Raymond Roy Valladao

1940 - 2021

We honor Ray Valladao for being an amazing father, true friend, gentleman, the best story teller, and a ”real cowboy.” He is admired for his kind, generous heart, witty sense of humor, and his gift of encouraging words which inspired others to be true to themselves. Ray had a special way of making those around him smile until the moment he passed peacefully in his Sonoma home. 

A passionate equestrian, and community philanthropist, “Cowboy Ray” was a long time member of Back Country Horsemen and was recognized in the Sonoma County Horse Council Hall of Fame as a distinguished leader and trailblazer. Ray truly loved and enjoyed life, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and contributions. Ray is often remembered as “Trail Boss,” while he led equestrians on horseback rides or facilitated trail days for our beloved local State and County parks. With his charming disposition and warm, friendly smile, Ray instantly made friends with all who met him both on and off the trail. 

An avid outdoorsman and skilled hunter, Ray recounted many fishing and hunting stories to family and close friends. In his later years he was known to let the big bucks walk by, or he could be spotted by his son sleeping peacefully under a tree. Cowboy Ray was simply mesmerized by nature and watching God’s magnificent creatures in their natural essence.

Known also as the “Sign Man” when he owned the legendary Santa Rosa Signs, Ray enjoyed the art of sales and he loved people. In Ray’s shirt pocket he safely kept Dale Carnegie’s little “Golden Book” of wisdom. He often quoted phrases that inspired him to “live and lead a life by example.”

Raised in a close family in Richmond, California Ray was the pioneer. In 1970, he and his family moved to Sonoma County to blaze new trails in Santa Rosa. Ray is preceded in death by his parents Marie and Edward Valladao Sr., his brothers Eddie, Jr., Billy, and sister Diane Valladao. He is survived by former spouse Gail and their children, son Richard Valladao, 

(wife Rachelle), daughter Raeann Valladao, brothers Donn and Tom Valladao. Ray has three granddaughters, Hailey, Maddie, and Macey Valladao, along with many nieces and nephews.

Ray is cherished as always having a positive attitude, making “lemonade out of lemons,” and singing, “Back in the Saddle Again,” on his horse. He is deeply loved and missed dearly as he continues riding, fishing, and hunting in the mountains of Heaven. 

“Happy Trails Daddy! You are unforgettable.”

 

Please join us in honoring Ray’s legacy. 

Rosary: October 18, 2021, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Lafferty and Smith Mortuary 

Funeral Mass: October 19, 2021, 10:30 a.m. Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Followed by final goodbyes at Calvary Catholic Cemetery

Reception:1:00 p.m. Holy Spirit Catholic Church

In lieu of flowers please make donations in his name to the California Waterfowl Association or Hospice By the Bay.