Photo courtesy of CLOSED-Harvey Family Funeral Home
Seattle, Washington
Feb 14, 1948 – Jan 16, 2021 (Age 72)
Read MoreOur dear Ivan passed away at home in the arms of his family on January 16th. He was 72. He had been fighting a blood infection that reached his heart, on top of a decade-long battle with Parkinson’s.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Liz Valauri, his children Christopher and Alexis, and his siblings Deronda and Irvie (wife Suzie).
Ivan led a unique and energetic life. Born to a minister and a nurse in Altus, OK, he grew up working on farms and attended high school in Cherokee, where he was the Oklahoma State Debate Champion in 1966. He then studied at NW Oklahoma State University, pursued a PhD in political science at UT Austin, held a fellowship with the Russell Sage Foundation in New York City, and finally earned his JD at Harvard Law.
He moved to Seattle in 1977 to work for the Federal Trade Commission, and made the city his home. In 1978 he married the love of his life Liz Valauri, a dancer/choreographer and teacher whom he had met while at Harvard. In the 1980s the couple welcomed two children, Christopher and Alexis, who have since grown up to be a composer and scientist respectively. Ivan was a dedicated father and husband who strongly supported the individual callings of his family members.
He dedicated his life to helping others, working for 30 years as a King County Prosecutor against financial abuse of the elderly and complex economic crime. His passions included soccer, computers, teaching, and working as a statistician for the Seahawks.
He is remembered especially for his kind and giving spirit, immense brainpower, and endless jokes. He loved to cook and would regularly prepare multi-course feasts for friends even while facing health issues.
A small funeral was held on January 26th, 2021. His family is creating a digital memorial for him at the site IvansLife.com (currently under construction - check back for updates). This website will allow friends to upload photos and share memories of Ivan and learn more about his life story.
When able, the family will also hold in person gatherings in Seattle and Oklahoma to celebrate Ivan’s life.
Dear Ivan, brother prosecutor. prosecutor. Lost contact a while back and now learning he passed. Unique soulfulness and brilliant legal mind, with good common sense. Am confident you are in a special, gifted place now, at peace. dr
D. R
January 19, 2024 | CO | Friend
Dear dear Ivan; you were my counterpart in elder financial crimes when I was the first detective assigned to this at SPD. Thank you for your guidance and humanity in these difficult cases. You cracked me up with your unorthodox clothing style yet were professional and dedicated. I remember you fondly and wish I had your energy that was so pervasive.
Deepest sympathy to your family, friends and colleagues.
Maurine “Mo” Stich
February 01, 2021 | Bend, OR | Coworker