Van Wastell's family and friends gathered this past Saturday night at Skatelab skatepark where Van was a local to pay tribute to their friend, brother and son by having a big ole bowl session and enjoying great photos of Van that lined the wall.

Skateboarder Magazine was on hand to capture the memories of Saturday Night-

Skatelab was the host to the memorial jam.


Van's brother Eddie Villa, Skatelab owner Todd Huber and Mikey Taylor.


Eddie telling Mikey about all the great photos that were displayed.


Deluxe sent down a bunch of Van posters.


Peabody, Mike Anderson and John Alden.

Check out more photos on Skateboarder Mag.

Here's my Top 10 Skate Stories of 2008 in no particular order. It is only my personal opinion, if you disagree tell me about it. Referring to the first one, I know he won those awards for his part in a video released in 2007, it's just Transworld ran their award show pretty far into the year, whereas Thrasher picks a S.O.T.Y at the end of that year. That's why Guy is on here and MJ is not. Photo: MORINformed

1. Guy Mariano cleans up at the Transworld Awards.
2. Silas Baxter-Neal is the motha' fuckin' S.O.T.Y
3. Van Wastell and Johnny Romano pass away way too soon, RIP.
4. Anti-Hero and Girl go on tour together.
5. The Boss gives Ellington a DeathWish, as in DeathWish skateboards.
6. Arto and Flip part ways.
7. Dustin Dollin starts Piss Drunk Distribution, and Flip goes to NHS Distribution because of the "synergy."
8. Alex Olson says thanks for the section I'm going to Vans.
9. Epicly Later'd focuses on the Crail guys.
10. Rune Glifberg goes on a contest slaying spree, and Paul Rodriguez wins 100K at the Maloof.

Matix put together a cool video tribute for Van. For information on how to donate money to the Van Wastell Memorial Fund click here.