Rev. Father Hervé Vallée
1927 ~ 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Rev. Father Hervé Vallée on Saturday December 16, 2023, at the Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. After a long and fruitful life and ministry, Father Vallée took his last breath at the age of 96, one month before his 97th birthday.

He was born to Louis and Eveline (née Casavant) Vallée in Laventure, SK, near Leoville on January 24, 1927. He is survived by two sisters, Katannya and Florence; many nieces and nephews, other family members and the Bishop and clergy of the Diocese of Prince Albert. He is also remembered by his caregivers, Del Henry and Troy Lester who looked after Father Vallée for many years making it possible for Father Hervé to remain in his home. He was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Eveline; as well as his sisters, Anna, Laurette and Marie Ange; his brothers, Orian, Adelard and Leonard; and many in-laws.

He left home to pursue his high school education in Blaine Lake, SK and graduated from Grade 12 at the Battleford College. Father Vallée then pursued Classic studies in Philosophy at Collège St. Jean in Edmonton and went on to study Theology at the Seminary in St. Boniface, Manitoba. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 18, 1953. His ministry was varied over the many years that he served our Diocese. He pursued further studies in Pedagogy at the University of Laval, Québec and the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. His ministry in the Diocese included working as Assistant Pastor or Pastor in several parishes, teaching at Notre Dame College, St. Mary High School, Boucher Junior High, Chaplain to the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Chaplain at the Sask Penitentiary and ending his ministry as the Director of the Diocesan Office of Social Justice. He retired in August 2004 at the age of 77 after serving the Diocese for 51 years.

Father Hervé was passionate for the arts and excelled in his work as a stained-glass artist. He also enjoyed pottery and rock and gem carving and polishing. He was also an accomplished singer finding joy in belonging to the French choir Entre’Amis for many years. He produced many stained-glass windows for churches across the Diocese and helped mentor new artists to discover their talents.

Father Vallée once said: “Life is meant to be enjoyed. I see God in everything – in beauty, in art. For me, every day is a sort of celebration. Life has its ups and downs but God is present, and if we open up we see so many marvelous things.”

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday December 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral with Most Rev. Stephen Hero, Bishop of Prince Albert, presiding. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed to view by following the link provided here: https://youtube.com/live/Z3Sp2iwWnwQ?feature=share

Interment to follow the Mass of Christian Burial at the South Hill Cemetery.

A priest does indeed live forever, not in measurable secular terms but in the faith of the people whose lives he touched in the course of his priestly ministry.

He leaves behind the witness of a good life that was informed and directed by the love of God. He leaves behind an example of generous sacrifice and commitment that made a positive difference for others. And he leaves behind a legacy of faith, hope and love in the people he served, planting in them the very seeds of eternal life. Now Father Vallée is teaching us, through his death, the meaning of the Resurrection and our hope for eternal life.

The Diocese of Prince Albert is grateful for his many years of service and today we give thanks to God for his “YES” many years ago. May he rest in peace. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/rev-father-herv%C3%A9-vall%C3%A9e/116570.html . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2023-12-16
• Location : Prince Albert, SK