Bill Van Ryn —a self-employed farmer who is an avid supporter of Catholic ministries — is being inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame. 

Other members of the Class of 2017 are Jack Devincenzi, athletics; Rick Arucan, education; Rick Hammarstrom, art; Dr. Glenn Brown, health care; Jack Lewis, business; Scott Blevins, business; Jerry Rose, at large, Ken Hafer, special recognition ; and Tevani Liotard, community service.

Van Ryn is being inducted for agriculture.

The 25th annual induction ceremonies and dinner takes place on Saturday, May 20, at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane.  Dinner is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $60. They are available through the Boys & Girls Club by calling 239-KIDS.

Van Ryn has been a self-employed farmer since 1974.

“When I think of Bill and what he has done and what he is still doing in agriculture, it is amazing,” noted Art Perry of Perry & Sons who nominated Van Ryn. “He is very involved in farming and Ag business where he has done a great job.”

Van Ryn has served as the Calla Nile Farm Center president and on the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau board. He played a key role in the federal lobbying effort to change the estate tax law for family farms to allow them to flourish generation after generation.

He is a member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where he is active in marriage preparation for young. He is also the male mentor for young married couples, is a member of Perpetual Adoration Team at St. Anthony’s, and assists with the ministries supporting single mothers and children.

Van Ryn is also a supporter of the Manteca Pregnancy Help Center and the St. Vincent de Paul Society that helps the needy with food, clothing, and other needs.

The 1976 Manteca High graduate enjoys building, repairing, and cleaning farm equipment.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com