If I remember correctly (no small thing these days), I met Val in junior high (Miner). I agree with Randy, Val was one tough basketball player...not particularly tall but strong and physical. Frankly, he was a tough kid out of Chicago and I steered clear of him at first. But for some reason, when we did talk, he couldn't have been nicer. And while we were never really good friends, I was always struck by his kindness and willingness to talk about things. RIP, Val!
Right Mark! Val came to Miner JH during the school year, I believe in 7th grade? He was more physically mature than most of us at that age, thus the intimidation factor. However, as he joined us, it was appearent that he was a quiet, unassuming, friendly guy. His athleticism was off the charts. Condolences to his family! RIP
I believe Val went to Kensington before moving to the city and back again with his Mom and sister. We became friends and used to walk to Miner together. I lived on Rammer and I think he lived on Phelps. He told me stories about being near the riots and looting during the Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1968. He used to come over to my home with Gary Rung and Jim (?) to play pool on my Dad's pool table in the basement. Even if I wasn't home, they would knock on the door and ask to come in. We took different paths in high school. He's listed in the yearbook as playing football, baseball, and basketball. I was just searching Val's name recently in Facebook to see if I coud find him. What sad news to hear abut his death. He may have settled in Mesa, AZ according to internet searches, but I could not find an obituary.
Although I left Prospect High in January 1974, I did say that I graduated! I remember Val as always having a smile and a hello to me! Val definitely was a great guy!! RIP Val, I wish I knew you better!
Randy Hauslein
What I remember about Val, he was a hell of a good basketball player
In team practice I always got stuck covering Val when running plays
He would wipe the floor with me. I guess he taught me humility.
Mark Greenwood
If I remember correctly (no small thing these days), I met Val in junior high (Miner). I agree with Randy, Val was one tough basketball player...not particularly tall but strong and physical. Frankly, he was a tough kid out of Chicago and I steered clear of him at first. But for some reason, when we did talk, he couldn't have been nicer. And while we were never really good friends, I was always struck by his kindness and willingness to talk about things. RIP, Val!
Glen Lindemann
Right Mark! Val came to Miner JH during the school year, I believe in 7th grade? He was more physically mature than most of us at that age, thus the intimidation factor. However, as he joined us, it was appearent that he was a quiet, unassuming, friendly guy. His athleticism was off the charts. Condolences to his family! RIP
Renee Larsen
I believe Val went to Kensington before moving to the city and back again with his Mom and sister. We became friends and used to walk to Miner together. I lived on Rammer and I think he lived on Phelps. He told me stories about being near the riots and looting during the Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1968. He used to come over to my home with Gary Rung and Jim (?) to play pool on my Dad's pool table in the basement. Even if I wasn't home, they would knock on the door and ask to come in. We took different paths in high school. He's listed in the yearbook as playing football, baseball, and basketball. I was just searching Val's name recently in Facebook to see if I coud find him. What sad news to hear abut his death. He may have settled in Mesa, AZ according to internet searches, but I could not find an obituary.
Janice Matheson (Elbert)
Although I left Prospect High in January 1974, I did say that I graduated! I remember Val as always having a smile and a hello to me! Val definitely was a great guy!! RIP Val, I wish I knew you better!