Discovery of 3,000 Kilometers

Bill Vallerand
The Land Rover community lost one of its most storied members with
the passing of Bill Vallerand, in Greene, Maine, on February 10, 2007
His formal name was Alphonse William Vallerand, but from his
birth in 1932 he never stood on formality. He joined three previous
generations of Vallerands to run Glenrock Springs Water Company,
which bottled and shipped water to thousands of clients throughout
central Maine. Under his leadership, the company grew from a oneperson
operation to substantial family business.
Bill’s interests were wide-ranging and shared willingly and joyously
with other enthusiasts. His vast technical and historical knowledge
of small arms became the basis for his writing and investment in
Small Arms Review, a national magazine.
He also embraced Land Rovers and passed his interest to his
sons, John and Peter, and his daughters Christine, Carolyn and
Theresa. He and his family traveled about New England and eastern
Canada to Rover gatherings. At any Land Rover event, Bill would bring
one of his many fascinating and well-used Land Rovers: a Series I, a
well-used Series II-A 109”, a Series II-A FC that he had purchased
from an African NGO, even an early 90’s Range Rover. His wife, Peggy,
children and grandchildren would always be present in a Land Rover,
too. It was no surprise to meet Mike and Christine (Vallerand)
Dupuis of Wanalancet, NH, and discover that he also had a Series
Land Rover. Mike explained that it seemed to be a requirement to
enter the family.
Bill also contributed his knowledge and enthusiasm with Land
Rover clubs nationally and locally in New England. After meeting at an
event, his new acquaintance would often find himself invited to the
family farm and water bottling plant in Greene where you could tour
the barns full of carefully archived Land Rover parts, or you could
enjoy a tour of the fields in which Land Rovers seemed to flourish. He
became highly regarded as an independent Land Rover repairman
and consultant on Rover’s mechanical idiosyncrasies, and willingly
shared his knowledge with everyone.
It’s been said that Land Rover enthusiasm brings out the best in
people, but Bill’s passing reminds us that it’s extraordinary people
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who bring their intelligence and personality into Land Rovers. At
Rovers North, we’ll miss Bill greatly and send our best wishes to his
family and many friends.
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Orders: (800) 403-7591 website: www.roversnorth.com