Alan H. VanArsdal, age 69 of Madison TN, passed away on Saturday, December 19th, 2020 from a pulmonary embolism. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Kathryn VanArsdal, and his son Mark VanArsdal. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan VanArsdal (née Flood), daughter Sarah VanArsdal, sister Mabel (Dan) Roods, brother Paul (Diana) VanArsdal, and in laws: Pat (Bill) Leonhardt,Kathy (Jay) Kaplan, Mary (John) Flood-Ladd, Cindy Jacobsen, Rob Jacobsen, JoAnne VanArsdal and Suzanne Flood, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Known for his kindness and sincerity, Alan’s friends called him ‘Nice Guy Al’. For most of his life he worked in Organizational Development in the aerospace and hospital industries. Al had a deep love for music; outside of work and family he spent his time playing guitar and reading.
Al treasured moments with his book club, the Bennigan’s gang, Colgate Honchos, his cats, and guitar buddy JP Ruggieri.
No funeral services will be held. Memorials, if desired, may be directed to the family.
Among many things, Alan will be missed for his intelligence, wit, and graciousness.
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Tyler, Mel, Jude and Ben Ravi.
We will miss our neighbor Owl.
Dave Fleming
To all of Al’s family and friends. Thanks for linking his obituary to his FB friends. Al and I hadn’t seen each in probably a dozen years but we so enjoyed each other’s company when he consulted with DU. We spent many a free moment talking music. He was a heck of a good guy and I hope you all find peace eventually through this moment of sadness. Dave Fleminf
Bonnie Marsh
Al was so admired when he worked at Fairview! Though I’m retired since 2008, I’m still asked about whether I’m still in touch with him when I’m with the Fairview group. He was a bright, sensitive, and caring individual who touched all he encountered. I pray that his wife and daughter are brought much peace with memories of him. He was a good man. And he’s now with his parents and son to frolic unencumbered by earthly woes.
Jules Constantine
My deepest sympathies to all of Alan’s friends and family. My grandmother and Alan’s father were siblings. Rest in peace, cousin.
Carol Stoll
Dear Sue and family. I’m very sorry for your loss. Al was a very special gentleman and I was blessed to call him a friend. My condolences and prayers!
Tara Wisely
Uncle Al’s wit was dry as a good champagne and always at the ready. He was easy to talk to, and that didn’t change from whether I was 5 years old, a teenager, or roughly today years old. I will really miss him, and the missed opportunities in the future to talk books, music, or just joke around with him. Truly gone too soon. All my love to Aunt Sue and to Sarah.
Ed and Becky Bruff
Al will be missed by many may he rest in peace. Praying for Susan and Sarah during this difficult time.
Rebecca Sovansky
I am so sorry to hear about Al. He was such a kind soul and a great boss
Mark Taylor
Al was a dear friend to me and so many others. He will be missed by us all. My sincere condolences to his family.
Mary Bakken
I am a long lost acquaintance from Fairview. I left FV 15 years ago. Just recently friended Al on Facebook to start catching up. I loved Al- in a corporate environment he brought genuineness and kindness, and showed that could be synergistic with strategy. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Debra Mazur
Susan I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. My prayers for you and your family.
David Peruski
I am so saddened to learn of Al’s passing. He was a great person and very inspiring. My sincere sympathies to Susan and the family. He did leave things better than he found them. Prayers for comfort to the family.
Dana Ackley
Sue – I just learned about Al’s passing from Brian Schroeder. Peg and I are very sad. Al deserved a much longer life. The world is lessened without him. During my work with him at Covenant, Al was always a steady hand and guide, pushing the organization towards growth/improvement, which was not always easy. Al was also a great help in our Healthcare Think Tank. I’m glad that you and he came to Roanoke so that we could get together. A couple of years ago I had business in Nashville and only realized later that that was where you and Al had moved. I let him know and that I thought I would be coming back but that didn’t work out. Missed opportunity.