Dear Holly, Jamie & Jeremy, Cheryl & Michelle,

I remember Val at Cheryl's Christmas parties and other family events through the years as being one of his niece's (Michelle) best friend. He always treated me like family and very respectful of my Serbian Orthodox background. I was familiar with the Baha'i faith when I was in college through a friend. We didn't talk much of religion, but would breakdown Serbian words due to his love of linguistics. I had a chance to see Val again many years later as an adult when Val and Cheryl on the way down to Florida stopped at our home and spent some time with us, especially with our best man Jovan. They stayed up late as if solving the world's problems. They discussed many areas of religion, history and facts. Also, I got the impression he enjoyed the food too. I had the opportunity to make his mom's lemon pie, which his sister, Cheryl shared the recipe. It was a short visit, but it was filled with many meals, lots of conversations and meeting many of our friends. I was very touched when after his return to NY he sent us a beautiful orthodox icon with a thank you note. My husband & I treasure this gift from him. He made us feel very special. As we say in orthodoxy, " May His Memory Be Eternal"-

Yana & John Allen

Dear Holly, Jamie, Jeremy and entire Ziegler family,

I am saddened and shocked to hear of Val's passing. Val was a true friend of the heart. I will always remember Val as striving for authenticity and integrity and his devotion to the Baha'i faith and his family.

Both Carl and I extend our deepest sympathy.

Nancy and Carl Merritt

Holly, Jamie and Jeremy

Our deepest sympathies to you. We were blessed to be your neighbors for over 30 years. Val will be missed by so many. May your memories bring you peace and comfort.

Bill and Maureen

Holly and sons,

I am so sorry to hear of Val passing. I ran into Val at the Greece library a couple of years ago. We reminisced about when your kids were young and my daughters would babysit them. He talked about your sons, what they were doing and yourself what you were doing. It was nice to run into him and catch up. Val was always pleasant to work with at CCI and would make me laugh with his dry humor. I would surely like to attend his memorial service. My condolences are with you and your sons and family. My thoughts are with you.

Rene (Donaldson) Fogarty

So sorry for your loss. I worked closely with Val at CCI in the 80s, both of us working on voice automation systems. I was out of touch with him after visiting him briefly in Walnut Creek. My recollection is of someone generous, kind, and with an appreciation of humorous wordplay. Always very professional, with three-piece suit and tie every day. (Though he did confide later that he had come to realize later on that one could dress more casually and still be professional. Maybe that was the California influence, and not me! ;^) Anyway, again, my condolences to all of his family and friends. Peace,

My deepest sympathies go out to Holly and the boys, and the rest of Val's family. He was a good person, and a friend during our years of working together back in the 1980's.

Cheryl and family - our sincerest sympathies and may God Bless you all - Larry and Barb Vaughan