Our radiant Valerie passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC on October 25th at the young age of 58.
Val is survived by her partner Steve Cochran and step-daughter Chloe, her parents Bert and Lorraine Adamson, siblings Sara (Cam), Susan (niece Haedy), Dan (Amanda; nephew Mitchell, niece Alexandra), her in-laws Mike (Mary-Jill), Amanda (Nick; nieces Maddison, Annabelle), Brianna (John; nieces Abigail, Camilla, Bridget Valerie), James (Izumi; nephew Noah, niece Emma), and Craig (Crystal; nephew Phoenix, niece Violet), and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends who Val also considered her family.
Val lived her life with purpose and as one rarely does – with a wide-open heart, deep curiosity, a true zest for life, and unwavering love for and commitment to those in her vast circle.
Purely by being herself, Val’s vibrancy lit up any room she walked into with her sparkling blue eyes, gorgeous red hair, gregarious personality, warm smile, and of course, that famous laugh! Her natural instinct was to create a good vibe and have fun wherever she went. Val was generous, kind, caring, daring, resilient, and she brought a sense of joy and healing to those around her.
For Val, it was all about connection – to family and friends, to the earth and to her spirituality. She truly enjoyed spending time with people, getting to know them better and forging lifelong friendships. Val’s remarkable gift was to listen and remember what you said, and she was well known for her unique way of making everyone feel special.
Val travelled the world and made a point of exploring new places and experiencing the local culture. She would invite family and friends to visit her as often as possible, and was always so proud to introduce her guests to every member of the entourage. The time spent with Val was an opportunity to share music, laughter and memorable one-of-a-kind experiences.
As much as Val reveled in her life on the road, she cherished coming back home, whether it was Edmonton, Toronto, New York or Vancouver. She loved to host dinner parties, have barbeques on the beach, go on camping trips, hike in the forest, read a good book or simply watch a glorious sunset. Auntie Val especially adored the precious moments with her nieces and nephews.
And who can forget the many Valapaloozzas, her annual multi-day birthday bashes. Whether a wig party or 70s-themed boat cruise with a playlist for the ages, Val always celebrated in style while the rest of us tried to keep up with her.
Val was thrilled to move to Vancouver Island in 2021, to be closer to her parents and family, and put down roots with Steve to create a very special oasis together in their own home.
Val was courageous and determined (sometimes a little stubborn!). She believed in authenticity and stayed true to her convictions. Val blazed her own trail and showed us all a different way of seeing the world, in both good and challenging times, with abundant optimism.
Val will be dearly missed, and we take comfort knowing that her adventurous spirit will forever soar free.
As there are too many people to mention, we would like to thank everyone who helped Val on her personal and spiritual journey over the past several months and years.
We’d also like to share a bit of advice that Val offered up on many an occasion: Be present and just go with the flow!!
A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please take a walk on your favourite beach, dip your toes in the water and enjoy the moment.
Donations may be made to an organization of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jim Prue
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Tim Dea My condolences to the Adamson Family and friends that knew Val far better than I did. I met Val in Grade 4 at Grandin School in Edmonton. I think the last time we saw each other was, possibly in grade 8 at J.H. Picard. Clearly, based on earlier comments, she lived a life of adventure, discovery and wonder. Well done. Rest in peace, Val.
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Donna Bristow There are two types of people in this world, the givers and the takers. Val was one of the givers who always put others above herself. Many of us gravitated toward your beautiful smile and big heart. Thank you for your friendship and for being a blessing to others. We miss you!
Much love,
Donna Bristow
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Nashina I’m so deeply saddened to learn of Val’s passing. She was and is will continue to be a light. Her laugh was the best… it brings a smile to my face just thinking of it. Sending so much love to her family & friends. Rest well, Val. It was an honour to know you.
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Marilou Regan Heaven is more beautiful and a lot more fun now that Valerie Adamson is there, albeit way too soon. She was the embodiment of love and grace and I treasured these past 25 years as one of her many dear and loving friends.
Anyone who was lucky enough to get the “Valerie treatment” will never forget her magical way of making you feel like you were extraordinary. Her hospitality and zest for life knew no bounds. My only wish is that I had been there to visit as we planned so I could say goodbye and hear her unforgettable laughter one last time.
I dearly loved this incredible woman with her deep spirituality. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. Rest in peace and rock on my darling girl.
