Read Peter "Pete" Lee Vallerga's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Peter "Pete" Lee Vallerga

Eureka, CA, USA

February 14, 1938 - May 1, 2021

Feb 14, 1938 - May 1, 2021

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Peter was born to Peter F. and Ida Vallerga on February 14th, 1938 in Eureka, CA. Pete’s childhood was spent across the bay on the Samoa peninsula where he ran the sand dunes with his many friends and attended elementary school. Pete graduated from Eureka High School class of 1955, and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, class of 1960 where he earned his degree in Architectural Engineering.
Pete met Carlotta Jean Moore in 1961 through his friend, Gary Albee. They were married on March 10,1963, and this past year they celebrated 58 years of marriage with their children Teresa (Steve) Brooks, Jeanne (Jeff) Dyche Vallerga and David (Deedee) Vallerga. The family has grown to include six grandchildren, Tamra Brooks, Bowen Brooks, Robyn Brooks, Kyle Theuerkauf, Teryn Vallerga, Dawson Vallerga, and two bonus grandsons, Cody Barr and James Dyche.
Pete enjoyed downhill skiing and passed this love onto all of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed ski trip with friends, hiking, camping and RV’ing in later years. Pete loved to salmon fish, sometimes catching “the big one.”
Pete did his military service with the local Army Reserve. He was called up for one year of service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He spent that year in Tacoma, WA. driving the amphibious trucks.
Pete started his professional career with Matson & Nielsen Architects He obtained his Architectural License in 1986, and later purchased the firm changing the name to Matson & Vallerga Architects, Inc. He was honored twice by the Humboldt Builders’ Exchange receiving the Construction Person of the Year in 2005 and The Life Time Achievement Award in 2016. Pete retired from the architectural firm in 2006. He is remembers by many in the construction field as one of the most respected architects in the Humboldt Co. area. He was the architect on many of our public/community buildings, local schools, churches and private projects. His calm and professional style allowed him to work well with community boards and organizations.
Pete’s volunteer work included the First Congregational Church where Carlotta was pastor. He chaired the buildings and grounds committee over seeing much of the maintenance and modernization of the facility.
Pete earned his Eagle Scout Award during his high school years, and as an adult he carried his love of Scouting forward by serving as an Assistant Scout Master of Troop 65. He was honored by the Scouts with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth. As part of the scouting program, he and Dr. Roger Miller and Scout Master Dan Hauser took many scouts on 50 mile hikes during the summers. In their later years, the four Scout leaders called themselves the Bison Patrol and went on yearly hikes - just adults.
Pete was a 15 year volunteer with Eureka Volunteer Police logging in over 2,300 hours of service. While EVP was a way of serving the Eureka community through vacation checks, traffic control and assistance when needed, he also gained a very special group of friends.
Pete’s memberships included Eureka Downtown Rotary, Elks Club, Humboldt Historical Society, and The Sequoia Park Zoo
Pete leaves behind his immediate family along with several cousins and extended family members: Jack Vallerga & Family, Dan & Nita Vallerga & Family, Bob Palmrose & Family, Gary & Janice Albee & Family, Linda Walling & Family. Special friends Ron & Jan Turner, Ray & Mary Jerland, Dan & Donna Hauser, Dr. Roger & Connie Miller, his Church Family and his many friends and colleagues through his professional career.
Pete’s family and friends will greatly miss his laughter, fun, caring presence, his smile, and his one liner sense of humor. We pray he is following the Bison path on the other side.
Memorial Donations can be made to: United Congregational Christian Church Building Fund, Sequoia Park Zoo, a local Scout Troop, Humboldt Historical Society or your favorite charity.

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