Douglas Harvey Valentine

“Papa”

May 4, 1940 – April 29, 2026

Douglas “Doug” Harvey Valentine passed away peacefully in his sleep in the comfort of his home next to my grandma on April 29, 2026. In the hours before his passing, he was surrounded by family, his room filled with love, guitar music, laughter, tears, and the familiar comfort of “You Are My Sunshine.”

Doug was born on May 4, 1940, in San Luis Obispo to Dorothy and Harvey Valentine, who preceded him in death. He was the oldest of four siblings and was also preceded in death by his siblings Valerie and Richard. He is survived by his brother, Bruce. From an early age, Doug carried the strength and responsibility that would define his life. As a young boy, his grandfather trusted him to help deliver milk—letting him drive at just five years old, a story that spoke to both his capability and adventurous spirit.

He grew up in Baywood and later proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, traveling overseas during his service. After returning home, he met the love of his life, Elaine. Together they built a beautiful life, celebrating 60 years of marriage last year and raising their two children, Doug and Wendy.

Doug and his family lived in Garden Farms, and he worked at Diablo Canyon as a proud member of the Iron Workers Union, contributing to the construction of bridges and major projects across California. In 1971, he founded Valentine’s Backhoe Service, building a reputation throughout North County as one of the very best in his trade. In 1997, in an effort to bring his son home and keep him close to family, Doug started Valentine’s Concrete Products. He was respected not only for his skill but for his unmatched work ethic. To call him a hard worker hardly does him justice; he was the kind of man who showed up, got it done, and never asked for recognition. Simply put, they don’t make men like him anymore. He was the definition of grit, strength, and dependability.

My Papa lived life with a lighthearted spirit and a deep love for the people around him. He could often be found with a guitar in his hands, a joke ready to share, or stopping to collect roadside “treasures” he couldn’t pass up. He was also an avid diver with a deep love for the ocean, and he cherished fishing trips in Alaska as well as hunting trips out of state. Genuine experiences he looked forward to and spoke about for years.

He especially loved time spent at breakfast tables surrounded by family and friends, and nothing meant more to him than his grandchildren.

The sound of his laughter, the music he played, and the love he gave will echo in the hearts of those who knew him for years to come.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; his brother, Bruce; his children, Wendy (Frank) and Doug (Kimberly); his grandchildren, Meagan, Garrett, Channing, and Isabela; and his great-grandchildren, Lyrik, Emmery, Hardyn, Huxtyn, Rydin, Brinnyn, Harlynn, and Everly.

Written with all of my heart for my Papa, Meagan