Van Strickland

Vandiver Earl Strickland, 66, of Pass Christian, MS, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2016, after a long, hard fought battle against leukemia.
Van was well known for his kind heart, even disposition, and gentle soul. He is cherished, adored and deeply loved by his ""Beemer Buddy,"" best friend, and wife, Fe and his stepchildren, Chelsea (Matt) and Jackson Tyler. Van was also survived by his granddaughters, Alana and Kaylee as well as his daughter, Wendy, brothers, Steve (Dana) and Harry, his in-laws, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and many friends.
Affectionately known as the ""Toolman,"" Van felt extremely blessed and proud to work for Mississippi Power Company and just recently retired after 40 years of dedicated service. He found joy, happiness, and laughter pursuing and enjoying his passions in life with the love of his life, Fe, by his side. A classic rock fan, Van enjoyed attending concerts and rocking out to his favorite bands. As a standout athlete in his youth, he continued to maintain a strict physical fitness routine and could often be found on the golf course perfecting his golf game, which he introduced to and enthusiastically shared with Tyler. He learned to shop till he dropped; was content to serve as Chelsea's wingman on her shopping pursuits; and willingly adhered to Fe and Chelsea's ""Don't Ask, Don't Tell Shopping Policy."" Van loved to garden and would thoughtfully share the fruits of his labor by creating beautiful flower arrangements for his wife and made sure she always had fresh flowers in the house to enjoy. He loved to vacation and travel with his family, but during football season, he could be found in the Vaught on Saturdays cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels and at the Superdome on Sundays with his New Orleans Saints.
In his final days, Van found comfort knowing he would soon be in God's loving hands and would be met at the gates of heaven by his mother, Betty, dad, Bill, sister-in-law, Regina, and his baby sister, Shelby.
Van wanted to thank Dr. Hightower and the Memorial Hospital Oncology staff and Dr. Marin-Costa and the stem cell transplant team at MD Anderson for their comfort and care. He also wanted to express his sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Mississippi Power Company, Southern Company, his co-workers and friends for the uplifting cards, letters, love and support offered to him and his family during this trying time.
A service will be held at 5 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach. Friends may visit beginning at 3 pm. Immediately following the service, a Celebration of Life reception will be held at the Oaks Clubhouse in Pass Christian.
Van spent many days playing Frisbee with sweet Daisy Dog, gardening with Kitty Kat, tolerating Fe's Chihuahua, Cruella de Ville and during his illness was comforted by his protector, Charlie, the over-sized Cocker Spaniel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered in memoriam to the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society's Capital Campaign Fund, 413 McElroy Drive, Oxford MS 38655 (www.oxfordpets.com).
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com