Scott Allen Vallade, age 72, passed away on May 29, 2026. Scott was born to Howard and Patricia (Wolohan) Vallade in Adrian, Michigan. He graduated from Adrian High School, where he met his future wife, Susan Early, before earning a degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University. As a grower, his intuitive gifts resulted in plants that were worthy of, and pictured in, textbooks published by Michigan State University and delighted anyone lucky enough to acquire one for their home or garden. The combination of his boundless energy and artist’s eye produced not only beautiful plants but works of art ranging from wall-sized murals and stained-glass windows to the transformation of squiggles into pictures with his children. Scott was married to his high school sweetheart for 53 years, and together they raised three children. His kids dubbed him “MacGuyver” for his uncanny knack for jerryrigging the countless things that needed to be created or repaired. His love for woodworking translated into treehouses, balance beams, night lights, house additions, and furniture that he created for his family. He was known and will be missed for his good-natured sense of humor and eagerness to lend a helping hand.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Early Vallade, son Brandon Vallade (Barb Watkins), daughters Courtney (Andrew) Scavotto and Jessalyn Vallade (Marc Cormier); grandchildren, Tala and Evren Vallade, Ian and Miles Scavotto, and Alice and Eleanor Vallade-Cormier; siblings Patti Briggs, Kim (Janet) Vallade, Shirley (Mark) Greene, and Wendy (Steven) Early; sisters-in law, Sharon, and Sheryl Early; and special nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.