Hello everyone this is Vans sister Hassie. It is extremely sad for us to be writing this , but on behalf of the Bates/Royster family we are sorry to inform everyone that on Friday April 23 2021 Van suddenly passed away. Van was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and a legendary musician. He was living in California at the time of his passing and we would greatly appreciate any help to bring him home to the East Coast to have a proper home coming. This is heartbreaking but as my brother would say “ Have a wicked rad day everyone ! “ We know Van would want all of us to get together and be happy rather than sad. Celebrate his life and his music which he loved dearly . Thankyou love Hassie Royster, family and friends .