Love, Marilou
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Tracey Robertson Sadness doesnt describe how I felt when I heard the news that Val isnt with us anymore. Going to miss her smiling face and sunny personality. My deep condolences to her family and closest friends. You will truly be missed by so many, Val. Soar high.
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Marian Hughes Our heartfelt condolences from our family to Valerie’s family. We were neighbours in Edmonton and now in Victoria. We sympathize with you in your recent loss and are sharing your grief.
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Hanna My beautiful friend Val. Thank you for the long beautiful note and phone call to Al and I appreciate the love and friendship we had. You were the biggest light to everyone. That trip to Sooke potholes will forever hold a place in my heart. You meant so much to Al and I …. So glad to celebrate your wonderful recent pizza party birthday with you…. Love you always my dear friend!
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Karen Clemson I first met Val at her 40th birthday party, which was a wig party. I remember being struck by how shiny her light was, how vibrant her spirit and just how downright genuine (and FUN) she was. Anyone that ever spent time with Val will understand her PRESENCE and how absolutely special she could make you feel. I haven’t met anyone like Val before and all who knew her will suffer an unimaginable loss.
I send my deepest, heartfelt condolences to Steve, Val’s family and all who loved her. I know how much she loved you all, as she spoke so much about those that were near and dear to her heart.
Fly free, darling Val. You will be desperately missed.
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Duane Nickull Val, I am thinking of you a lot today as we head to your service. I learned a lot of beautiful lessons from you but the most cherished are the love of speaking truth and the way you embraced life. When I see sun in the sky, I will remember you and know you have helped the sun come out because I have embraced your love of life and everything it has to offer. On rainy days, I will search within myself to see what I can do to be a better person. I will always look in on Steve so please do not worry. RIP.
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Maggie Wendy Panton It still does not seem real that Val is gone. I met Val through her close friend Sonya. I appreciated her enthusiasm and engagement with life, her generosity, and her kind and caring connection with people. It is hard to believe her bright light is gone. There is a saying in Mexico, “one is not completely gone as long as they are remembered”. Val will be remembered by many, may her bright light continue to shine in all those amazing memories that she gifted to so many. My condolences to her family and friends.
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Jonathan Clemson Val, your bright light will shine in this world for a long long time, emanating now from the people you inspired. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, for your generous spirit and for bringing so much joy! It requires a profound level of courage to be such a positive force in a world often challenging and troubled, and you were one of the most positive, life affirming people I ever met. Thank you for generating so much warmth and love.
Jonny
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Dusty Reeves When I heard the news that Valerie had passed recently, it didn’t make sense or seem possible. Valerie was a vibrant personality and larger-than-life presence. We met at CPI in 1989 and worked across from each other when the Rolling Stones Steel Wheels Tour was starting up. Gradually we forged a close friendship that continued throughout the 1990’s. There are so many vivid and happy memories during that era of us working in music as well as hanging out together with a tight knit group of friends. Although our paths diverged in different directions during the 2000’s and beyond, we continued to keep in touch periodically. Only last winter I learned from Valerie that she and her partner Steve had moved into a gorgeous log cabin in Victoria, B.C. The photos were breathtaking and it was wonderful to hear how happy she was. It doesn’t seem real that we can no longer connect on a FaceTime call or text. I’m still processing Valerie’s loss. It has taken me back to remembering that magical era of the 90’s where we were still finding ourselves, exploring our talents and living in the moment. There was a buoyancy and joyousness during those formative years and Valerie embraced that exuberance. Rest in peace Valerie, you are truly missed xo
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Allan & Hanna Bauer We will both miss Val and our hearts go out to Steve, her numerous friends and family. Her spirit will be with us always. May your loving spirit soar, Val!
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Joan & Wilf Bauer Our deepest condolences to Steve and all Val’s family. Although we had never met Val, I have heard so many wonderful things about her. We have known Steve for over 40 years, and he spent a lot of time with us when we were still living in Victoria. I know Val will be missed by so many people, and we wish we had had the pleasure of meeting her. Love to all.
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Susan Rosenberg With her infectious laugh, radiant smile and heartfelt consideration towards family, friends and the occasional stranger, Valerie will surely be missed by all of us whose lives she touched. With deepest sympathy. Susan
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Femida Hudda-Musani Val, you were an incredible human, always there to listen, no judgements, only encouragement and support. Will always remember the BBQ on the beach, where only you could pull me out of a dark time. I will miss you my sweet friend. I was so blessed to be able to see you one last time and hug you and tell you I love you on Oct 15th. Rest in eternal peace my friend, always in my heart.
