Robert Glen Vallee

Robert Glen Vallee Sr., passed away peacefully Saturday, May 11, 2024, surrounded in love by his family. He lived a long and successful life of nearly 96 years, leaving a legacy of ambition, optimism and determination. Known for his wit and inspiring presence among crowds large and small, Bob was the epitome of the American dream: a hard worker who took advantage of every opportunity to better his life and the life of his family.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Virginia Fern Johnson Vallee.

Bob is survived by children, Robert G. Vallee Jr. (Linda), Laurence S. Vallee (Jayne), Lisa M. Vallee (Jeff) and Janet S. Vallee (Todd); as well as grandchildren, L. Scott Vallee Jr., Lauren D. Vallee, Joseph M. Vallee, Taylor A. Vallee, Payton C. Vallee, Gerard P. V. Smith and Jeffrey C. P. Smith. Robert also leaves behind four great-grandchildren, Arden Vallee, Louis Vallee, George Vallee and Arthur Vallee.

Born Nov. 4, 1928, in Rogers City, Bob was the youngest of nine children. His parents, Eugene and Genevieve Vallee, were of French-Canadian origin. Raised in a devout Catholic family of humble means, Bob’s father worked in the Rogers City calcite quarry and his mother was a homemaker. Bob spoke fondly of his siblings and liked sharing stories of childhood adventures in Rogers City, from serving as an altar boy to ice skating on Lake Huron to his dog, Sandy McTavish, and his many odd jobs.

Bob’s teenage years were spent in Grosse Pointe, where he was raised by his sister, Lorraine, and her husband, George McAllister. He graduated from Grosse Pointe High School (now Grosse Pointe South) where he met the love of his life, Virginia, in 10th grade.

Upon graduation, Bob returned to Rogers City to find work. Eager to make money, he followed in some of his brothers’ footsteps and worked aboard the John G. Munson freighter — an experience he proudly recalled as the worst job of his life.

In his early 20s, Bob volunteered for combat duty in the Korean War and served with the 45th Infantry Division, earning nine battle ribbons and the Combat Infantry Battalion Badge. He was honorably discharged with distinction in 1953. Despite serving on the front lines under the toughest of circumstances, Bob cherished the discipline and camaraderie the U.S. Army taught him, channeling his experience into valuable lessons for himself and those close to him.

Bob built a long and successful business career with The George P. Johnson Co., (now a division of Project Worldwide) spanning more than five decades. He joined the business — founded as a flag-making company by his father-in-law — as a truck washer before working his way up through sales and into management. Bob eventually became president, CEO and sole owner of the organization, which under his leadership grew to become the leading privately held experience marketing agency in the world (project.com).

Among his many accomplishments are his four children. Together with Virginia, or “Tootsie,” he made certain to instill in the two boys and two girls the basics of a responsible lifestyle, laying a foundation of Christian and patriotic values such as hard work and integrity. Bob was an affectionate dad, generous and genuine with his emotions, and he loved making people laugh. Around the Vallee household, and especially at dinnertime, there was never a shortage of comedy fodder with Bob holding court and telling stories (many of them fabricated) and pulling just about any joke — until Tootsie told him to stop.

Bob and Virginia were generous philanthropists throughout their lives, supporting community, cultural, religious and healthcare initiatives across Michigan and Florida. One of their most creative contributions is the Virginia and Robert Vallee European — Early Christian Gallery at the Detroit Institute of Arts. They also were significant donors to St. John Hospital in Detroit, making donations that have benefitted cardiology, pediatrics and gastroenterology.

Arrangements are being handled by A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe Woods. A funeral service is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, 61 Grosse Pointe Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms. Interment will be at the Christ Church Grosse Pointe columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, bgcsm.org