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BORN
1941
DIED
2023
Valeri Pianykh Obituary
1941 - 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Valeri "Val" Pianykh, who left us unexpectedly due to heart failure on October 11th, 2023, at the age of 82. Val's life was an odyssey of adventures. He scaled majestic mountain peaks, explored the world on his motorcycle, and courageously relocated our family from Russia to the USA. Above all, he instilled in us the profound value of selflessness.
Born on July 25th, 1941, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, he was the only child of George Mikhailovich Pianykh and Irina Ivanovna Chernukhina. From a young age, he had a fascination with anything powered by an engine. This passion guided him to study aeronautics at the Kharkiv Aviation Institute. In 1964, he distinguished himself by graduating with honors, securing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on aircraft engine design.
After graduating, he began his engineering career at the prestigious Baranov Central Institute of Aviation Motor Development (CIAM) in Moscow, Russia. There, his work focused on advanced aircraft propulsion systems. His significant research culminated in a dissertation, earning him a PhD in Technical Science in 1983.
Val married the love of his life, Galina Plyasunkova, in 1979, in Moscow. They shared a mutual love for mountaineering and adventure, together they explored the world on his Jawa 250 motorcycle and climbed numerous peaks, ranging from the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan, to the Tian Shan range in east Asia, and the Caucasus Mountains in the west.
In 1983, they welcomed a new chapter of their lives with the birth of their first son, Igor "Pablo" Pianykh. Followed by their second son, Oleg, in 1986. Igor was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that posed various physical challenges. From the very first day, Val devoted himself entirely to ensuring that Igor led a life as full and enriching as possible. With this goal in mind, he decided to move his family from Russia to the United States in 1996, settling in SLC, UT. While the move was an overwhelming challenge, Val was able to provide for his family and by 2001 the whole family had the honor of becoming US citizens. In 2009, Val found his professional niche at BD Medical. He remained dedicated to the company until the day of his passing.
Val was a man of few words, yet his kindness, keen sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to family spoke volumes. May he reunite with his treasured canine companion, Wendy, whom he adored as if she were his own child.
He will be remembered and missed dearly by his wife Galina and two sons Igor and Oleg.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 20th at 6:00 – 9:00 PM at European Tastees 4700 S 900 E UNIT 51, Millcreek, UT 84117. We will share stories, have some refreshments, maybe even get crazy and eat some caviar, and rejoice with a few tears and laughs. 6-7PM open house, followed by open mic remembrances.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all friends who have helped us in this difficult time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Valeri Pianykh
Shannon Pease - former Manager of Cobble Creek Community
November 2, 2023
Galina, Igor and Oleg,
My heart hurts to learn of Valeri's passing. I am very sorry for your loss. Galina, you and Valeri are true examples of love and kindness. I consider myself blessed to know your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristin Hilman
October 23, 2023
My family and I are sorry to hear of Val´s passing. We saw him at the symphony just a month ago, wheeling a Pablo around, like he did day in a day out, giving him the best life. To Galina, Pablo, Oleg, and the many others who loved Val, he really was an example of humbleness and selflessness. I am thankful for the ongoing association with your family starting when I met you 28 years ago I was Pablo´s teacher. He was one of my very first and is still my very favorite student. Much love to you all. Kristin Hilman and family
Liz Parker
October 21, 2023
Galina, my heart is breaking for you in this most difficult time. I loved seeing and chatting with Val and Pablo on their daily walks. I´ve never seen such love and devotion to family. He will be remembered in friendship and kindness. Much love to you, your neighbor, Liz
Scott Sanders
October 20, 2023
Galina, Igor and Oleg,
I worked with Val at Bard and later with BD. Val had a unique way to look past all the noise of a problem and point out what the root cause or what the critical items to look for. He was always a pleasure to work with.
Scott Sanders
Jan and Michael Cherniuk
October 20, 2023
Jan and I have just become recent friends with Val, Galina and Pablo as we only moved to Park Place in early 2021. It was easy to become friends with Val given his welcoming smile and warm comforting voice. We first met Val and Pablo as we walked around Park Place and ran into he and Pablo on their usual walk. We always enjoyed our conversations with Val's vast knowledge of world events and cultures particularly in Ukraine and Russia. We will miss him very much. Rest in Peace my friend.
Holly and Tom Holst
October 19, 2023
Dear Galina, Igor and Oleg.
We are stunned and devastated to hear of Valera´s passing. We truly look up to Valera and will miss his quiet kindness and humor. In loving memory of a dear friend.
Kelly
October 19, 2023
Galina, Pablo and Oleg - I am so sorry to hear that Valeri has passed. I know how much you will miss him, as will all of the people who knew and loved him. I always enjoyed running into him at various places, walking with Pablo and enjoying a cultural outing or a walk in the park. There was always a smile on his face and a friendly hello- he will be missed. My sympathies to your family - Kelly
Sergey Preobrazhensky
October 19, 2023
I was lucky to become a friend of the Pianykh family a long time ago back in Moscow. Observing Valeri´s life, the main thing that I can say is that he lived the life of a saint. I cannot remember a single event when he was doing something for himself. Always serving. During the last several years, I was studying near-death experiences, and I am convinced that Valeri is now enjoying a happy time. Heavens receive him. The longer we treasure in our hearts and minds our best memories of this wonderful man the better people we will be.
Walter B Rudolph
October 18, 2023
Dearest Galina, Pablo and Oleg, words absolutely fail us, trying to express ourselves at Valeri's passing. We've never known such a selfless person. His patience and dedication surpassed exemplary. His care and love of his family was always visible and felt. His attention to Pablo was beyond words. With Galina, we witnessed how love works in a family. The times we have spent in your home are among out choicest experiences. We treasure them, and we love you immensely. We shed tears of sympathy and love.
Marilyn and Wally Rudolph
Nadya Ugarte
October 18, 2023
My dear Galina,
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Valeri and especially Igor through you, and I learn to love and appreciate your family. Even though we have met in person a few times, our phone conversations are always pleasant and welcomed. The passing of your beloved Val is very sad, and I hope you can find peace during the next days. Igor will need you more now.
Let me know if I can be of any help. I will not be able to be with you on Friday, but know that I have you in my heart and in my prayers.
Take care. Your friend,
Nadya Ugarte
Terry Atkin
October 17, 2023
You know we loved and admired Val until the end. Will look for him still every day walking Pablo. What a hero he was. We love you all and will be here for you. Love, Terry and Tom
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