Ronald B. Valliere "Ron"

Ronald Bernard Valliere was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior on August 29th, 2023, at the Aleda Lutz Veterans Memorial Hospital in Saginaw, MI, with his family by his side. Ron was born to Bernard and Margaret (Samson) Valliere in Bay City, MI on June 9, 1941. He attended Handy High School before entering the U.S. Army in 1963. Ron valiantly served in the African Congo in 1964, and then in Vietnam in the 1st Calvary Division, 2nd Battalion, 7th Calvary in 1965. While on leave from the service, Ron met his future wife, Sharyn White, and they were married on September 16, 1967 and were devoted to each other ever since.

In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by his brother and best friend, Harold Valliere, sisters-in-law Joyce Valliere, Carol LaLonde, Judy Streu, and Mary Ann Geer. Nieces and nephews Shelly, Yvonne, Jim, Suzi, Patty, Perry, Collette, Nicole, Jim and Kristi, as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Virgil LaLonde, Bob Streu and Rick Geer. While in Vietnam, Ron was involved in two major battles in November of 1965 in the Ia Drang Valley. The first one was as LZ X-Ray (for which the movie “We Were Soldiers” was based), and then a few days later, another battle at LZ Albany, which was even worse than X-Ray. Ron lost many friends in those battles and prayed daily for their souls for the remainder of his life. Ron was a devout Catholic his entire life, serving as an usher at St. Maria Goretti Parish and St. Mary’s Church.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing, even winning several fishing tournaments. Ron was also known for being the Candy Man, handing out treats to all the ladies. His blue eyes and cologne were his trademarks.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Harry and Joyce, as well as the staff of the VA Hospital in Saginaw, who went above and beyond in providing excellent care for him.

The funeral Mass will take place at 11am on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Bay City, with Military Honor following. Fr. James Bessert will officiate. Private entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 4pm to 8pm at Gephart Funeral Home and on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 10am until service time.