How about a pool noodle and some nylon rope. Cut noodle to length, drill 2 holes in each, 2 knots to seperate and another on the out side. Any handle you can come up with.
There were some pretty cool ideas in the other threads I made this one recently. Has enough hold/heft for me to open and close valve without any of it moving while it's upright. Also made to be set on it's side if need be.