Like most cyclists in the Pasadena area, I met Val through cycling and the many regular rides that would occur during the week. Anyone that rode in the last 25+ years has likely met or seen him on either the Montrose ride or Tuesday/Thursday Rose Bowl ride. He passed on Sunday morning, January 4th 2026. He was 82.

Him and his wife of nearly 33 years, Dace, had recently lost their home in Altadena in the Eaton fire a year ago and we had reconnected through this tragic event. He remembered I was an architect and wanted to work together to rebuild his home. We also lost our home and I was too overwhelmed to take work on, but I wanted to help however I could so we agreed that I would guide them along while they hired a local firm to assist with coordinating with the County for their permits. It was and continues to be a challenging process but they were waiting to get their permit when he suddenly passed. He wanted to do most of the work himself, researching online and watching videos. He felt confident that he could do a lot of it and they would rebuild much of their new home together. The new floor plan reflected how they imagined having their daily routine back, including the front porch that looked south towards downtown LA, something they enjoyed in the mornings and evenings and wanted to continue after they moved in.

Val & Dace wanted to make sure they were healthy for the physical task of rebuilding and did regular walks from their rental in the San Rafael hills to the Paseo in Old Town Pasadena. I recall meeting them for coffee to go over floor plans and him being very proud of their 5 mile walk. A few days before Christmas, they sent me a photo of themselves in front of a Christmas tree there and they looked happy, but most importantly, hopeful. I'm hoping to gather donations in honor of Val and to help his wife with continuing in the rebuilding process. Please spread the word and share this link.

Below is a bio that I asked his wife Dace to provide.

Val was born on March 13, 1943, in Daugavpils, Latvia. During WW11 his family was deported to Siberia by the Soviets after they occupied Latvia. He grew up in very poor conditions, but through joining

the cycling sport was able to break out of poverty. Because he won so many first place cycling events, the Soviets paid for his education at Uzbekistan's University where he specialized in cycling & graduated in 1964 with a degree in Physical Training & Sports, Anatomy & Physiology. He won many international cycling events. Val emigrated to USA in 1989 & later received a Masters Degree as a Sports Trainer from Cal State Fullerton. Val immediately joined the cycling community in Southern California & enjoyed the Saturday & Wednesday rides. As a Trainer, Val researched all aspects of cycling & had many winners in his career. He loved racing & giving training advice.

Val leaves behind his wife Dace & daughter Kristine.