Henri "Reg" Reginald Vallee

Henri ‘Reg’ Reginald Vallee passed away on July 4, 2025, after a long hard-fought battle with brain cancer. He was 64. Reg is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Renata Vallee, sons Kaylan Turchinetz of Merritt, BC, Zhan (Kristen)Vallee of Grand Forks, BC, granddaughters Brooklyn Vallee and Hadley Vallee, brothers Robert (Sandy) Vallee, Louis (Darlene) Vallee and sisters Jackie (Byron) O’Neill and Pauline (Alex) Horvath, nieces & nephews, as well as many exceptionally close friends and relatives. He is predeceased by his mother Irene Vallee, his father Marcel Vallee and brother Denis Vallee.

Reg was born in Bonneyville, Alberta on November 29, 1960. His oldest sister didn’t like the name Henri, so she started using ‘Reg’ and it stuck throughout his lifetime. In 1971 his family packed up the car and moved to Merritt, BC. He attended school in Merritt and graduated from Merritt Senior Secondary School in 1979. He entered the trades program for Carpentry and later received his Red Seal ticket for the Millwright trade.

Reg started out working building homes in the Merritt area. in 1984 to 1986 he worked on the Coquihalla Bridge Crew (Phase 1), which included 7 bridges and the Great Bear Snow Shed. Reg went on to become Head Millwright for Ardew Wood Products Ltd until 2013 and after as Millwright for Tolko Industries Ltd. In 2017 he started working for Klassen Wood Co Ltd and enjoyed the challenge of helping to shape the newly formed plant with co-workers into the current operation it is today.

Reg was a highly skilled, experienced and regularly sought after tradesman for his years of knowledge and expertise in the trade. He was known for his hard work, dedication and commitment to a project and in getting a job done well. He established and maintained his contacts and friendships, always keeping in touch with the many trades and industry experts during his career.

Reg had an exceptional sense of humor and could always relate a good story or experience. He was passionate about getting outdoors, to appreciate his Creator’s amazing playground, using his vast knowledge of the area to explore every opportunity he could. Whether skiing (back country, downhill or x-country), paddling (kayak or canoe), hiking, mountain biking, camping or a road trip on his motorbike with friends. A favorite phrase of his was “what you ski today, you paddle tomorrow.”

As a father, he was always willing to lend a hand or suggest a different idea on how to do something. He was always available to talk to and eager to hear about what was new with them. Dad was fair, reasonable and encouraging in anything the kids wanted to try. Growing up, witness to all his years of hard work and instilled the same values of work ethic, integrity and honesty in both of his sons. He especially enjoyed spending time with his sons; motorbiking, hiking, camping or just sitting around the fire and watching his grandkids play.

Reg’s faith, kindness, generosity, and love for his family and friends will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Reg was a real people person, able to easily communicate and strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He believed in building and valuing relationships and creating lasting memories. We will carry on his will and continue to stay strong as a family, until we meet again.

The family would like to pass on a special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Owen (Kelowna Cancer Clinic), Dr. Ewart and Dr. Sieberhagen (Kamloops Cancer Clinic), Dr. Lali and Merritt Home Support nurses Erin, Jessica and Bailee a sincere thank you for the excellent and compassionate care and support you provided for Reg and I. As well, to our caring family, and friends that stopped by for a visit, a chat, to offer encouragement or to share a laugh. We are so truly grateful.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 2, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1505 Sunset Ave, Merritt, BC at 2:00 pm. The service will also be available online via ZOOM, please email [email protected] for info.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com