Richard Gerard Lavalley, Iii

Richard “Ricky” Gerard LaValley III was blessed with peace by our Lord and passed away on November 3rd, 2015, at his home on Dorr St in Toledo. Rick was born to Dick and Robin LaValley on March 16th, 1982 and was 33 years old. Although few will say traditional education was a love of Rick’s, he made a profound impact on every coach, friend, and teacher he had on his way to graduating from St. Francis De Sales, class of 2000. His legacy so strong, even 15 years later, his siblings are still referred to as “Ricky’s little brother/sister”. He went on to continue his education and graduate from Motorcycle Mechanic Institute in Orlando, FL. Recently Rick decided to further his education and was pursuing a degree in welding at Owens Community College. Outside of school, Rick was an accomplished hockey player at a very young age, playing for local AAA hockey teams and eventually going on to play with Little Caesar’s out of Detroit, MI. Often times his team would be invited to practice at the Joe (Red Wings Stadium) with the Red Wings, until Rick decided to show the pro’s he could hip check with the best of them, sorry #91… When Rick was in 5th grade, he begged and convinced his dad to take him to a Metallica concert, realizing his love of music at that moment and his life long pursuit of excellence when it came to playing the drums. He was a self-taught musician, accomplishing such difficult pieces as those written by bands like Metallica, Pantera, 311, Sublime, U2, and Clutch. He even took his musical talents all the way to an audition for the Blue Man Group. What Rick seemed to enjoy most about his music was teaching little kids how to play. Rick had numerous passions in life such as his love for working with his hands, motorcycles, outdoor activities, fishing with his father and brothers, and jamming out on the drums. However, maybe more than any other passion, Rick loved to make you laugh, maybe his best skill. He had a way of lighting up a room as soon as he walked in and would immediately start putting smiles on faces. His whacky humor may not have always been appropriate, but that was Rick and one of the many reasons we love him and will always cherish our time with him. Rick’s life was one of experience. There wasnt much he hadnt done. No matter the situation, Rick could make you smile, even if that meant making an awkward situation even more awkward. Rick has touched so many lives, of which he left an imprint on each and every one, never traditional and always extreme. Despite everything, Rick had a way of making you feel safe around him. He always had the best advice to share no matter the situation and although his logic may not always have made sense to the outside world, it made sense to him and that was enough. (Kind of like using a handheld blow torch to light cigarettes because he could not keep track of his lighters) Rick leaves behind his parents, Dick and Robin LaValley Jr, brothers Michael and Hank, sisters Elizabeth and Jessica, grandmother Maxine Frahn and niece Cecilia Ann. Rick also leaves behind his very special girlfriend of 12 years and best friend in life, Heather Haynes and her son, Jaxton, a loving extended family and a multitude of friends that will remember Rick forever. Rick is preceded in death by his grandfather George W. Frahn Jr, grandparents Richard Gerard LaValley Sr and Mary Ann LaValley, and cousin Jake Thornton. Although gone from this world, Rick will live on in our memories forever. All of the special moments he had with each and every one of us will never go away. Rick walked an amazing journey up until his very last moments, never the conventional way! He was a loyal Friend, Brother, Lover, and Man and will never be forgotten. We encourage you to friend “Rick G LaValley III” on Facebook and share your special memories. Rick was a special guy and touched many people throughout his life; it is both comforting and encouraging to hear your stories! Visitation will be Sunday, November 8th, from 2-8 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. From 7-8 pm, there will be a special sharing time for memories and prayer. Mass of the Resurrection to be held Monday, November 9th, at 10 am at St. Joe’s Sylvania, 5411 Main St, Sylvania. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery immediately following Mass. We love you Ricky! D-R-E-J-M-H-C-H-J- Go be at peace now Brother!