Our radiant Valerie passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC on October 25th at the young age of 58.
Val is survived by her partner Steve Cochran and step-daughter Chloe, her parents Bert and Lorraine Adamson, siblings Sara (Cam), Susan (niece Haedy), Dan (Amanda; nephew Mitchell, niece Alexandra), her in-laws Mike (Mary-Jill), Amanda (Nick; nieces Maddison, Annabelle), Brianna (John; nieces Abigail, Camilla, Bridget Valerie), James (Izumi; nephew Noah, niece Emma), and Craig (Crystal; nephew Phoenix, niece Violet), and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends who Val also considered her family.
Val lived her life with purpose and as one rarely does – with a wide-open heart, deep curiosity, a true zest for life, and unwavering love for and commitment to those in her vast circle.
Purely by being herself, Val’s vibrancy lit up any room she walked into with her sparkling blue eyes, gorgeous red hair, gregarious personality, warm smile, and of course, that famous laugh! Her natural instinct was to create a good vibe and have fun wherever she went. Val was generous, kind, caring, daring, resilient, and she brought a sense of joy and healing to those around her.
For Val, it was all about connection – to family and friends, to the earth and to her spirituality. She truly enjoyed spending time with people, getting to know them better and forging lifelong friendships. Val’s remarkable gift was to listen and remember what you said, and she was well known for her unique way of making everyone feel special.
Val travelled the world and made a point of exploring new places and experiencing the local culture. She would invite family and friends to visit her as often as possible, and was always so proud to introduce her guests to every member of the entourage. The time spent with Val was an opportunity to share music, laughter and memorable one-of-a-kind experiences.
As much as Val reveled in her life on the road, she cherished coming back home, whether it was Edmonton, Toronto, New York or Vancouver. She loved to host dinner parties, have barbeques on the beach, go on camping trips, hike in the forest, read a good book or simply watch a glorious sunset. Auntie Val especially adored the precious moments with her nieces and nephews.
And who can forget the many Valapaloozzas, her annual multi-day birthday bashes. Whether a wig party or 70s-themed boat cruise with a playlist for the ages, Val always celebrated in style while the rest of us tried to keep up with her.
Val was thrilled to move to Vancouver Island in 2021, to be closer to her parents and family, and put down roots with Steve to create a very special oasis together in their own home.
Val was courageous and determined (sometimes a little stubborn!). She believed in authenticity and stayed true to her convictions. Val blazed her own trail and showed us all a different way of seeing the world, in both good and challenging times, with abundant optimism.
Val will be dearly missed, and we take comfort knowing that her adventurous spirit will forever soar free.
As there are too many people to mention, we would like to thank everyone who helped Val on her personal and spiritual journey over the past several months and years.
We’d also like to share a bit of advice that Val offered up on many an occasion: Be present and just go with the flow!!
A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please take a walk on your favourite beach, dip your toes in the water and enjoy the moment.
Donations may be made to an organization of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
43 Responses
I’m so deeply saddened to learn of Val’s passing. She was and is will continue to be a light. Her laugh was the best… it brings a smile to my face just thinking of it. Sending so much love to her family & friends. Rest well, Val. It was an honour to know you.
Heaven is more beautiful and a lot more fun now that Valerie Adamson is there, albeit way too soon. She was the embodiment of love and grace and I treasured these past 25 years as one of her many dear and loving friends.
Anyone who was lucky enough to get the “Valerie treatment” will never forget her magical way of making you feel like you were extraordinary. Her hospitality and zest for life knew no bounds. My only wish is that I had been there to visit as we planned so I could say goodbye and hear her unforgettable laughter one last time.
I dearly loved this incredible woman with her deep spirituality. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. Rest in peace and rock on my darling girl.
Love, Marilou
Sadness doesnt describe how I felt when I heard the news that Val isnt with us anymore. Going to miss her smiling face and sunny personality. My deep condolences to her family and closest friends. You will truly be missed by so many, Val. Soar high.
Our heartfelt condolences from our family to Valerie’s family. We were neighbours in Edmonton and now in Victoria. We sympathize with you in your recent loss and are sharing your grief.
My beautiful friend Val. Thank you for the long beautiful note and phone call to Al and I appreciate the love and friendship we had. You were the biggest light to everyone. That trip to Sooke potholes will forever hold a place in my heart. You meant so much to Al and I …. So glad to celebrate your wonderful recent pizza party birthday with you…. Love you always my dear friend!
I first met Val at her 40th birthday party, which was a wig party. I remember being struck by how shiny her light was, how vibrant her spirit and just how downright genuine (and FUN) she was. Anyone that ever spent time with Val will understand her PRESENCE and how absolutely special she could make you feel. I haven’t met anyone like Val before and all who knew her will suffer an unimaginable loss.
I send my deepest, heartfelt condolences to Steve, Val’s family and all who loved her. I know how much she loved you all, as she spoke so much about those that were near and dear to her heart.
Fly free, darling Val. You will be desperately missed.
Val, I am thinking of you a lot today as we head to your service. I learned a lot of beautiful lessons from you but the most cherished are the love of speaking truth and the way you embraced life. When I see sun in the sky, I will remember you and know you have helped the sun come out because I have embraced your love of life and everything it has to offer. On rainy days, I will search within myself to see what I can do to be a better person. I will always look in on Steve so please do not worry. RIP.
It still does not seem real that Val is gone. I met Val through her close friend Sonya. I appreciated her enthusiasm and engagement with life, her generosity, and her kind and caring connection with people. It is hard to believe her bright light is gone. There is a saying in Mexico, “one is not completely gone as long as they are remembered”. Val will be remembered by many, may her bright light continue to shine in all those amazing memories that she gifted to so many. My condolences to her family and friends.
Val, your bright light will shine in this world for a long long time, emanating now from the people you inspired. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, for your generous spirit and for bringing so much joy! It requires a profound level of courage to be such a positive force in a world often challenging and troubled, and you were one of the most positive, life affirming people I ever met. Thank you for generating so much warmth and love.
Jonny
When I heard the news that Valerie had passed recently, it didn’t make sense or seem possible. Valerie was a vibrant personality and larger-than-life presence. We met at CPI in 1989 and worked across from each other when the Rolling Stones Steel Wheels Tour was starting up. Gradually we forged a close friendship that continued throughout the 1990’s. There are so many vivid and happy memories during that era of us working in music as well as hanging out together with a tight knit group of friends. Although our paths diverged in different directions during the 2000’s and beyond, we continued to keep in touch periodically. Only last winter I learned from Valerie that she and her partner Steve had moved into a gorgeous log cabin in Victoria, B.C. The photos were breathtaking and it was wonderful to hear how happy she was. It doesn’t seem real that we can no longer connect on a FaceTime call or text. I’m still processing Valerie’s loss. It has taken me back to remembering that magical era of the 90’s where we were still finding ourselves, exploring our talents and living in the moment. There was a buoyancy and joyousness during those formative years and Valerie embraced that exuberance. Rest in peace Valerie, you are truly missed xo