About This Memory Space
This page was created for Donald James Vallier's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Donald James Vallier's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Donald James Vallier. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Donald James Vallier, fondly called Don, crafted a remarkable journey defined by unwavering faith, infectious humor, and a melody of service that resonated through generations, leaving echoes of joy in every community he touched.
From his early days in St. Ignace, Michigan, Don embraced a path illuminated by spiritual conviction and a zest for connection. An outgoing storyteller whose jokes could light up any room, he wove music into the fabric of his existence, idolizing Frank Sinatra and filling his retirement years with performances that brought smiles to nursing home residents. His vibrant spirit shone brightest in moments of shared laughter and heartfelt tales, embodying a commitment to uplifting others until his final days.
Don's professional path sparkled with dedication, culminating in the prestigious Marketing Achievement Award in 2015 for his sales prowess at General Motors, where he invested decades of expertise. A Michigan State University alumnus with a degree in public communication, he also claimed a Varsity letter in fencing. His post-war education, funded by the GI Bill, followed distinguished Army service in World War II, including trumpet performances in the military band across the Philippines and Japan.
Photos of Donald's Life
Family & Loved Ones
Don poured his boundless energy into holiday reunions, transforming ordinary gatherings into treasure troves of joy and enduring bonds with his four children—Mike (Shari), Alison Sears (Chuck), Keith (Christina), and Stephen (Treva)—along with a sprawling circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren like Scott Sears (Emily, Hudson, Dawson, Bennett, Lainey), Megan Mason (Ben, Jonah, Thomas, Joseph), and others including Casey Vallier (Mackenzie, Carter, Hadley, Mason). Preceded by his cherished wife Myrna and siblings Lyle, Henry, Gary, Gail, Norma, and Carol, he stayed close with his youngest sister, Brenda Taylor, always the jovial heart of family tales.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from acquaintances paint Don as a beacon of cheer whose musical flair and witty charm lingered in memories, underscoring his talent for turning everyday encounters into cherished highlights.
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