Lane Michael Van Arsdell

Lane Michael Van Arsdell, 14, the beloved son and only child of Dr. Kent and Joan Van Arsdell of Calhoun, tragically died in an accident on his family’s property on March 23—doing what he loved most, riding his dirt bike! Although Lane was wearing his helmet, it is believed that he died almost instantly when for some reason he lost control and the KTM motorbike crashed into a tree along the driveway. Born on December 9, 2002, in Knoxville, TN, Lane was a much prayed-for and cherished “miracle baby,” conceived after his parents struggled for years with infertility issues and miscarriages. Recognizing that he was a special gift from God, he was deeply loved by his entire family, friends, neighbors, church family, and others associated with his father’s medical practice. As a young child, Lane was an affectionate, outgoing, bright and inquisitive little boy who was fascinated by everything that had wheels and all forms of transportation. Even as a preschooler, he also displayed a strong interest in computers, mechanics, and outdoor pursuits. Those interests and natural talents continued throughout his life, although over the years his early fascination with trains, trucks and construction vehicles was gradually replaced by a passion for anything he could drive himself (either now or in the future): bikes, go-carts, recreational vehicles, dirt bikes, and cars. Desiring to raise Lane in a more rural setting with access to great Christian schools, the Van Arsdell family moved from Knoxville to Calhoun in 2011, where Dr. Van Arsdell practices internal medicine with Gordon Internal & Family Medicine. The Van Arsdell family purchased a home on 18 acres, a boy’s paradise with a 5-acre pond, a barn with plenty of room for mechanical projects, and a long private driveway and many wooded trails for riding, playing and exploring. Lane attended Coble Elementary School, a Christian school where he made many close friends and was surrounded by caring teachers and staff. Currently a 7th grader, Lane was a good student and had many friends of all ages, but homework and trumpet practice were secondary interests to being outdoors, playing on his computer, his photography hobby, and above all else his dirt bikes and their maintenance and repairs. The greatest comfort to his parents, family, friends and all who grieve Lane’s tragic death is that he loved Jesus and had recently committed his life to Christ, indicating his desire to prepare for baptism. In January he began a weekly one-on-one Bible study with his grandfather, a retired pastor. On the very day of his death, right after school, Lane and “Papa” had a wonderful Bible study session and prayer together. We eagerly await the resurrection at Christ’s return, when we will be reunited with our precious Lane. Lane’s immediate family members are his parents, Dr. Kent and Joan Van Arsdell, and his grandparents, Dr. Ronald & Jeannette Van Arsdell of Mesa, AZ, and Pastor Larry & Joyce Milliken of Calhoun. Uncles and aunts include Brent Van Arsdell, Lance & Jarmila Van Arsdell, Scott & Kathleen (Milliken) Forner, and Carol (Milliken) Crosby. Lane’s first cousins are Matthew & David Forner, Natalie Crosby, and Amy & Julie Van Arsdell, and he is also mourned by many other extended family members across the United States and Canada, as well as by so many friends of all ages whose lives have been touched by him. Lane’s parents and family deeply appreciate all the many kind words, prayers, food, and expressions of love and sympathy that have been extended to them. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held on Saturday, April 1, at 4:00 p.m. at the Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1411 Rome Road SW (Hwy 53 across from the Gordon County Fairgrounds). The service, primarily led by Pastor Larry Milliken and other members of the family, will also be livestreamed on the church’s website and Facebook pages. In lieu of flowers, Lane’s family has suggested that tax-deductible donations be made to “Lane’s Motorcycles for India Fund” via the Calhoun SDA Church, 1411 Rome Road SW, Calhoun, GA 30701. Every single dollar donated will go directly to purchasing motorbikes for pastors and Bible workers who lack transportation and need assistance in spreading the gospel into villages where the name of Christ has never been heard. Any checks should be made out to the Calhoun SDA Church directly, with “Lane’s Motorcycles for India” written on the memo line. You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Lane Michael Van Arsdell.