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Jolianne Bérubé Val has been such a light for me. She helped me so much in a dark time of need. Her love and light has healed parts of me that I never thought could heal. I can’t believe she is no longer with us but I know she is still present with us. Her spirit lives on and I will never forget the love she has given me xo
Jolianne
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Alesa Rose Moskal Val was one of the most beautiful people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She gave so much to my mum and I and made so many of our dreams come true, just out of the true goodness of her heart. Her love of connection and her ability to inspire happiness in everyone she met was something I’ve never seen before. Val was a special type of person and the world truly needs more people like her. In her honour I hope to live my life as she lived hers. She truly was an inspiration to many and I am so glad that I was blessed with her presence in my life.
My deepest condolences to her family, friends and every person she touched in her life. Sending hugs and love.
Love you Val, thank you for everything.
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Lil Gary To Val’s Mum and Dad, thank you for giving us Val. I loved our travels on the road together, and later visits here and there. My heart is heavy, but I can just tell by reading everything here and on social media, many of us are filled with joy for having known her.
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Jayney Walker In addition to my message of love for Val I’m also sending my condolences to Val’s family, especially to Steve and Chloe who I did have the good fortune to meet. My heart goes out to all of you xx
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Jayney Walker As I posted on her Facebook wall, there are those who are fountains and those who are drains. Val was the biggest of fountains, always willing to give her time and help others. She was immensely helpful to me giving up her early mornings to have video calls with me all the way over in England. She taught me the concept of earthing and gave me so much valuable advice. I’m so sad that she will never get to come and sit on my deck as she had planned to, but I cherish the time I did get to spend with her and also with Steve. Fly high you beautiful soul, you will be so greatly missed xxx
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Mandy Dutton Val was a lovely lady who always made us feel that we were special. We were expecting her to visit and spend time with us in the UK this year. Sadly that trip wasnt to be. Val you are sadly missed and have a special place in our hearts for as long as we live. Sleep well Sweetheart love Mandy and Craig xx
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JULIA FANTHAM Our deepest condolences to Valerie’s family and I hope your memories of her beautiful spirit and contagious love of life and laugh will grant you some peace during this impossible time.
Auntie Val will be missed greatly by myself and my children as she gave us such great love and happiness, while she always challenged us think on how to be better.
Love and Hugs from Julia, Peter, Clare & Alice
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Johanne Nolette Valerie was a ray of sunshine and always had kind words and smiles for everyone. It was an honour and a privilege to get to know you! We will miss you!! Have fun up there!
My deepest condolences to your family and friends.
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David Church Sending much love, thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and colleagues of Valerie. I met Valerie twice in Cardiff and Liverpool, UK in December of 2018. I was attending two Def Leppard Meet and Greets. Valerie was so warm and welcoming as I arrived alone in Cardiff. Her wonderful personality soon had all the assembled fans feeling like one special family. Two weeks later in Liverpool, I showed Valerie the gifts that I had brought for the band that night. She was genuinely thrilled to see what I had brought and we talked at length about why I had brought them. That wonderful laugh!! A little while later I won the backstage tour and side-stage experience, meaning I would spend another hour or so in Val’s wonderful company with my friend. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She absolutely revelled in my excitement of having her take multiple photographs of us backstage. I broke down in happy tears and gave her the biggest hug I could, she was like a second mother to me that night and my magical memory maker. I told Val to stop taking our photographs, so that we could take one of her, as she was our celebrity and hero. How she roared with laughter and happily obliged our request! That has and always will be a cherished photograph of mine! Thank you so much Val, for everything you did for myself, my friend and fellow fans at the Def Leppard concerts. I will cherish the memories made with you fondly forever. Fly high forever dear Valorie. Much love from South Wales, United Kingdom xxx
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Lori Jackson Black I met Val through a friend who invited me to an Epicure party. I became one of Val’s new recruits and she held my hand as I learned the ropes. We discovered many mutual friends through music and food and I cherish all our conversations about life. I am a better person for having known her.
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Joyelle Lund I was inspired by Valerie’s honest outlook at life. She made any visit feel engaging and she gave you all her attention.
