On January 4th, 2025, Valentin (Myasoedov) Volodin (b. May 9, 1937) peacefully passed after a life of journey, which took him from a small town in the Tambov Region of Russia, through the steppes and the forests of Siberia, to the Golden Coast of California. Born as the oldest child to a rural Russian family in the village of Khrenoyarovka, he grew up during the struggles and the hardships of the Great Patriotic War in the USSR. He traveled to Siberia at the age of 16, traversing the largest country on earth with only his wits and perseverance to help him.

After working as a ferry deck hand, he successfully completed all education required to apply to
the Soviet Air Force Academy, where he graduated with the highest honors and earned the rank of Junior Lieutenant. Driven by his infatuation with aircraft and flight, he chose the service area of aircraft mechanic. Valentin's love for mechanics, engineering, and problem-solving remained with him after his service, being able to fix anything from a car engine to complex chemical equipment. He successfully applied for the Buaman Moscow State Technical University and graduated with honors. Though not being able to become a pilot Valentin found a close second passion in downhill skiing. With no one to train him, he learned to downhill ski by reading books on the subject and practicing in his off time.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Valentin seized the opportunity to bring his family to
the U.S., where he started anew, first as a door to door salesman and eventually working for Intel as an electronic engineer.

He was eternally dedicated to his family and his wife, Ludmila, and they remained together
through hardships and glories from their wedding day on 10 March 1981. Valentin was always admired for his honesty and his dedication to helping others. He spent most of his life helping those around him and seldom thought about himself. In his twilight years, he spent most of his days reading classics and reciting poetry he learned as a child to his wife, who remained by his side until the very end. He is survived by his son, Sergei Volodin of Hanover, MD, and his wife, Ludmila Alexandrova of Redwood City, CA.
Per his request, there will be no services or funeral.