Norman Valdon Belnap "Val" Obituary (1947

Well, what do you know? Looks like I finally made it! The obituary pages were always the first section I turned to when newspapers were… paper. And every day I would say to Joanne, “I’d better check the obituaries to see if I’m in there today.” And look at that! Here I am. I came into this mortal existence on February 6, 1947, in Murray, Utah. Ezra and Lina Belnap were my parents. I was their youngest child with Donna (Lewis), Vaughn, Marv, and Judy (Dansie) as my older siblings. Marv is the only one left now. Carry on Marv… I’ll be waiting for you on the other side. I grew up in Holladay. Baseball was my life in those years, and I attended the U of U on a baseball scholarship. I gave up that scholarship as well as a bid to play with the Phillies to go on an LDS mission to Norway 1966-1968. On May 9, 1970, I married the love of my life, Joanne Strate, a Canadian girl who knocked my socks off one memorable Sunday when she walked into church while visiting an aunt who lived in my ward. Jo and I were engaged a month later and we celebrated our 50th anniversary a year ago. Those first few years brought our greatest blessings; five remarkable children, Heather Belnap, Kimberley (Sandberg), Danielle (Sellers), Lyndsey Belnap, and Nick Belnap. Those blessings gave us others. We are the proud grandparents of 17 grandchildren. Throughout my life I’ve loved and served the Lord. I especially loved the callings that allowed me to build relationships and hopefully be an influence on the young men and young women I was fortunate enough to work with. Helping others was always my goal and greatest fulfillment whether through church service, my business in addiction recovery, coaching various teams or as patriarch of my beautiful family. I’m not going to lie. The past four years have been a struggle. I’ve looked cancer in the eye (Mantle Cell Lymphoma, and most recently Myelodysplastic Syndrome.) I won some, lost some others, but ultimately came a run or two short of taking the pennant. However, considering where I am now, I think I won the ol’ ball game. Well, Joanne was always good with the last word so I’m going to let her finish up now…and we’ll see you “around the campus.” From Joanne: Norman Valdon Belnap (whom you all know as Val) passed away August 14, 2021. He is the love of my life as I am his. He was the best father and grandfather that ever lived. He had a superpower of making everyone feel loved and important. He championed the underdog. He was easy to talk to and he cared deeply. He listened, truly listened—but most of all, he showed up for those he cared about. He was valiant in his fight against cancer, never complaining, and willing to do all he could. A week before his passing he received personal confirmation that all that was possible had been done and he told me “It’s time.” He came home on comfort care and 4 days later was mercifully and peacefully lifted from this mortal life. He died as he lived—Humbly, and without fanfare, surrounded by loved ones and an unwavering knowledge of his Savior’s love. His family is comforted with the reunification he is planning for us on the other side. Oh, how we will miss him, but we know he is walking beside us every day. Love you, Val. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 20, 2021 at the South Fork Park (East end), 4988 South Fork Road, Provo, Utah (Provo Canyon—turn at Vivian Park and follow the road for about 2-3 miles). A viewing will be held at the Berg Mortuary of Orem, 500 North State Street, Thursday, August 19 from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the park on Friday from 10-10:50 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Timpanogos Memorial Garden Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.