Valentin was born in Kupyansk near Kharkov, Ukraine, son of Semeon and Claudia Idelson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Yevdokiya “Dusya”. Valik is survived by his daughter Irina Idelson-Vaysfligel and her husband, Sergey Vaysfligel, by stepson Alexander Schukin and his wife Lusya, by grandchildren Dmitry Schukin, Alina Vaysfligel, Alisa Vaysfligel-Huschka and her husband Andrew Huschka, as well as by great-grandchildren Ronan and Emery Huschka.
Valik lived a long, sometimes difficult, but happy and fulfilling life. He was a faithful husband and devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a true family man. He was a loving father to his daughter and stepson, and a tender and doting grandfather to his grand- and great-grandchildren. He had recently learned about another great-grand daughter on the way, whom he was very excited to meet and already loved. He loved his family, and his family loved him back immensely.
Until the very end of his life, he retained an exceptional memory. It was a delight to listen to many stories of his childhood and youth, of the times long gone.
He worked hard all his life – whether it was in the professional area or at home, on various construction projects or in the kitchen, in the gardens or orchards of the old country, or in the backyard of his daughter’s home in his new adopted country.
Those who were fortunate enough to meet and get to know him loved and respected him in response to the love and respect that he always gave to others.
Our family, both here and back in Ukraine, are eternally indebted to him. We will miss him dearly.
