Our Valedictorian
“Snark if needed.” Those words often accompanied my column of “Snark Infested Waters” when I submitted it to Val Robichaud so he could decide whether to include it in the next issue of the Sonoma Valley Sun. The implication — expectation? — was that he would exercise his well-honed editorial and community sensitivity in deciding whether a particular issue of the paper needed (or could stand) more snark to cheer, enlighten, sadden &/or enrage a readership of Valley residents and tourists alike.
More than publisher and editor of this anticipated bi-weekly, Val was first and foremost a delightful, sensitive, knowledgeable and personally invested resident of our Valley. He, his daughter Annie and his recently departed wife lived among us, interacting regularly not only with those who contributed stories, articles, information and advertising to the paper but with many of the subjects of each issue and all who looked forward to each edition of news, commentary, advertisements and general goings-on in the Valley. Unlike other county media that often share verbatim many of the items that populate their pages, Val kept the Sonoma Valley Sun original, personally seeing that it was cobbled together issue after issue to keep it a unique and living part of Valley life long after its original publisher, Three House Multimedia, called it a day in 2010.
That none of The Sun’s collaborators, contributors, columnists or staff are compensated is a tribute to Val’s ability to enlist others to support his vision of keeping the Valley informed, enlightened, entertained and interested in the health and welfare of its people, institutions, businesses and their goings-on.
Finally, I would note that obituaries are not a regular feature of the Sun. But when my own wife passed recently, Val lovingly and prominently published her obituary and picture. To say that his warm, intelligent, energetic presence and genuine humanity will be greatly missed is the biggest of understatements, one totally devoid of snark.
Bob Edwards
