Mush, Richard Van May, passed from this earthly life June 5th, 2025 in Soldotna, Alaska, where he had been hospitalized with his family by his side. Van was born 9/12/60 in Utah and spent his early years and schooling in Ogden. He lived and worked in many places but spent the past 30 years in Alaska where he built and lived in his own home in Sterling. He was a member of the Sterling Brotherhood. He worked as an iron worker, heavy equipment operator, crane operator, a master of fishing and skilled/competent boat operator. He was employed the last several years at Prudhoe Bay oil fields. He made many lasting friendships, but his best buddy was his brother Brian.