Church co-founder killed

Local church founder Arie Van Ryn was killed Dec. 8 when he was hit by a truck near his family’s second residence in Rosarito, Mexico.

Van Ryn, 69, a 30-year Laguna Beach resident, owned dairy businesses and was a co-founder of Calvary Chapel Laguna Beach in 1996. The church became one of the largest in Laguna and eventually moved to Irvine to accommodate the growing congregation.

Van Ryn was still active in the church “” now called Kingsfield Church “” acting as both treasurer and as a church elder.

He was also known for leading weekly prayer meetings Saturday mornings at Main Beach.

Jeanette Van Ryn, Arie’s widow, said she feels that while all those were important titles and positions to take on, she hopes the lesson he passes on will be in how to be a good father and husband.

“His life really belonged to a lot of people and he influenced many,” Jeanette Van Ryn said.

In addition to his wife, Van Ryn is survived by five children “” Leonard, 49, Rick, 48, Jon, 47, Donald, 42, and Suzanne Gross, 25. He was also grandfather to 11 and had three great-grandchildren.

The family assembled at the home in Mexico to plan the services.

“It’s really been great just to gather together and remember him and share our stories together,” Jeanette Van Ryn said.

Van Ryn’s memorial is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Kingsfield Church, 45 Tesla, Irvine. For information on the service, call the church at (949) 679-1000.

Memorials may be made in care of McCormick & Son Mortuary, Laguna Beach.