness. Thanks for everything, Van.y
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Carrie Huck posted a condolence
Saturday, September 22, 2012
I was saddened to hear of "Mr. Vanetta's" passing. He was my former 6th grade teacher at Chugiak Elementary and I remember he always gave us bonus words that were the names of his favorite "motorcycles" (another passion of his). His boisterous laugh will also always remind me of him. He was a great educator and friend later as I, too, became a teacher.
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Posted by: posted a condolence
Friday, September 21, 2012
A sympathy card has been sent to the family of Bruce Clyde Vanatta.
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Gerri Ladner posted a condolence
Friday, September 21, 2012
I worked with Bruce at Chugiak Elementary and always think of him whenever I see a model train. Bruce you will be missed!!!!!
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Ron Prewitt III posted a condolence
Friday, September 21, 2012
I met Mr. Vanetta when I was in sixth grade at Mirror Lake Middle School; he was my teacher. Like many boys of eleven, I did not like to read and I hated to write. Due to Mr. Vanetta's encouragement, acceptance, humor and gift for making class work relevant, he taught me that reading and writing was not a strange, unwelcome annoyance to my life, but a part of it. He made lessons unique, fun, and exciting. He treated me as thinking person with opinions worth listening to. Mr. Vanetta encouraged me not to worry about tests and grades, but rather the stories themselves and the writers behind them.
I am a junior in college now and I still carry with me the love of learning, the joy of reading and the satisfaction in my own writings that Mr. Vanetta instilled in me. I owe him a great deal, and though never told him so, I wish for his family to know that he made a difference in this kids life.
He was an exceptional teacher and man, and I am sure the world will feel his loss.
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Jeanni Blakeney posted a condolence
Friday, September 21, 2012
I had the honor of working with Van at both Chugiak Elementary and MLMS. He was dedicated to all students and he shared his love of writing with them. I never saw Van without a smile on his face. His positive attitude was infectious and an inspiration.
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K. Jackson posted a condolence
Friday, September 21, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I did not know Mr. Vantta personally, but I do know the pain of losing a dad. May your family find comfort as I have in knowing that our loving heavenly Father promises us that very soon he will 'swallow up death forever, an certainly wipe the tears from all faces.' (Isaiah 25:8) What a wonderful day that will be!
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Stella Huffer posted a condolence
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Van was one of the nicest man I ever had the pleasure to work with. Such a good soul and children loved him. He will be missed.
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Mary Stiglich posted a condolence
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Those of us who worked with Van at Chugiak Elementary, were indeed lucky! To me he was the true example of a "teddy bear" of a man who had a laugh that would warm my heart. I live in OR now, and it's odd that he was in my thoughts just a week ago. Maybe he was saying good-bye.
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Margaret Barber posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Van's legacy will live on here in the halls of Mirror Lake. I am comforted knowing I am teaching in the same room he did and am keeping the tradition of a messy desk alive. I am also the proud owner of his "pet bird" that still keeps the students guessing. I will miss Van's laugh and his stories.
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Robert Daniels posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I remember Van from the Wasilla Lake Church of the Nazarene. He was a good friend and He will be missed. God Bless Van's family and friends at this time of great loss. I now live in North Carolina , but remember Van and and his love of life.
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Carol Ford Taylor posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Bruce's family. You've been in my thoughts at this sad time. I have fond memories of Bruce as a young man. He was brilliant, kind and gentle. I'm sorry for your loss.
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Scott Batchelder posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Rest well, good friend. You were a good teacher, friend, and man. My prayers for your family...
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Joyce MiIler posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
My sympathies to Bruce's family. I have fond memories of Bruce as a classmate and friend.
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R. Lewis posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I extend my condolences to the family of Bruce during this difficult time. May you be comforted by the promise of the resurrection and the end of sickness and death forever. God makes this wonderful promise to us at Revelation 21:4 which states, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." I hope this message is of some consolation.
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Tim Fachko posted a condolence
Monday, September 17, 2012
godspeed Van, thanks for all the memories
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