On February 2, 2003, the English Cocker Spaniel world lost a loyal friend and benefactor, Vance Van Laanen.
The resurgence of the field bred English Cocker Spaniel is due
in large part to the early efforts of Vance.
He was a founder and past president of the Northeast Wisconsin Spaniel Club and the Fox Valley English Cocker Spaniel Club.
When the Springer Bark magazine ceased to be, Vance contacted Roger Houk to continue the voice of the springer world, and Springers On the Line emerged.
Spaniels in the Field owes its existence to Vance, and, Art Rodger who accepted the challenge and became the editor of S.I.T.F..
We remember Vance as an opinionated man with deep convictions of his beliefs.
He shared his wealth of knowledge of his beloved cockers with anyone who contacted him about pedigrees, puppies, or just to "talk dogs". He was a former Green Beret, CEO of three corporations, an avid hunter and fisherman, and above all, a devoted dog man.
