We Remember
VALER, Paul
September 4, 1930 — June 8, 2024
The Valer family would like to share with you the passing of their beloved husband, father and great-grandfather Paul, at the age of 93 on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Kelowna B.C.
Dad’s passing to Heaven was peaceful and loving with his daughter by his side. He is survived by his wife Emelia; son Ron (Margo); daughter Debra; and nieces Arli (Garth, Palmer & baby on the way) and Erin (Fred, Luke, Austin & Ty).
Dad was born on September 4, 1930, in Monarch, Alberta, to parents Andrew and Elsie Valerjonovics, who immigrated to Canada from Hungary. He had four siblings including John, Andy, Elsie and his surviving sister Mary. They grew up in the time of horse-drawn buggies and Indigenous peoples living in traditional dwellings.
Mom and Dad were married in October 1953 in a small town in the Crowsnest Pass called Michel Natal, which sadly doesn’t exist today. Soon after, they had a son, Ron and a daughter, Debra. Dad began his proud working career with an esteemed company called Emil Anderson Construction. He became a heavy-duty equipment operator and was sought after for his astute skill in operating cranes. He was pivotal in putting the addition on the Capri Hotel back in the day.
The company moved him and his young family and coworkers alike, to several towns and cities throughout B.C. as the company was instrumental in building roads and highways around the province. Dad always spoke fondly and highly of how well Emil Anderson treated its employees. He worked tirelessly for them and was proud of it.
He and his young family eventually settled in Kelowna, B.C. in the upper Mission in a newly evolving forested subdivision where they bought a lot and solidified their lives. Dad transitioned to working with MidValley Construction, where he continued to help in building streets and roads in various subdivisions in a growing Kelowna.
After 40 years of working and providing amply for his family, Dad retired…and he became busier than ever. In addition to enjoying weekly pub luncheons with the guys, Dad was an avid hunter and fisherman, always out there with his son or close pals. Dad really loved being outside. He was an early riser and could usually be found outside tending to the yard and his prized garden. Dad loved his fresh salad every day. He loved to just chomp on raw onions, radishes, tomatoes and kalarabi etc… while looking up into the hillside with his binoculars for deer. He was always applauded by his neighbours for his immaculately mowed lawns. Whatever Dad did, he did it well and never rushed.
In his earlier days, Dad played a couple of instruments and also enjoyed golfing, and together, him and Mom were avid curlers and bridge players. Dad loved classic country and western music. He always thought of himself as a cowboy. As a family, we were big into camping too with dear family and friends.
Dad was a dedicated CFL fan of the B.C. Lions of course, making a yearly road trip with close friends to Vancouver to go to the horse races and then take in a Lions game afterwards. Watching the Lions isn’t the same without you, Dad.
Dad had this uncanny ability to fix ANYTHING! He was very resourceful that way. He also just knew so much about so many things.
Dad was definitely stoic and self-sufficient, but he was a softy at heart and very jovial and goofy…always making fun of words and phrases and keeping things light. He was a calm and real down to earth guy and very much a homebody.
We will love, cherish and miss you eternally, Dad. Thank you for being our father, husband and great-grandfather. We hold your heart in our hearts. There is a quietness without you.
Dad’s wishes were to be cremated and his ashes to be scattered at a later date amongst family.
The Valer family would like to express their appreciation to and for family, friends and Caregivers for their love and support during Dad’s final days.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
My deepest condolences to Emelia and the Valer family at this sad time.
Bee Moser – neighbour in Sunrise Village
Our most sincere condolences to the Valer family.
Paul has been a dear friend ever since we moved in as next door neighbours in the mission in 1991. We would talk across the fence about all the different things going on in our worlds and it was always a good chat. As I stood and peered across the fence into Paul’s yard I was always amazed at the precision of all that he built. Perfectly manicured lawn that you could golf on, a garden that never seen the roots of a weed, rows of carrots that had been sewn by a laser line, and a wood pile stacked with amazing accuracy! I always asked lots of questions about his gardening as I thought one day I may be half as good at it.
Paul was always a joy to be around because after my crazy day at work I could go help him with something and there was never any panic or a rush, always a calm and relaxing way of getting things done.
Paul liked to be on time. We would set a time to meet at my place and go from there, usually out hunting, or fishing. You could set your watch to the minute for Paul’s arrival. Always on time, smiling and ready to have a great day. A real joy to have as a friend.
After we moved away from the Okanagan we always kept in touch. At one time Paul made the trip to come see us and go moose hunting. This was a successful trip I won’t soon forget! In the later years we would get together with Paul and Amy at Christmas or whenever we could. Paul and I would “have a snort” of whiskey and enjoyed each others company. They were always interested in our lives and genuinely cared about the well being of all of our family.
We will remember Paul forever and feel very lucky to have shared this friendship.
Gerald & Carol Burtch
We have known Paul and Emelia since 1978 when we moved up on Stanley. .Paul loved his yard it was always perfect even the wood pile. He grew the best veggies and we where always glad to receive the benefits of that garden. We had many talks over the years I am sure he never understood why Kerry and I where not football fans. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Our heartfelt condolences to Amy, Debra, Ron and the family at this sad time. Paul was a wonderful neighbour and dear friend.
Sending our heartfelt condolences from all of us here at Emil Anderson.
My condolences go out to the Valer family. I worked with Paul many years ago with Emil Anderson Construction. My parents Ken and Pat also knew Paul and Amy back in some small towns that Emil has construction jobs.
I remember Paul being meticulous with any work he was involved with. Of course same work ethic he had with his lawn and yard. Ken Mc