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John Vallance Obituary
Born in Hollywood to John Allan Vallance and Sue Ann Darkenwald, John was the eldest of four children. He spent most of his early years living at the Veteran's Administration in West Los Angeles where his father held an administrative position. He then served with the USN Naval Air in Pensacola before returning west to secure his master's degree at USC.
By 1972 John had accepted employment at Dillingham Land Corporation in Honolulu, Hawaii, remaining with the company until 1985. He then took up a position at the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in downtown Los Angeles before moving on to the TAG Group USA in 1987 where he remained until his retirement in 2023.
John was a collector of vintage 1950s Lionel electric trains as well as coins, stamps and aviation memorabilia - PanAm being a favorite of his. He also owned classic automobiles including a beautifully restored 1965 Corvette and 1964 Buick Riviera.
A world traveler, John's journeys took him from the Galapagos Islands to China and almost every country in Europe from Ireland to Greece. His love for travel was hardly diminished by his recent health challenges; 2024 saw him off to Hawaii, Micronesia, Croatia, and visits to Long Island and Maine on the East Coast.
But his most remarkable journey was life itself and his greatest collection were the multitude of close friends and co-workers John met along the way. Among them is the writer of this tribute, his partner and soul mate of 47 years, Bruce Scottow. A celebration of John's amazing life is planned for his birthday at our home in West Los Angeles.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Vallance
6 Entries
Allen Drucker
July 24, 2025
I first met John when he walked into my recently acquired model train shop on Pico Blvd. in West L.A. in 1976. As so many folks must have been, I was just blown away at how absolutely beautiful this man was in his gorgeous suit, looking like he just stepped off a Hollywood movie set as the leading man. But John´s amazing good looks were nothing compared to the kind, gracious, caring & generous gentleman I came to know over the next 50 years. In addition to a love of trains, John loved seeing the 1965 Corvette I restored and he & I became fast friends, having shared a somewhat similar L.A. upbringing. I fondly remember him inviting my wife & I to stay in a condo he had in Maui and he taking us to the Outrigger Canoe Club for dinner during a visit to Oahu. To say that our relationship went way beyond that of shopkeeper & customer would not be an overstatement. His astonishingly brave fight with cancer left me in awe. John was one of the very finest human beings I have ever had the honor of knowing and I dearly miss him.
Peter Larsen
July 15, 2025
What a GOOD HUMAN! I first met John and Bruce in 1978 in Honolulu, at the gym. Later our paths crossed again in LA, and John actually introduced me to my late partner Scott. What struck me about John was his kindness, good nature, and generosity. Bruce, my heart goes out to you for your loss. Aloha Nui Loa, Peter.
Jocelyn Hublau Parker
April 2, 2025
John was such a special person, whose thoughtfulness knew no bounds. His warmth and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone he met, always making those around him feel included and truly cared for.
Suny and I will forever cherish the memories we shared with Bruce and John over the years-cruises filled with adventure, cozy fondue dinners, and Halloweens spent handing out candy while enjoying John's famous `spicy´ chili. We are so grateful for their friendship and whenever we think of John, we know it will bring a smile to our faces.
My condolences to all who loved him-most especially to Bruce. John will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Marcia Hanford
March 30, 2025
Bruce, so sorry for your loss.
Francesca Smith
March 30, 2025
John was an exceptional human being in every way. He treated everyone he knew like royalty. His passion for the things he loved was a reflection of the complicated, quietly daring man he was. He will be solely missed by those who felt the warmth of his love. I was honed to be his friend.
Bruce Scottow
March 28, 2025
His life was lived to the fullest. He was an exceptional person and we who knew him are ever thankful. We´ll miss you John!
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