Obituary of Gerald Valette

BIOGRAPHY VALETTE ~ Gerald "Gerry" Lawrence Joseph Valette passed away at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the age of 55 years. Gerry will be sadly missed by his son Jesse; daughter Bailey; mother Alida; three brothers: Dan and Sharon of Lloydminster, Maurice and Ferne of Lloydminster, Allen of Lloydminster; two sisters: Linda and Stew of Camrose, Diane and Dan of Lloydminster and their families as well as numerous friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his dad Camil on May 20, 2011. The prayer service was conducted from the McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, Alberta on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Lynn officiating. The mass of Christian burial was conducted from the St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Wednesday, August 24 2011 at 2:00 P.M. with Father Jan Sobkowicz officiating. The eulogy was read by Donna Jacobson. The readings were read by Sandy Harris and Lesa Ritter. The musicians were Verna McFarlane and Cis Nakonechny. The honorary pallbearers were Gerry's nieces: Danielle, Jayna, Lesa, Kalli and Tara. The active pallbearers were Gerry's nephews: Jason, Kurt, Steven, Cody, Shane, Clay, Randy, Shawn. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. EULOGY My name is Donna Jacobson and I am honored that Gerald's children, Jesse and Bailey asked me to say a few words about their DAD. To them he was their "HERO". Gerald was born in Lloydminster on August 14th, 1956. He became the fourth member of the wonderful Valette family. He loved and cared very much for his parents, Alida and Camil, his two sisters, Linda and Diane and three brothers, Dan, Maurice and Allen and their families After growing up in Lloydminster, he traveled around working, and settled in Calgary . He then married and they had Jesse and Bailey. They then traveled to British Columbia for a few years. Eventually moving back to Lloydminster where his roots and family were. His own children meant the world to him and he did everything he could for them. I can honestly say I grew to respect him for taking on single parenthood, with all its challenges, and changes. But big or small he tackled every curve in the road, with pride and determination, and maybe a bit of female advice over many cups of coffee or from his helpful sisters. What stands out for me is no matter what he was doing, or where he was, his kids were large in his life, and always told them, he loved them and was so very proud of them............. He worked hard and played hard, with an incredible zest for living life with a laugh, a smile and exuberant personality which was very contagious. Whether it was out for coffee, lunch or dancing, to going on a motorcycle ride with him, between his ability to talk to anyone, flirtatious ways, and just loving the company of his friends or family it was never a dull moment. He was successful at whatever job he was presented with, and in the last couples of years moved forward and formed his own company "Valette Permitting and Gas Fitting Services".Gerald was a friend that a million people wish they had, but only a handful of us are lucky enough to have had. He was always there for you, and had a heart of gold. Always willing to help you out or give advice when needed and sometimes even if you didn't want it. He said it like it was... Happy memories are what we all have of my best friend. So grateful I was part of your life BUD. Gerald shared a dream with a few of us, of getting himself a boat and sailing the ocean on the west coast. Well, Gerald may the wind fill your sails and may you feel the ocean salt on your face. Remember my friend it's not about the destination it's about the journey. Love you and will miss you forever. Till we meet again. CARD OF THANKS On behalf of the family, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our wonderful friends and relatives for all the tremendous amount of love and support given to us during this time. Thank you to the Vegreville RCMP and Ambulance attendants, the staff at the Royal Alex for your compassion and care given to Gerald and the family. Thank you to Father Jan and Deacon Lynn for the services, Verna and Cis for the music and the CWL for the wonderful lunch. To Sandy, Lesa, Jayna and Danielle for the readings. Thank you Donna for the eulogy a job well done. Gerald's nieces and nephews for being pallbearers. Very sincere thanks to Glenn and staff at McCaw Funeral Service for all your kindness and professionalism. Happy Sailing Gerald We Love you Jesse, Bailey, Alida, Dan & Sharon, Maurice & Ferne, Linda & Stew, Allen, Diane & Dan and families Donations in memory of Gerry may be made to the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation.