Bjorn Leo Valdok

Bjorn Leo Valdok was born in Tjome, Norway on January 15, 1932 and died peacefully at home on July 20th, 2014. In his younger years, Bjorn enjoyed skiing, ski-jumping, soccer, hunting and fishing in his native Norway.

Bjorn worked as an accountant for a whaling company from 1951 to 1952 at Grytviken in South Georgia, off the coast of Argentina. He served as a Sergeant in the anti-aircraft-artillery for the Norwegian military from 1953 to 1954, ranking 1st in his military class. In 1956, Bjorn graduated 1st in his class with honors from the "Bedriftskonomisk" University in Oslo.

Bjorn built a cabin on his home island of Tjome with the help of his father. The family has traveled back to Norway to spend many wonderful summers at the cabin over the years. He and Randi were married in March 1959, and they immigrated to Seattle three weeks later to start their new adventure. After arriving, he spent a year fishing halibut in Alaska and tuna off the Oregon Coast. In 1961, Bjorn established his accounting practice and built a successful business. He was highly regarded for his financial acumen, integrity and work ethic. In 1978 he became a U.S. citizen.

He continued his love of hunting in the US, hunting deer and elk throughout Washington State. He had a true love of nature and in later years greatly enjoyed his "hunt camp" in Eastern Washington. In addition, Bjorn was an avid bridge player, winning several local competitions.

He is remembered and missed by his loving wife Randi, his son LeRoy and his daughter Mona. He is also mourned by his Aunt Lila, two sister in laws, Inga and Bina; and numerous nieces and nephews in Norway, Sweden, England and the United States.