In Memoriam

Music major Ethan Van Bochoven ’19 died in a tragic car accident involving 11 vehicles while he was traveling home for fall break Oct. 12.

More than 500 students, employees and community members attended a memorial service held in his honor at the College’s Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts Oct. 14. Worship Pastor Doug Curry, President Kim Phipps and Van Bochoven’s faculty advisor, Tim Dixon, co-chair of the Department of Music, remembered him through personal stories and prayer. The worship community, of which he was a part, led a time of singing and reflection.

Recounting Van Bochoven’s audition for the Department of Music as an incoming student, Dixon said, “He just opens up, and there is this amazing fire to his playing. He could improvise, which is an unusual skill for a violin player.”

But it was his character people remembered most. “He was humble. He was not afraid to show people love, even if he didn’t know them,” said friend Esteban Nieves ’18. “He would want the love of Christ to be shown through this somehow. It might be tragic, but the love of God that Ethan showed is stronger than death. He showed that in his life.

During her eulogy at the memorial, President Kim Phipps said in prayer, “God of love and mercy, thank you for the light that Ethan brought to so many lives. May we all find inspiration in his joy-filled Christ-like example, and may we find hope in Your promise of resurrection and eternal life for Ethan and each one of us.”

Van Bochoven was to play in his final orchestra concert Oct. 19, so classmates recognized him with an empty chair placed on the stage to honor his memory.