February 14, 1945 - May 7, 2024

Val J Bangerter was born on February 14, 1946, in Salt Lake City Utah and passed away on May 7, 2024 in Portland, OR surrounded by his loving family. He was truly a “Valentine” to those who loved him, which was everyone who knew him.

Val spent his childhood years in the small town of Bountiful, Utah. He was the second child of five and enjoyed a life filled with family, sports and music. He especially loved and excelled in baseball and music. He became an accomplished pianist which he enjoyed his entire life, being the accompanist for many a family musical performance with his daughters and grandchildren as they grew up. He brought Music to our lives.

Val attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah and was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity where he formed lifelong friendships. It is also where he met and married the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Gessel. He graduated from the School of Business with a degree in Finance and Economics. Upon his graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Val was very proud of his Military Service. He served bravely in Vietnam as a Captain in the Infantry. He received The Bronze Star for valor.

The beginning of Civilian life with a young family brought changes. Upon leaving the military, the family moved to Wyoming and San Francisco, CA with Michelin Tires and later Pirelli, and a move to the Portland area where they remained. Val, along with his business partner, started their “dream business” Plus One Motorsports in Portland and created a great clientele and more lifelong friendships.

Val’s next chapter involved working independently with long time business associates from Michelin in new ventures. It also allowed more time for outside interests and family. Tennis was a family favorite and they were members of Eastmoreland Racquet Club and later Mt. Park Tennis Club. Val also enjoyed golf. He spent many wonderful times with family and friends at their home in Sunriver over the past 25 years.

Val was deeply loved by those who had the privilege of knowing him. Over his 17 yrs. in West Linn and the past 30 in Lake Oswego, he has brightened many days with his quick wit and kind, generous heart. He was the calming force in a family of 3 women, the prank waiting to be pulled, the unconditional love without an end.

He is survived and deeply missed by his wife of 56 years Pat, his daughters, Tiffany Walsh (Geoff) and Katie Chrisman (Matt), 5 Grandchildren, Phoebe and Stella Walsh, Ayslin, Kellen and Ethan Chrisman. He is also survived by his four siblings, Richard Bangerter (Pat), Shawna Zesiger (Robert), Sherrie Trythall (Dewayne, Wanda Copier (John) and Sister-in-law Kathy Parker and other beloved family and friends. A Private Family Service to take place at Willamette National Cemetery on June 3rd. There will be a Celebration of Life in July. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to Tunnels to Towers, which may be made at https://t2t.org/donate/ or to a charity of the donor's choice that serves the veteran community.