Cyrille "Cy" Eugene Valliere

Cyrille “Cy” E. Valliere of Breckenridge, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away at his home with his family by his side on Sunday, September 1, 2025, on his 58th anniversary. He was 80 years old. Cyrille Eugene Valliere was born on July 22, 1945, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Cyrille Earl and Kathryn June (Newvine) Valliere.

Cy grew up in Merrill, Michigan, attending Sacred Heart Catholic Schools until the 8th grade and then Merrill High School graduating in 1963. While in high school Cy competed in track and field where he held many school records. Following graduation, he attended Michigan State University graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Biology.

Cy met the love of his life, Marilyne Reneé Boutin, while in high school. They began dating their senior year, fell in love, and were united in marriage on September 1, 1967; she survives him.

He was employed with both Breckenridge High School and later Alma High School where he taught agriscience. While teaching in Breckenridge he served as the assistant coach for the boy’s football and track team and coached the girl’s track team at Alma High School. He was the advisor for the FFA program at both schools, competing at countless state and national competitions. Cy was instrumental in creating and developing the FFA program from scratch at Alma High School. Always enjoying a challenge, he then began working as an agricultural loan specialist/vice president at Farmer’s State Bank, furthering his education at Purdue University in banking. Cy then transitioned into the role of an agriculture and financial consultant, where he assisted farmers in keeping their family-owned businesses. Above all others roles, he loved and cherished being loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He was a longtime and faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan and was proud to served as an altar boy. Cy later found a new home at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Louis. He civically served with countless organizations including the Kellogg Leadership program through Michigan State University, president of the Michigan Ag Teacher’s Association, the Breckenridge Rotary Club, and was the vice president of the Gratiot County Fair.

As a young boy, Cy took lessons to learn to play the accordion. When he was nine years old, he participated in an accordion competition in Chicago, winning the entire competition. As an adult, he participated in the Michigan Accordion Orchestra. Cy found great pleasure in playing his accordion, as well as singing bass, especially in church, with many choirs, and at home with his family.

An avid outdoorsman, his little piece of heaven was spending time hunting and fishing – especially tying flies, as well as raising both cattle and sheep on his farms. He was influential in passing his love of agriculture, the FFA, and 4-H at the Midland County Fair to his children and grandchildren.

A true parliamentarian, master storyteller, and eloquent speaker, Cy will forever be remembered for his undying passion to educate all students, for his wonderful sense of humor and the many pranks he pulled over the years, for being a peacemaker and his strong work ethic, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Marilyne Reneé Valliere of Breckenridge; a daughter, Camille “Cami” (Brian) Valliere of Ithaca; nine grandchildren: Mallory (Troy), Chelsea (Kenneth), Justin (Megan), Joshua (Jessica), Kristen Jr., Branden (Acacia), Cameren, Olivia (Ryan), and Payten; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean Federspiel of FL; a brother, James (Susan) Valliere of Merrill. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends and countless students too numerous to mention but held closely to his heart.

He was preceded in death by a son, Kristen Valliere; a brother, Tom (Connie) Valliere; parents, Cyrille and Katheryn Valliere.

Honoring Cy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Mount St. Joseph Catholic Church, 605 S. Franklin Street, St. Louis, MI 48880. Rev. Fr. TJ Fleming will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.