Gary Len Vallette

Gary Len Vallette of Nuevo, California passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at the age of 83 years. He was born August 25, 1937 in Kansas, to a loving set of parents Eva & Bud Vallette in 1937 and was an only child. Growing up in Kansas allowed him to run in fields and play lots of cowboys and Indians games as well as helping in his Grandparent's store, in the town of Salinas.

As Gary grew into a young man, he discovered High Jumping and other sports in school and a love of art and music as well. During college he really began to explore the arts with painting and drawing everything from live models to still paintings of scenery – he could even carve wood to create works of art.

It was in his college years his love of music grew and he learned to play the bass guitar,which started a long career in music. He sang lead and played in many bands including; The Deuces Wild, The Johnson Boys, Insex and Plymouth Rockers. He was signed by Sonny Bono, who worked as a promoter in A&R division of the record companies prior to his own career with Sonny and Cher. His love of music helped him write, organize and create beautiful music that can be found on YouTube today. His ability to create musical 3-part and 4-part harmonies was a true gift and he was loved and admired by all his bandmates - even now. His legacy in music lives on as we will hear some of it during his celebration of life to send him home with a tribute concert, a forum we know he will enjoy.

During his musical career he had a daughter named Lisa Vallette in 1966, and she changed his life forever as only the love for a child can. He would carry her around on his hip and take her with him on car rides, just so they could spend time bonding as father and daughter. Lisa had a daughter named Talia and they enjoyed many fond memories with Gary including a big trip to the Grand Canyon to celebrate Talia's high school graduation. On October 18, 2014 in Rosarito, Mexico Gary put on his special silver suit, just weeks after major back surgery, to walk Talia down the aisle and give her away to Efrain Chagoya. Two years later, Gary celebrated having great grandsons, Noah Gary and Ohan Efrain. Their fondest memories with him include impromptu jam sessions in Retha and Gary's home, the place where Noah first picked up and played the guitar. There were also many festive Christmas celebrations that they enjoyed with Retha, Gary, Trish, Dan, and numerous special guests that joined them throughout the years. They will miss Gary dearly as they learn and grow through life, but he will not be forgotten.

In 1978, Gary would meet the love of his life, though he hardly recognized it at

the time. While working for H&R Block, Retha went to deliver some files at H&R Block office run by Gary Vallette. Over the course of time, Retha and Gary became an item

and maintained their relationship that led to marriage on October 23, 1990. While working for H&R Block Corporate, they managed 21 offices in Southern California. With hard work and determination, they, together, purchased their own H&R Block franchise, consisting of 7 locations. Many long hours and sleepless nights ensured their success, such that they were able to retire to Nuevo in 2003. they began to enjoy the fruits of their labors by globetrotting to places like Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, throughout the Caribbean, throughout Europe, Egypt, Israel, the Middle East, Africa, Russia and throughout the United States just to name a few.

Gary was able to move his mother Eva Vallette in with him to their Nuevo home for several years so that they could care for her until her passing. Eva thought the home that Gary and Retha provided was a paradise that all seniors should have the experience of enjoying because of the Koi pond, trees and a chair swing where they all spent many hours enjoying the yard.

Gary and Retha will now rest together in Menifee side by side eternally.

Here is a snapshot of the wonderful life that Gary led:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/CH738J6QBH93C3XH

Gary will be missed dearly by his family and friends.