Roy Russell Valantine, 93, passed away in Santa Ana, California, on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.  He was born April 12, 1930, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Vernon Wilson Valantine and Ruby Potter Valantine.  Roy's wife, Jane Dibble Valantine, preceded him in death on December 30, 2022.  Roy and Jane had four children: Diane Valantine Rappaport (Husband - Aaron Rappaport and grandchildren Audrey and Thomas); William Roy Valantine (deceased March 2021) (Wife - Connie); Kathy Valantine Stepp (Husband - Robert Stepp); John Edwin Valantine (Wife – Lauren and grandchildren Ross and Grant).

Roy lived with his family in the Highland Park area.  He graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree from Los Angeles City College and then served in the French Mission in Geneva, Switzerland, Reims, Marseille, and Nice, France.  Upon his release, he attended Brigham Young University, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and received a Utah General Secondary Teaching Credential.  He then enlisted in the Navy and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserves after attending Officer Candidate School.  He eventually reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander before leaving the service and relinquishing his commission.  He served on an amphibious ship in the Pacific Ocean.

Upon his release from active duty in the Navy, he married Jane Dibble on August 23, 1958, in the Los Angeles Temple.  He then attended the University of Southern California, from which he graduated with a Master of Science degree in education cum laude and received a California General Secondary Teaching Credential.  He taught at La Canada Junior High School for two years. Then, he entered dental school at the University of Southern California, from which he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with honors.  He then practiced general dentistry in Glendale until his retirement.  He also practiced interceptive and general orthodontics towards the end of his practice.

Upon his retirement, he and Jane moved to St. George, Utah, and shortly thereafter, they served a mission in the West Indies as mission president and wife for three years.  Their headquarters were in Trinidad, and the mission included all the islands in the Caribbean, starting with St. Martin in the north and ending with Trinidad in the south, plus Guyana, Suriname, and French Guyana in South America.

Roy served in whatever position in the Church he was called to, including branch president, bishop, and counselor in a stake presidency. Still, his favorite calling was teaching the Sunday School Gospel Doctrine class.  He always wanted to lead the ward choir but never had the opportunity.  His life was filled with family and friends, and he loved them greatly.

Roy had a deep love of God and fellow men.  He knew that God is indeed our Heavenly Father, that Jesus is indeed the Christ and our Savior and Redeemer, and that this church is indeed the Church of Jesus Christ.  He was grateful for his heritage, for the opportunity to live in this land, and that he was able to live when the gospel was restored.