Michael VanValkenburg

Michael VanValkenburg, 62, of Salem, Va., passed away suddenly on Monday, October 20, 2008. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Stanley and mother, Elizabeth (Cole) VanValkenburg, of Cannonsville, N.Y.; and brother, Frank VanValkenburg, of Binghamton, N.Y. Surviving are his wife, Vicki; daughter, Victoria Kravetsky and husband, Ed, of Orson, Pa.; son, David VanBuren and wife, Kathy, of Roanoke, Va.; son, Shane VanValkenburg and wife, Melissa, of Salem, Va.; five grandchildren, Ariel, Brianne, Mikayla, and Thomas Michael Kravetsky, and Alexandra VanBuren; brother, Phillip VanValkenburg, of Mt. Upton, N.Y.; sister, Ann Cuyler and Larry Porto, of Clarence, N.Y.; several nieces and nephews; and a great group of friends. Mike was a graduate of Walton High School and lived in Walton, N.Y., where he worked at the Walton Reporter for many years prior to moving his family to Roanoke, Va. There he worked for Watkins Motor Line (Fed-Ex) for 26 years before retiring in December 2007. Mike was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all. Arrangements are being held by John M. Oakey and Son of Salem, Va. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2008, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 7:30 p.m. in honor and celebration of Mike's life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. To send condolences online, please register at www.johnmoakey.com.