This memorial website is created in loving memory of Val Ivey. He remains in our hearts and will be remembered forever - until we meet again. Val Gordon Ivey was larger than life. He was a seeker of knowledge and an explorer in his own right. He loved to share stories and incite curiosity in others with his vast knowledge of the world. You never knew what might be around the corner when you were by Val's side, but it would always leave an impression on your heart, and wisdom in your life in some way or another.
The life of Val was a wondrous trail of adventures that left in its wake more questions than answers. 74 trips around the sun weren't nearly enough for us. He held his family close and friends even closer. If you gained passage to his heart, it would be lined with a treasure trove of love curated especially just for you. Val was a man who made friends wherever he went. When Val loved you, he loved with all of his might, and was a fierce friend.
His thirst for travel took him to many places, and on many adventures, but home is where his heart resided – where he was truly the master of his kingdom, garden, and barbecue. Val transformed his home into a library of all things that embodied his interests. He surrounded himself with generations of knickknacks and keepsakes that we now sift through to rekindle memories into golden ones.
He was fascinated by the curious and the unsolved. Although, one can say that he himself was a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.
Val was dedicated to the principles of Social Work and improving the human condition. He had a deep respect for education, earning several undergraduate and graduate university degrees, and by continuing his education on a personal level, as an avid lifelong reader.
Val’s friend Rick shares, “
Although he had a kind heart and a generous manner, he could also hold a grudge. Notably, he never forgave a former owner of the Seattle Supersonics for selling the team and allowing the new owners to move the Sonics to Oklahoma City.” This obituary would not be complete if we didn’t mention his unwavering love for the Seattle Seahawks.
Val was born on Vashon Island, Washington, and was raised in both Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska. At 17 Val enlisted in the U.S. Army, then was stationed in Korea, and Fort Lawton, Washington. While serving he married Kerry Ivey in 1965 and had three children. Upon returning to civilian life he and his family resided in Port Townsend, Washington, where he worked for Crown Zellerbach Mill. After a life-altering accident at the mill, Val returned to school attending Central Washington University where he studied Art History, Theology, and Sociology. Later he attended Eastern Washington University where he secured a master’s degree in Social Work and Public Administration. In 1975 Val began working for Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Val welcomed his fourth child in 1990 and married Cynthia Ivey in 1995. Val retired May 1, 2009, after 34 years with the State of Washington. He spent his retirement years with his lovely bride, traveling the world, perfecting his garden, and indulging in all things adventurous.
Val had a passion for unraveling history and religion, this man truly held knowledge in every step of his journey. Val lived life to the fullest. He was funny, intelligent, big-hearted, and authentic. He is deeply missed. Val is survived by his wife Cynthia Ivey, son Vincent Ivey, three daughters Kristine Marzolf, Valerie Hamry, Sara Ivey, eight grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The family would also like to recognize Val’s many nieces and nephews, friends, and loved ones including his best friends Rick Arnold, Debbie and Jeff Willis, former wife Kerry Ivey, mother to his three eldest children, and Shirley Stirling, mother to his youngest daughter. Val would encourage you to stay strong, live in the moment, and continue the journey with hope and acceptance. He loved you all.
Shirley sums up how we are all feeling at this moment, “
There is an empty place in my heart with Val gone, one that cannot be filled. His death was the end of an era for me, and I think of him every day. I think of conversations we had, his intelligence, his love of learning, his intellectual curiosity, his appreciation of so many beautiful things, his unique perspectives. I wish that I could talk to him again - but it is not to be.”A celebration of Val’s life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, which would have been his 75th birthday. Time and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union Gospel Mission. Val felt very strongly about homelessness and contributed regularly to the Mission. Please reach out to them directly at
https://ougm.org