Real Housewives of Orange County alum Elizabeth Vargas is publicly mourning the death of her ex-husband, businessman Bernt Bodal.
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Vargas, 50, lauded Bodal's wife Michelle Fox for taking good care of him during his cancer battle following his passing at the age of 72 at a Seattle hospital on Wednesday.
The Missouri-born reality star paid memorial to her former spouse in a statement to TMZ, saying they shared a number of 'kind' conversations in his final years.
Vargas wed the Norwegian-American business mogul in 2000 with their separation coming in 2017 and divorce being finalized in July of 2020.
Vargas said the two decades they were married left an indelible mark on her life, adding, 'That kind of history is never erased.'
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Vargas is primarily known for her appearances in season 15 of the three seasons she's been on the Southern California-based reality franchise.
Real Housewives of Orange County alum Elizabeth Vargas, 50, is publicly mourning the death of her ex-husband, businessman Bernt Bodal at 72
The Bravo star said that Bodal's family 'always meant the world' to her 'regardless of how they may have felt about me personally.'
Vargas said the the statement that her ex-husband's 'spirit and legacy will live on through the lives he touched.'
Vargas said Bodal would be warmly remembered by his 'new family, his children, his mother, his wife, extended loved ones - and me, his former wife.'
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Bodal had tremendous business acumen, which landed him the position of CEO for American Seafoods at one point.
The company remembered their late leader in a statement issued Thursday.
'Bernt was far more than a leader - he was a force of nature,' the company said.
It continued, 'With a larger-than-life presence, unmistakable energy, and a deep love for Alaska’s fishing communities, he left a lasting imprint on the people and places that define our industry.'
The company added that Bodal's 'personality filled every room he entered' and that 'his passion for the North Pacific and its fisheries helped shape the spirit of modern Alaska fishing.'
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Vargas wed Bodal in 2000 with their separation coming in 2017 and divorce being finalized in July of 2020. Bodal seen in 2019 in LA
Vargas is primarily known for her appearances in season 15 of the three seasons she's been on the Southern California reality franchise
Bodal was 'reportedly worth $200 million' at his time of passing, according to the outlet.
Bodal had never appeared on camera on RHOC, but he was the topic of discussions in segments focused on Vargas.
He had been seen on a 2012 episode of the CBS reality series Undercover Boss, working as a deckhand.
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Vargas said her former spouse had a number of personal talents in addition to his skills in the boardroom, including as a pilot and guitar player.
Vargas has also been seen on Selling the OC and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.