Valdi, although not an U.S. Airman, is
included in the Airmen listing because he,
although an Icelandic citizen,was perhaps more
dedicated to H-3 and for a much longer time
frame than any of the U.S. Airman stationed at
H-3.
Long
time Icelandic citizen employee and VERY GOOD FRIEND
OF ALL WHO SERVED AT H-3, Valdi has died. I
received the following note May 3, 2009. So Long
Valdi. We will always have the memory of you in
our hearts. Maybe now your spirit can get to see
the Texas you loved.
Hello,
My name is Žorvaldur(Valdi) and I am the grandson of
Valdi who worked in H-3 in Iceland.
I wanted to let you know that my grandfather sadly
passed on 1. May 2009 from asbestos cancer.
He was born 28.mai 1930.
He retired after working in H-3 for 43 years.
If you could please forward this to people he worked
with and knew that will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Žorvaldur Hafdal
For some
Special history you might not know about Valdi's
special relationship with Texas, we have this from
Bobby Bowling.
Hello,
I was stationed at H-3 in '80/'81 and just happened upon
your site today and read the sad news of Valdi's
passing. Valdi was a very dear friend during my tenure
there; we occupied desks across from one another in the
maintenance building and I visited his home many times.
You may not know this, circa 1974, Valdi, selflessly
risking his own life, saved the life of a young
Texas airman who'd fallen in the icy waters. Then Texas
Governor, Dolph Briscoe, cited Valdi's heroism and
proclaimed him an honorary Texan. Valdi was extremely
proud of being a "Texan" and always sported his
well-worn Stetson. I suspect my being a Texan kept Valdi
from giving me his customary bone crushing bear
hugs.
Sincerely,
Bobby Bowling (Gonzales)
SSgt, USAF (former)
Electrician
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