Championing the Spirit of Golf... The Shivas Irons Society
The Shivas Irons Society held a special place in Van's life and for all of us who knew him, his kind spirit, inquisitive mind and gentle manner left an indelible impression and made us better for having been in his presence. As his son John mentioned, golf was extremely important to him as a vehicle for self-discovery, companionship, and just plain fun. Van passed away May 13 at the age of 94. Some of you may know Dr. Lyman "Van" Slyke from past Society events. If not, let us introduce you to a pillar of the Society, someone whose efforts well pre-date the 1992 birth of The Shivas Irons Society. In addition to being a close and personal friend to SIS Founder Steve Cohen, Van was an early advocate and supporter of Steve's vision that golf could be a vehicle for an examined life, a place where one could learn about him/herself as learner, golfer and human being.
Van was a charter and advisory board member, a board member, a Society writer and a driving creative force behind the creation of The Journal of the Shivas Irons Society. He was a passionate learner, lover of all aspects of the game, and even a club-fitting hobbyist. As described in the obituaries below, Van was a distinguished teacher, author and historian of Modern China at Stanford University. And he was someone who has generously shared his knowledge on Society trips to destinations such as Bhutan. In addition to the Shivas Irons Society, Quarry Hill Botanical garden (now Sonoma Botanical Garden, Sonoma Botanical Garden) was also an important organization to him--he served for a time on their board. Van, we will cherish our memories of you. Van Slyke was preceded in death by his wife Barbara. The Shivas Irons Society sends our sympathies to his children, Peter, John and Betsey, and to his four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
https://humsci.stanford.edu/feature/lyman-p-van-slyke-pioneering-scholar-chinese-history-dies-94