Evan Vanvaerenbergh

There is a place within the heart of every young child where hopes and dreams are created. Although his years were few, Evan Van Vaerenbergh lived out many of those dreams in the shared company of family and friends and will be forever treasured. A shining example of love, insurmountable courage and formidable strength, Evan captivated the hearts of many, albeit a brief time. Evans story began in the community of Muskegon, Michigan along the shores of Lake Michigan. Operation Desert Storm found U.S. troops in Kuwait while tensions increasingly mounted with political leaders in Iraq. Computer use was at an all time high and people continued to flock to their modems as the internet and browsing became a way of life. Forrest Gump made his debut in the hearts of many while The Lion King took childrens animation and a furry little cub by storm. For Robert and Heidi (Torgeson) Van Varenbergh, the days could not have been brighter when on November 7, 1994 they welcomed the birth of Evan Robert into their hearts. Raised in Whitehall, Michigan, Evan grew up on Duck Lake Road where at the age of three he became the proud big brother of his little sister, Toni. A fun loving boy, he attended Shoreline Elementary School and was a friend to many. Although Evans parents eventually divorced, his relationship with his mother and sister remained especially close. In time his mother became engaged, and from the moment she introduced her fianc Jack Swarts III to Evan and Toni their lives were forever changed. As an impressionable seven year old, Jack made a lasting impact in Evans life. The two shared a special and close relationship, and Evan affectionately nicknamed Jack, Scooby. Like two peas in a pod, Evan became Jacks sidekick and ever present shadow. They were a team in every sense of the word, and were often referred to as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. With his playful nature, Evan was often mischievous and usually had a thing or two up his sleeve. He was quite the prankster and thoroughly enjoyed joking around and pulling a good prank on someone, often getting the best of them! With this ability and what lay ahead of him, Jacks nicknames for Evan was Leroy, as in Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown" and Puppethead. Eventually Evan and his family moved into the Reeths- Puffer school district where he became involved in sports. He especially enjoyed basketball as well as track. It was hard not to like Evan with his easy going and fun loving personality. He was a friend to many, but when their beloved pup boxer Scrappy became a part of the family four years ago he and Evan were nearly inseparable. Tenacious and with a will all his own, Evans hopes and dreams for the future took on new light when he was diagnosed with cancer. With an inevitable prognosis, Evan lost his right arm to the disease on December 1, 2009 where he underwent surgery in Detroit. With a strength all his own, Evan remained positive and by the following Friday he was at home shoveling snow. Having one arm didnt hold Evan down. He was proud of accomplishing anything he desired, and it didnt matter to him if he only had one arm to do so, he never allowed it to get in his way. Evans health issues brought forth a whole new world of opportunities for him. Although there were many who came into his life to be an inspiration to him, Evan was the one whose spirited determination shone bright. However, there was one person who made a lasting impact not only on Evans life, but heart as well. At the clinic in Grand Rapids, Evan developed a special friendship with Max Nunn and his father, Tom. Max was truly an inspiration to Evan, and they became the best of friends. Together they shared enjoyable times fishing, riding quads and playing Frisbee golf. It proved to be a tough time for Evan when Max sadly died Thanksgiving day of this year, but he remained forever thankful for the time they were able to share and the impact he had on his life. Throughout his illness, Evan enjoyed many memorable experiences. He enjoyed going to his Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jims house to play a few games of pool, darts and loved getting together with them to watch sports on TV. He often dropped by at his grandma Swarts house for one of her free special dinners, always asking, Where are you taking me to eat today, Grandma? He enjoyed spending time watching Jack bowl, and the chemo from his treatments somehow gave him the remarkable ability when it came to hunting. It allowed him the sense to literally smell deer when they were near, and sure enough, they always appeared minutes later. Evan took in many wonderful opportunities as a result of his cancer. While in Detroit, he was honored to have met the teams from the Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers and Lions. He even received Matthew Staffords Lions football helmet. Back home he met and received a hockey stick from local Muskegon hometown boy and hero, Red Wings player Justin Abdelkater along with loads of NASCAR autographs. Although Evan had many plans for the future, he was accepting of the fact that life sometimes changes course. Throughout his battle with cancer, he fought ferociously all while maintaining his ability to be an inspiration to his many peers. He remained positive and never complained, and never ceased in looking on the bright side. With an ever present smile upon his face, Evan had the knack for making everyone laugh, even at the most tense, trying moments. As a mischievous prankster, he was especially well liked by his nurses as he filled their days with smiles. Evans years were few compared to many, but his shining example of love, courage and strength served as a compass to those around him. His impact in this world will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. At the age of 16, Evan Robert Van Varenbergh lost his ferocious battle with cancer at home on Saturday, December 18, 2010 surrounded by his loving family and with his beloved dog Scrappy snuggled to his side. He is survived by his parents, Heidi (fianc' Jack Swarts III) Van Vaerenbergh, Robert (Tami) Van Vaerenbergh; awesome sister, Toni; stepsister, Nichole Swarts; stepbrothers: Brandon Swarts, Robert and Eric Fraley; half brothers: Joshua and Justin Van Vaerenbergh; grandparents: Peter Van Vaerenbergh, Jack and Geri Swarts, Jr.; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends and beloved companion, Scrappy. Evan was preceded in death by brother, Kyle; grandmothers: Jeane Torgeson and Sharon Van Vaerenbergh; grandfather, Ted Torgeson, Sr.; uncle, Ted Torgeson, Jr.; and by his best friend and inspiration, Max Nunn. Special Evan knuckles and love to his peeps at Clinic, 7 South and his A.M. family. VISITATION: Wednesday, 2-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: At Evan's request, donations may be made to the family to defray funeral expenses. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or to sign his online guest book.