George David Valentine, 77, passed away on December 7, 2020 at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, SD, from complications brought on by COVID-19. George was born on April 22, 1943, to John and Margarite (Billam) Valentine. He grew up and went to school in Egan. After attending college at DSU in Madison (from where he would be awarded Outstanding Alumnus in 1982), George moved to Mitchell to teach and coach. He met and married Carol Kruse (nee Johnson) and they had their first son, David John, in 1969. They moved to Pierre where they welcomed another son, Thomas George, in 1972. After Carol and George divorced, George moved to Sioux Falls where he lived until 2019. Always ready with a joke and a smile, as a lobbyist George was a fixture in the halls of the State Capitol building during Legislative sessions for over 40 years. He was long remembered for his work with various Lakota tribes in South Dakota. And George certainly lived large in life. Not many folks can say they drank beer with Roy Orbison in Dell Rapids, or crossed paths with political heavyweights like Bobby Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan. Beyond that - George was a good man who always stayed true to himself, a loyal generous friend to many, and a loving father to Dave and Tom.

He is survived by his two children, Dave and Tom (Molly) Valentine, his grandson Patrick, his siblings John (Barb), Linda, Jim (Jeanette) Valentine, Connie Wendell, and many nieces and nephews.  George was preceded in death by his parents John and Margarite, and sisters Nancy Waxdahl and Carol Olson.

Services will be provided by the Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, SD at a later date. Memorials can be sent to 139 River Road, Pierre, SD, 57501.