Jean Andre Vallery
Sarasota, d.20.October.2024
Jean Vallery was a veteran Sarasota bike messenger who created the
Bicycle Messenger Emergency Fund (BMEF) in 2001. The fund is a
not-for-profit organization. It's purpose is to provide messengers
who have been injured and are unable to work, with financial
assistance, namely an unconditional grant, which was $300 when the
BMEF was first created. Jean initial operated the BMEF by himself
for years. In 2005 he was the recipient of the Markus Cook Award for
services to the international messenger community. He passed away
October 20, 2024
Jean Vallery had a big heart, a big laugh, and big balls. His memory
will always bring a smile to my face, I am fortunate to have spent
time with him - Jarvis Nicolas
Very sad news. One of a kind – Martin Larsen
I met Jean in 1998 in DC and again in 2004 in Edmonton. He was
always eager to help in any way he could. The BMEF is a reflection
of who he was – Joe Hendry
In 1998 I was lucky to meet him at the DC championships. He was so
taken with our beautiful community, he wanted to do something
meaningful. What a good man, I will really miss him and the
intermittent emails through the years – Rebecca Reilly
Jean Andre Vallery wins national bike
messenger award
By Patty Allen-Jones
Herald-Tribune, October 26, 2005
Former bicycle messenger Jean Andre Vallery was honored Oct. 18 for
starting a fund to help injured messengers.
The Sarasota resident received the Markus "Fur" Cook Award, which
was presented to him by members of the Sarasota County
Bicycle/Pedestrian/Trail Advisory Committee at its monthly meeting.
"I was shocked that this was presented to me," said Vallery, 52. "I
had no idea. I knew I was nominated. I was nominated last year. I'm
just happy."
Vallery was a bicycle messenger in Sarasota from 1997 to 2001 before
getting sick. He hasn't been able to ride for very long since.
"It came to the point it was to my best benefit not to keep pedaling
in traffic," he said. "I was not able to take care of myself."
Vallery, who did not want to talk about his sickness, started the
non-profit Bicycle Messenger Emergency Fund in 2001 to help others
like him who can't work and can't pay bills.
Delivering messages by bicycle is considered the most hazardous
occupation, according to a Harvard report.
The fund has assisted 29 messengers throughout the world since March
2004.
The award is named after the late Cook, a key figure among bicycle
messengers in San Francisco and a leader in the international
messenger community.
It is given by the International Federation of Bike Messenger
Associations for service to the international messenger community.
The trophy was first presented in 1998. Previous recipients were
from Toronto, London, San Francisco, Boston, New York City and
Washington, D.C.
Their names are inscribed on a trophy, which will remain with
Vallery until the 2006 winner is announced.
He will join the other honorees in voting for the next winner.
Mark Blumenthal, chair of the county advisory group, said he was
contacted by Joe Hendry -- the first Markus Cook winner -- and told
that Vallery was this year's winner.
"This is a world-class event," Blumenthal said.
Obituary for Jean André Vallery
Jean André Vallery, a true wandering spirit, traveled from this
world on Sunday October 20, 2024. Jean was a Native American Elder
of the Apalachee Indians, Talimali Band, Louisiana.
His life was like a tapestry of “pearl moments”. He believed that
beauty was everywhere and he was forever curious, cherishing each
moment.
Jean had a wanderlust that took him from humble beginnings in
Jacksonville, Florida to many extraordinary adventures. He was often
on the road, exploring and connecting with others. He served in the
U.S. Army and later in the Marine Corps. He made friendships and
found family all over the country traveling from Alaska, across the
pacific north west, through Montana, down the pacific coast, across
the south and back to the south east. He spent his last days with
family and friends in West Point, Virginia.
Jean’s passions were often centered around creating. He could create
anything from woodwork to computer programs. He was an avid
bicyclist for many years and used this love to create ways to raise
money for fellow Veterans. Later, he became a part of the
international bicycle messenger community and developed the Bicycle
Messenger Emergency fund.
His purpose was often found in helping others. He was skilled at
listening to the needs of individuals and communities and then using
his voice and resources to advocate for them.
Jean André was a fun loving, lively, playful, generous, and caring
man, father, and friend.
Those that knew him will carry the gift of his spirited nature with
them always.
