VALMOND JOSEPH JEAN
PELLETIER “Val”
September 5, 1931 - February 28, 2016
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Valmond Joseph Jean Pelletier. Val passed away quietly and peacefully, with family by his side, after a short battle with cancer. Val was 84 years old.
Val was born in Montmartre, Saskatchewan to Leona and Henri Pelletier. He spent his early years living between Montmartre and Regina, growing up alongside his sister Roxane, and brothers Cam and Norm. Val attended Campion College in Regina and graduated from Grade 12 at just 16 years old. He completed two years post secondary working towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He was also a member of the College Football Team while at Campion College.
Val decided early on that he wanted to see the ocean and the world. One way to accomplish that was to join the Navy. He did so, and after completing basic training in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, was posted to Esquimalt, B.C. in 1951.
Val met the love of his life, Jeanne Storey, in 1952. In 1954, they married at the Queen of Peace Church in Esquimalt. They quickly began to raise a family and apart from a two year posting in Matsqui, B.C., spent the next 15 years in Esquimalt. In 1969 the family moved to Nanaimo, after Val was transferred to the Nanaimo Military Camp. After 21 years of service, Val retired from the Navy in 1972 and began to work for the BCGEU. He worked in several liquor stores throughout Nanaimo before retiring in 1996, after 25 years. During that time, Val served as a Component Chairman, traveling throughout Vancouver Island, helping to serve the needs of many BCGEU members.
For 61 years Val was a devoted and loving husband to Jeanne, and a selfless, dedicated, and sacrificing father, who never failed to lead by example. Val took the family on many memorable roadtrips to the Prairies to visit family. He loved History, the Arts, Politics and Current Events. He was a strong and devout Catholic and throughout the 1990’s was a dedicated member of the Council at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Parish. Over the years Val taught Catechism to many of the youth in Nanaimo.
Known as a gifted artist, Val created many beautiful oil paintings, and pastels. Later he mastered the art of stained glass. He was also an avid gardener and landscaper, with a love for rock work.
Val is predeceased by his mother and father, Leona and Henri, brother Normand, brothers in law Preston Storey and Murray Skelton, sister in law Caroline Storey, and nephew Pierre Pelletier. Val leaves behind his loving wife Jeanne, children: Rachelle, Marc, Romaine (Gil), Cal (Jennifer), Matt (Rosanne), his ten grandchildren: Tyler, Amanda, Leona (Michael), Jesse (Heather), Joel (Alesha), Jordie, Justin, Carly, Bryden, and Nova. Great grandchildren are Benjamin, Hunter and Colton. Val was eagerly expecting the arrival of his fourth great grandson in April.
Val was treasured by his large family, many friends, and will be sorely missed. He was able to fullfill his dreams of seeing the world, and leaving it a better place, through his family, art, kindness and forever dry sense of humor and sharp wit.
A funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 1 pm on Sat. March 19. Our thanks to the many Doctors, Nurses and Staff at NRGH, as well as the Caring Staff at Dover House and the Gardens at Qualicum Beach, who cared for our husband and father, and helped make his final days more comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, please consider Donating to the Vancouver Childrens’ Hospital or Little Schools of Father Bohnen - Port-au-Prince Haiti.