Randi Brynhild Valdok

She relished her childhood on Sørarnøy, exploring every corner of the island with her friends and cousins. A tomboy at heart, she was full of energy, wore a ready smile, and showed genuine interest and care toward others. Randi graduated from Akerhus Husmorsskole (Home Economics College) in 1955. She later moved to Oslo and worked as a governess for Doctor Espedal and his family.

Randi met her husband Bjørn at a dance in Oslo in 1957. There was an instant attraction, and together they enjoyed all things outdoors, especially skiing. They were engaged Easter 1958 on a skiing holiday in Hallingdal. That year, Bjørn built a cabin on his home island of Tjøme with the help of his father. The family traveled back to Norway to spend many wonderful summers at the cabin over the years.

Randi and Bjørn were married on March 21, 1959 and emigrated to the United States three weeks later and settled in Seattle. They quickly became part of the Seattle Norwegian community, attending weekly dances at Norway Center, joining Kongsberger Ski Club, Sons of Norway, and Norlandslaget. In 1962, Randi joined a Norwegian sewing club (syklubb) with a group of women who had also emigrated to Seattle. The club met monthly for 60 years, fostering life-long friendships that extended to their husbands.

"La oss leve for hverandre" (let us live for one another) was a hallmark of Randi's life. She held the position of Vice-President in Nordlandslaget and received the Emma Vatn Inspirational Award in 1997 and 2010. She volunteered at area churches and homeless shelters and was considered a "pillar" of the congregation at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, ready to extend a helping hand and encourage others in their faith. Over her 60-year membership, Randi coordinated wedding and funeral receptions, taught Sunday School, served on several committees and participated in circle and bible study groups.

She was a hostess supreme. Her dinner parties were numerous and legendary. She loved to cook, and dressing the table was as important as what she served. She had a passion for gardening, and her yard was a showcase in Olympic Manor. People walking by would often stop to compliment her garden. Randi was a true nature lover. She enjoyed skiing, hiking, and camping, and was always the one to set up the tent and chop wood for the campfire.

Randi treasured her travels. She visited Palm Springs, Maui, Sedona, and Anchorage multiple times, along with countless road trips throughout Washington, Oregon, and Canada. Randi and Bjørn enjoyed several cruises with friends to Mexico, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Her last cruise was to the Panama Canal in 2018. Spurred by her faith and interest in history, she visited the Holy Lands twice with church tours to Israel, Egypt, and Greece. Her husband, Bjørn, joined the second time. Most significant to Randi were her trips back to Norway and Sweden. She became a U.S. citizen in 1996 and was proud of becoming an American while keeping her love of Norway and her roots firmly in her heart.

Given her genuine spirit and generous nature, Randi was admired, respected, and loved by many. She held a special place in the hearts of her nieces and nephews and extended family across Norway, Sweden, England, and the United States. She is remembered with love by her son, LeRoy, and daughter, Mona. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bjørn Valdok.

Funeral Information

Memorial services will be held at Evergreen Washelli at 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA on Saturday, July 19th at 2 pm. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Phinney Ridge Outreach Committee, which offers direct financial assistance to individuals and families in need; to Evergreen Health Foundation (hospice fund); or to a charity of your choice.