Save the date: Celebration of life for coach Dave Van Halanger

The family of Dave Van Halanger will celebrate his life with players, coaches and friends in Tallahassee on Saturday, June 24 at 1 pm. All are welcome.

Van Halanger, who was 69, passed away on April 2.

The service honoring Florida State’s former Director of Strength and Conditioning will be held in the first-floor classroom of the Moore Athletic Center at Doak Campbell Stadium. The entrance is next to the statue dedicated to Bobby Bowden, who recruited Van Halanger to West Virginia, where he was a standout tackle, before bringing Coach Van to Tallahassee to direct strength and conditioning of his players bodies and minds.

In an Osceola article written in April, former FSU wide receiver Kez McCorvey spoke for many of the student-athletes Van Halanger served when he said: “I can give you a million quotes on Coach Van. He was the first man I can remember who told me he loved me. After practice or somewhere he’d just say, ‘Kez, I love you.’ At first, I thought it was strange but when I got older, I knew what it meant.”

Following the celebration of life/memorial service, you are invited to attend a reception in the Varsity Club located on the third floor of the Moore Center, where Michele Van Halanger and her adult children Danielle, Julie, Matthew, Michael, and Katelyn will receive guests. Light refreshments will be served, and time will be provided for fellowship with the Van Halanger family and former players. In true Coach Van spirit, dress will be very casual as cookies and milk are shared. At the family's request please bring your fondest memories to share also.

FSU chaplain Clint Purvis has arranged a block of rooms at a special rate at the Four Points Sheraton on Tennessee Street. Use this link to book your group rate for Coach Dave Van Halanger Memorial. Book your group rate for Coach Dave Van Halanger Memorial.

While an RSVP is not necessary, it would be helpful in planning refreshments. Please RSVP to Clint@fbctlh.org.