Brian Van Laar, 49, went to be with the Lord on July 30, 2016 in Sonoma. He was born to Norman and Frances Van Laar in Bellflower, CA on July 18, 1967. At a young age, Brian loved trucks, partially because his dad was a truck driver at that time and for most of his life thereafter. When Brian was in his mid-teens, he got a taste of the dairy business and decided that it wasn’t for him.
   Brian was 17 when he bought his first truck from Ron Nobach where he leased on as a driver. After trucking for many years, he built up his own company. Brian’s long time love, Jodi, came into the picture soon after, along with their son Blake. Just seven days before his departure from this world, they were married. Brian and Jodi were looking forward to moving to California so Blake could be close to his younger cousins and Brian closer to the sunshine.
One of his many passions was drag racing. He even bought a junior dragster for his “sonny” Blake before he was even born. Brian’s love for his family and friends knew no limits. He will be greatly missed by the love of his life, Jodi Van Laar, his son Blake, his step children Kailee Hardebeck, Tiffany Hardebeck, and Corey Hardebeck; his mom, his younger siblings Gary Van Laar (Gina) of Arlington, WA, Doreen Olmo (Frank) of Escalon, and Kari Van Der Hoek (Michael) of Ripon; extended family, friends,  and all who knew him.
   Arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel. A visitation will be held on Monday, August 8, 2016 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel, followed by burial at 11a.m. at Ripon Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at noon at Calvary Reformed Church. Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital. For condolences to the family, please visit his online guestbook at www.deeganfuneralchapels.
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Bellflower
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, August 6, 2016