I feel privileged to have met and known you. The world is a little smaller without you in it ❤️
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Jody Shivdasani It was the summer of 1989 while working at BCL Entertainment. I was due to take a 3-week vacation on the other side of the world. I had to hire someone to cover me and Valerie soon entered my life. The rest is beautiful history for the concert industry. She made an impact on everyone around her – with her compassion and supportive nature. You always remember how people make you feel in life and my memories of Val are warm and comforting. Last year upon reflection during COVID, I reached out to Valerie and I am truly grateful for our wonderful time sharing our life updates and for the opportunity to let her know how much her support meant to me. My heartfelt condolences to all family, world-wide friends and colleagues.
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Markl norman This is such sad news. Val and I had not be in touch much over the past few years but I remember so vividly her positive flair and brilliant smile and energy. My condolences to all her family and friends. Cathy Cleghorn said it well. Peace
Mark Norman
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Joanne Prince I met Val working at CPI in Toronto in the late 1980s. We had so much fun working. No matter the late hour. It was great to keep up with her activities over Facebook the last few years I was not able to get out to see her in BC. My sympathies are with her friends and family we have lost a vivacious woman.
Joanne Prince
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Megan M Kuczynski Dear Bert, Lorraine, Sara, Cam, Susan, Dan, and family,
I send all my love and prayers from Connecticut for the loss of dear Valerie. I have so many memories of this extraordinary woman, whom I met through Joni. I loved every minute I spent with her, whether at Joni’s apartment in NYC for cocktails, canapes’ and legendary dinner parties, to Thanksgiving and backyard BBQs at my home in CT. She exuded “Joie de Vivre” and her laughter was indeed infectious. She was a dear friend of my late brother John. I have been following and engaging with her these past few years on Facebook and loved her cooking videos. I will have a special Mass said for Valerie on her birthday (Sara and Cam I will send you the card). I know your hearts must be breaking over this loss, and I know in time, there will be the comfort of knowing she is clinking champagne glasses in Heaven, reunited with Joni and John. All my love, Megan, Tom, Alexander and James
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Kaya Downs Hali and I got to know Val and Steve while we lived in Vancouver at the same time. We had a lot of great dinners and coffee dates. They came to some of our wine tastings with our crazy university friends and they fit right in. Val was so funny and full of energy. I was really shocked and saddened to hear about her passing. I’m sorry I haven’t seen in her in such a long time and I wish I could’ve given her a big hug in Victoria when we go in 2 weeks. She’ll be in our hearts always.
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Sheryl Watson My heartfelt condolences to you, Steve, and to Val’s family. I will forever be touched by your beautiful heart, generosity, infectious laugh and red-haired, fiery determination, Val. Your stealth and positivity are two exceptional qualities that will continue to inspire me.
Many Gentle Blessings to you Val on your journey back to spirit, and your Beloved Steve, and family.
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catherine cleghorn My friend Sal said it best if Val didn’t go straight to heaven there isn’t one.
And we all know she’s sharing her Val laugh with everyone there.
My love to all that knew her and every time you light a candle think of Val’s light she leaves in us all.
Xx Cathy
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Antonietta Sgherzi We met you, while still living in Vancouver, as a free spirited, happy and loving person. Thankful to have been able to spend time with you. Gone too soon, may your journey continue elsewhere…..
Sending our deepest condolences to Steve, family and friends.
Lots of Love an strength,
Tony, Antonietta
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Nancy Morrison Our heartfelt sympathy to Val’s family, close friends and those she touched with her welcoming spirit. Val and I connected back in 1990 while both working with a Toronto concert promoter. Val had a spontaneity and vibrancy that hooked me from the start. She was both curious and impatient for her future – she wanted it to happen now! At the start, Val looked at both my partner, Peter and myself as mentors and life-coaches. However, it wasn’t long before she was fulfilling her dreams of running her own show and then finally going on the road with The Rolling Stones. We became her home-away-from-home in Toronto – storing her furniture, her seasonal clothes and simply providing a place of refuge in her travelling life. Val reciprocated many times over with our own visits to wherever she was working in the world, NYC and finally, Vancouver. After settling there, I introduced her to my life-long friend, Sonya and they soon became fast friends. Then Steve came into her life – another dream fulfilled. I’m sure she charmed him with her openness and that laugh; who could resist? Val loved her new life, especially the proximity to her family and made all the shifts and changes to accommodate it as well as her growing spirituality. In my mind, Val had a whole lot more living to do, and if there is a silver lining, it’s that she crammed so much more into her 58 years than most. May her spirit soar and her earthly soul rest in peace. In loving remembrance, Nancy and Peter.
