May 9, 1946 – November 4, 2010
Ralph Royster Valentine Jr., 64, of Sweet Home died Nov. 4, 2010.
He was born May 9, 1946 in Turlock, Calif. to Ralph R. and Alice Valentine – Van Houtan.
He lived in Salem from 1950 to 1969, graduating from North Salem High in 1964.
Mr. Valentine served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1967 on the USS Galveston, then continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves until 1969. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.
He attended Oregon College of Education, Oregon State College and the University of Oregon. Ralph began working with mentally challenged youth at Fairview Hospital in the early 1970s.
He moved to Sweet Home in 1984 to work in a group home, the Oregon Mennonite Alpha Home and worked as a special education assistant for the Sweet Home High School. Mr. Valentine had a love for children in need and donated his time and hair to “Locks of Love”.
He is survived by his sister, Janis Valentine Matilla of Los Angeles, Calif.; brothers Randy Valentine of Sweet Home and Ray Valentine of Santa Monica, Calif.; nieces Kimberly and Alison Matilla of Los Angeles; and nephew Roman Valentine of Santa Monica, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
As per his wishes his body has been donated to science. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to a Memorial Fund at Sweet Home High School, 1641 Long St., Sweet Home, Oregon.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the VFW Hall, 580 Main Street in Sweet Home.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.