Obituary: William J. Valladon

William J. Valladon of Carson City, Nevada, passed away on July 21, 2012, after a brief but courageous struggle with cancer. He was cared for by members of his family, but primarily by his dearest friend, Violet Michael of Gardnerville, Nevada. 'Babe' was born to William J. Valladon Sr. and Wilhelmina Valladon in Oakland, California, on July 22, 1920. He enlisted in the Marine Corps July 29, 1940, and proudly served during WWII as a member of the Marine contingent aboard the heavy cruiser, USS Minneapolis, participating in numerous ship to shore and ship to air battles throughout the Pacific Theater. He later served aboard the SS Santa Monica and the SS Sea Bass. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving as a drill instructor at Camp Pendelton during the time of the Korean conflict, and was honorably discharged on May 1, 1951.

Bill served as a Police Officer in Oakland, California from 1951 until he received serious wounds during an ambush of his patrol wagon on April 13, 1970. He was awarded the Blue Star Medal and the Medal of Valor as a result of wounds received and his heroic action during this encounter.

Bill always believed 'once a marine, always a marine' and 'once OPD, always OPD.'

Bill met and married Dorothy V. Peterson in 1946 and they were married until her passing in 2005. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and brothers Walter J. and Alfred J. Valladon.

Bill is survived by his son, William W. Valladon (Kathy) of Portola, California; his daughter, Mary L. Ellis (Doug) of Lake Oswego, Oregon; and daughter, Sharon A. Bishop (Thomas) of South Lake Tahoe, California; brother, Robert J. Valladon of San Leandro, California; 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He will also be remembered by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 6:00 pm at Walton's Chapel of the Valley. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 10:00 am at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Walton's Carson Gardens Cemetery.