© Joe DiMaggio MMIX

Blogs were not intended to be obituaries. Then again, young men are not supposed to die. Val Kosenkov was one of the most sweet, lovely people I have ever met. Unlike some of my friends that I've known for twenty, thirty years, I knew Val for only five years. His lovely daughter, Kristyne, was my studio manager, and recently came back to help on the cutting of a new documentary. Val had a beautiful smile, great disposition, and would go out of his way to help a stranger. God did not make many people better than Val, but for whatever reason, he chose to take him at a very young age. I know all the cliches, and I don't particularly like them. Things like, "He's in a better place."

I will always remember him, and I will remember him often and fondly.

So Val, continue on your voyage because death is not the end, it's a new beginning.

Your friend,

Joe DiMaggio