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2019 Regular Session
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 125
BY SENATOR BOUDREAUX
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of Don Anthony Vallien.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana have learned of the passing of Don Anthony Vallien
on May 5, 2019, at his home in Opelousas, Louisiana, at the age of forty-four; and
WHEREAS, he was born on December 26, 1974, in Opelousas to the late John and
Gloria Vallien, attended Grambling State University and earned a degree in hospitality
management, and attended Remington College and earned a degree as an electronic engineer
technician; and
WHEREAS, Don Vallien also graduated from Opelousas School of Cosmetology and
became a licensed barber, opening his barbershop/salon, City of Stylez, in 2007, in
Opelousas; and
WHEREAS, he had many talents that he shared with family, friends, and his
community; he was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, charm, and personality that
brought out the best in people; he was a generous, witty, and honest man who loved people
and was passionate about bringing awareness to sickle cell disease; and
WHEREAS, his dedication to making a difference in his community, state, and the
world will continue to live through the work he did with Sickle Cell Awareness; and
WHEREAS, he was no stranger to legislators at the capital, where he lobbied for
legislation to be passed to legalize medicinal marijuana in support of those with chronic
illnesses; he also launched the Water Bottle Challenge that gained nationwide notoriety; and
WHEREAS, the documentary, "Sickle Cell Warrior" captured his battle with sickle
cell, kidney failure, and his "miracle" kidney transplant surgery, and he had guest appearance
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roles in television shows, "Queen Sugar", "N.C.I.S New Orleans", and he can be seen in the
NETFLIX hit movie, "Highway Men"; and
WHEREAS, as a man of multiple talents, Don also held the title of "Master Craft
Barber", earning this title by creating unique and one of a kind hairstyles on young men in
and around the Opelousas community; and
WHEREAS, he was an active and dedicated member of the Holy Family Catholic
Church in Lawtell, Louisiana, was an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Council
40, and a former member of the Holy Family Church Choir, received the honor as 2015-16
Volunteer of the Year from Southwest Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia, Inc., and was also
inducted into the National Association of University Women Black History Hall of Fame
in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Don Vallien served as president of Southwest Louisiana Sickle Cell,
Inc., of Acadiana and spearheaded sickle cell awareness walks in both Opelousas and
Lafayette; he also worked in collaboration with the St. Landry Parish Children and Youth
Services Planning Board for Sickle Cell Warrior Documentary Screening; and he worked
at Total Health Care Clinic as executive administrator; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents; and
WHEREAS, Don is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Alishia Richard
Vallien; son, Antonio Vallien; siblings, Angie Fields (Howard "Joe"), Lisa Moore (Ken),
Gina Readore (Manuel), and Tykee Jackson (Les); father- and mother-in-law, Lionel and
Gloria Richard; sister-in-law Daphne; and brother-in-law Isaac "Bo" Richard, as well as
nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, though Don Anthony Vallien was an astute businessman and
entrepreneur, the greatest role he cherished was that of loving husband to his wife, Alishia,
and caring father (role model) to his son, Antonio, as he could be seen camping, fishing,
hunting, and teaching his son life skills that will serve him a lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Don Vallien leaves behind a host of family, friends, and people whose
lives have been impacted in some fashion by his compassion, and he leaves a legacy of work
for the sickle cell community as he always said, "It's not about me; it's about the sickle cell
warriors".
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Don Anthony
Vallien and does hereby recognize and record for posterity his distinguished career of
excellence and unyielding advocacy for sickle cell awareness.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Alishia Richard Vallien.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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