Chesapeake, VA

Merrill A. Van Ostrand passed peacefully in his home surrounded and embraced by his loved ones on Wednesday Oct 1, 2014.

Merrill lived most of his life in Virginia Beach. After graduating from Princess Anne High School he received degrees from Norfolk State for auto upholstery and ITT for electronics engineering. He worked as a professional upholsterer with Young's Upholstery, for Canon ITS, as well as Eggleston Services. He also enjoyed trouble shooting computer problems with his own business Van's Digital Image and Data Recovery.

In 2004 he met his sweetheart, Mary. They later moved to Hickory in Chesapeake and married in their backyard on July 1, 2006. Together they built a wonderful life and became a loving blended family with Jackie, DJ, Faris and finally their first grandchild Hunter Lee, along with their furry babies, Charlie and Sandy. Merrill also had many friends who will remember him as genuine, caring, and ready to lend a hand to a friend or stranger. He had a big heart and loved to laugh. One of his favorite past times was his 30 year project " The 68 Chevy Camaro Convertible" ! Whenever the Honey Do List could be put aside it was his dream to finish his car.

He is predeceased by his beloved father Richard F. Van Ostrand. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Mary Van Ostrand, his daughters Faris D. Hess, Jacquelyn N. Van Ostrand, his step son Donald L. Newhart, Jr., his 1st grandson, Hunter Lee Davis, his mother Leola Pohl Van Ostrand, his brothers and their wives, Gale and Karen, Lynn, his twin Earl and his wife Andrea, Curtis and Shari, Richard, and his sister LeAnn and her husband, Jeff Kuhn along with nieces and nephews, Lauren, Franklin, EJ, Jessica, Katie, Christopher and a great-niece Leyla and great-nephews, Earl lll, and Brayden. He is also survived by many caring friends who loved him dearly. His family and friends will cherish our memories and miss him each and every day.

Merrill was diagnosed with stage lV brain cancer in May 2013, after 15 months of treatment he wanted to live life peacefully and enjoy his family. We are grateful for the care and love received by Medi Hospice in his final weeks. A special thank you also to Simply Cremation for their kindness and support.

A celebration of his life is planned on Saturday, Nov 1, 2014 at 2pm at our home. 449 Forest Road Chesapeake, VA. Please make donations, if you wish, to Brain Cancer Awareness and Research. The family plans to complete the Camaro and enter it in car shows to raise funds for brain cancer awareness and research as well. Van would really love that!