Larry Barnett lives in Sonoma where he was elected to three terms on the City Council and served twice as Mayor. A thirty-three-year resident, he currently serves as Chair of Sonoma's Planning Commission. He has been married for 48 years, has two daughters and three grandchildren.
In Memoriam – Val Robichaud, Sonoma Sun Publisher
Posted on February 21, 2024 by Larry Barnett
We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Val Robichaud, Publisher and Editor of the Sonoma Sun Newspaper. Val died last Friday at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. More information about Val and his life will be provided in the coming days. Those of us who have worked closely with Val over these many years are deeply saddened, and the status of the paper going forward is something unknown at this time. We ask you all to keep Val and his daughter Annie in your thoughts, and reflect upon the enormous contribution Val has made to our community.
– – – Larry Barnett, Sonoma Sun Editorial Board
16 thoughts on “In Memoriam – Val Robichaud, Sonoma Sun Publisher”
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This is very sad. My condolences to Val’s family and the Sun family.
What a tragic loss. He was such a supportive dear man and did so much for our community, our nonprofits and for artists like me.He gave us a voice.
So terribly sad💞. Our community lost Val Robichaud an amazing human being who cared wholeheartedly for genuine, community journalism.
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Muy triste💞. Nuestra comunidad perdió a Val Robichaud, un ser humano increíble que se preocupaba de todo corazón por un periodismo comunitario genuino.
Val was an incredible and incredibly sweet human and I feel gratitude for having met him. So sorry to hear this sad news.
Oh my. Val was a new friend. I’m shocked by this. I hope there is more information provided soon. My condolences to his family.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Val Robichaud. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Val was a gem of a human — and a funny, observant, no-BS guy who loved to chat for hours and gossip (for journalistic purposes, of course). We were lucky to have him. We were fortunate to benefit from his commitment to publish The Sun for so so so long. It wasn’t easy, but he had fun. Personally, I loved talking to Val and found him very fair and honest. I especially valued his support when things were weird and odd and unkind and dishonest elsewhere. He got it.
Small towns like ours are made better by people like Val and especially Val. My thoughts are with his daughter, whom he was so endlessly proud of and delighted by.
You did good Val. We will miss you. We are grateful to you.
Oh no! So sad. He was love good human. My deepest sympathy to his family – he’ll be dearly missed.
What a shock to read of Val’s death. I considered him a friend and a great supporter. He has been such a valuable contributor and voice for Sonoma Valley. We have lost a tremendous asset to our community. My condolences to his family and many friends.
This is very sad news for his family and friends, and for all of us in the community who read the Sonoma Sun. I met Val years ago when I worked at KDFC FM radio, and he was the marketing Director. When I moved to Sonoma three years ago, I was interested to see that he had become editor and publisher of the Sonoma Sun, and I read his editorials with great appreciation. Sonoma Valley has lost a voice of reason and wit.
There truly are not words enough for the loss. Val was the definition of a true journalist, editor, and publisher. I had the gift of sitting with him once to discuss some heavy topics and his unbiased support and unwavering commitment to bringing the truth to light remains nearly untouchable in the local media workforce. He pioneered for the truth at exhausting costs and he will forever be remembered as the man who truly gave everyone a voice. Sending my love to his family and closest friends.
Words can’t describe how we feel right now. Just to say we loved you buddy. You were one of a kind; incredible being xoxo
I am proud to have been part of the Sonoma Valley Sun family. I will miss him. My condolences to his friends and family.
I worked with Val at KQED many years ago. He was a gifted writer with a wonderful sense of humor. I, along with other KQED friends of Val, would appreciate knowing if/when there is a memorial service for Val. Sincere condolences to Annie and the community Val fostered in Sonoma.
I’m so saddened to hear this. Val was an important part of the success of KDFC in the 2000s but more importantly he was just an amazing guy.
Val was a key member of our radio family at KDFC. He made all the events fun and memorable. His passing will be felt around the Bay and wine country.