Richard Albert Vallin's Obituary
Richard Albert Vallin, affectionately known as “Papa Richard” passed away on April 27th, 2025, at the age of 85. Richard was born January 3rd, 1940, in San Diego, California to Albert & Ruth Vallin. Richard lived in Ocean Beach, a community of San Diego, the entirety of his life. He attended school at Ocean Beach Elementary, Dana Junior High School, and graduated from Point Loma High School in 1958. He went on to attend San Diego City College and chose a profession in construction and engineering. In August 1976 he became a certified Professional Cost Estimator and started his business, Vallin Estimating, working on projects for the Navy, Marines, the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World and many other big and small projects in and around the city.
A cowboy at heart, Richard wouldn’t be caught wearing anything other than his light blue western button-down shirts, jeans and cowboy boots. He loved country music, and square dancing was his passion. He was a member of Single Spinner’s, a square dance club where the group would get together a few times a week to socialize and dance. It was there that he met his best friend Matt McMullen, remaining friends till the very end.
“A DAD isn’t defined as the man who makes the child, but rather the man who extends his hands and time to help with the child’s raising and his heart to love the child through anything!” - this defines Richard. He stepped in where he was needed and cared for so many kids within his social groups. He had the biggest heart!
Richard is preceded in death by his parents Al & Ruth Vallin, Cousin Robert Ingram, Cousin-In-Law Sherry Ingram, and multiple Aunt’s and Uncle’s.
He is survived by his 5 adopted children: Dale Myers, Laurie Buckley, Gayle Bowman, Lyle Myers and Tammy Vallin, as well as 4 grandsons, 5 granddaughters, 5 great-grandsons, 5 great-granddaughters, his cousin Bill, nephew Mike, niece Kelly, and his very best friend, Matt McMullen.
Richard will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery, next to his parents, in a private burial. There will be a Celebration of Life to be announced on social media for a later date.
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