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Sonya Weir Leave-taking
– Sonya WeirSoul sister, you slipped through
that crack in the universe
before any of us were ready.
You shone so brightly
blazing your path,
a fierce defender
of justice and your wrath
awe-inspiring when
you levelled it at the unjust.
You are cosmic justice,
the Goddess Maat on fire
unwavering in your truth
unflinching in your desire
to be real.
I hope you know how
loved you are
as you travel the cosmos
journeying through the stars.
No longer tethered to the Earth
you have a new home
and it is one I cannot know.
Dolphin Dreams Delight
please help me let you go.
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Kimberley What a beautiful essay about a beautiful soul. I could actually hear her laugh and her iconic “go with the flow” as I read it. It was always a thrill to be on an adventure with her, whether and actual expedition or an adventure of the heart the memories are forever golden.
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Deirdre Hogan I remember taking this photo with Valerie at the little Cuban Restaurant on Browns Line in Toronto. You were so pleased as it was such a great photo! I’d just shown you my new condo after returning to Toronto from Ireland! Our stomachs hurt so much as we were laughing so hard! Thank you for your friendship, the Indy Races we attended in Toronto, the Yoga we shared…. The moves we did… the concerts we worked, that time when we worked the Lynsey Buckingham concert in Toronto and Lynsey thought we were the support babes for the night and that we were so cute!!! That Christmas we shared in Victoria when I was having a very tough time, taking your direction to out a novel to read cover to cover at your parents house and Christmas Dinner at your Aunt’s! The walks we did through OakBay with your Dad, Bert! Such wonderful Memories!!! I am drinking coffee presently in my favourite mug given to me at that special Christmas in Victoria… still one of my most favourites! All the DEF LEPPARD concerts spent together helping you doing the VIP events! That Grateful Dead concert we attended in Hamilton where we spent hours in the drum circle after the concert! It was epic! My visits to Vancouver spending days with you at your house on Fifth… so fun! I miss you terribly but know you did your best and again thank you for being you! Sending my condolences to your Steve and of course to your amazing family. You were taken too soon, but your impact was so great and far reaching. Thank you my friend, you made my life and everybody’s life you touched Better!
Valapolozza Forever!
Love, Deirdre xo ❤️
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Tracy Cornish Val, you are very much missed but your presence in our lives will endure. Too many memories to mention but the quintessential ones for me, for many years, were those of the fun and adventure on the many concert tours you worked or had connections to.
I loved being able to vicariously enjoy the excitement and adventures of your travels, but even though your travel adventures were inspiring, you really shone at creating a home and refuge, and imbuing it with your style and personality. Your generosity and thoughtfulness as a host were much appreciated on every visit I enjoyed to your home, be it Toronto, New York, Vancouver or Victoria.
I share my deepest condolences with all those closest to Val and to all the extended family and friends whose lives she touched.
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Kathleen Gorman I met Val through Lauren Cornish and the book club. There was an instant connection with her. She always had something positive to say, a great story to share, personal experiences of her many travels without sounding boastful but more in awe of the world and her travels through it. When she met Steve her eyes sparkled when she mentioned him, never one to say too much, but she was smitten! She loved her family dearly and spoke often of them with pride and love. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss of such an amazing woman. She really was a bright star in the world and spread her magic to many people.
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Gael Carter Marilyn Keffer It was in sacred spaces where we were as you journeyed. So powerful in your intent, open hearted with a mindset of steel yet as lovely as a butterfly’s wing. You were so willing to heal and discover what needed to be seen and you always dove in!!! Such a role model for living life fully.
A joy and honour to have shared these sacred spaces with you….. continue on your great adventures!
Spirit Hugs
Gael and Marilyn
My name is Jim, and I just found out that Valerie had passed way over a year ago from a good friend of mine, Richard- who recently found out himself. I met Val in the early 90s when she worked for Concert Productions International (CPI) / The Next Adventure. I was a photographer shooting for various music publications in Toronto and Val would deal with the media to give them the clearance needed to shoot at the concerts. Val was amazing to deal with and was a sweet lady and we became friends.
By the time the 2000s kicked in I didn’t see her except one other time at a Rolling Stones concert.
I had thought of her many times due to my time in the music biz because Val was a part of it.
It made my heart drop hearing this sad news.