March 4, 1941 – Oct. 26, 2025

Lawrence “Van” Van Avery was born in Highland Park, Michigan on March 4, 1941, and passed away on Oct. 26 in Glendale at the age of 84.

He left high school prematurely and in August 1958 began his four-plus years in the U.S. Marine Corps, completing his GED while serving. After his release he began his 30-plus-year career with Los Angeles County serving as a typist clerk, computer operator, programmer and senior programmer, finishing as an Information Systems manager. He also obtained his degree from Compton Community College in the process. Van was very proud of his accomplishments and grateful for the opportunities he was given.

In 1960 Van married his first wife Johnneta Lake and they went on to have two children: Donna and Kristen. Sadly, in 1989 Van lost her after a long battle with cancer. In 1992 Van married Dolores Ortiz and became a stepdad to Celina, Richard and Olivia.

In 1992 Van retired and spent 20-plus years in volunteer service to For The Child, a child abuse agency in Long Beach, California receiving several awards for his efforts.

He and Dolores traveled extensively visiting Europe and frequenting Mexico. They also bought an RV and toured the United States and Canada.

Van loved music, good food and all sports. He encouraged all to have special interests in their lives, especially music.

On the downside, in 2012 Van was diagnosed with throat cancer, which was quickly cured. In 2016 he was again diagnosed with the incurable cancer multiple myeloma, which was placed in deep remission until his death. He also had five procedures for skin cancer.

Van is preceded in death by his first wife Johnneta; father Charles; mother Mary; sister Betty. He is survived by his current wife Dolores; daughters Donna Green (Ken) and Kristen Bichlmeier, and their children Tyler, Jenna, Joseph and Amy (Sam); sister Judy. He also leaves his stepchildren Celina (Greg), Richard (Evelyn) and Olivia and step-grandchildren Kayla, Maxton and Kash as well as many other family members and friends.

Finally, in 1989 Van found Jesus Christ and became a parishioner at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montrose where he practiced his faith until his death. He always thanked Jesus Christ for his faith and for walking by his side on his life journey.

Any donations should be made to the American Cancer Society, the Johnneta Van Avery Memorial Scholarship at Glendale Community College or For The Child in Long Beach, California.