10/25/06 - NNHS Newsletter - Vic Victor

Irwin 'Vic' Victor
(24 Apr 1935 - 22 Oct 2006)

Newport News High School Class of 1953

   Thank you, Bill.  I'm so sorry to hear this; I appreciate your passing it along to us. 

Irwin 'Vic' Victor

MATHEWS - Irwin 'Vic' Victor of Mathews and Newport News, died in his sleep on Oct. 22, 2006, with one of his beloved rescue dogs, Miss Virginia, by his side. Vic was born April 24, 1935, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Newport News with his parents as a toddler. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edythe S. Victor and Bernard Victor, and a beloved daughter, Lisa. He is survived by a sister, Bernice Victor Smith, and niece, Ryan Smith of Newport News, and his lifelong cherished companion, best friend and colleague, Laura L. Offield and her family, which Vic felt were his own. They are Tara Mitchell, Ryan Moore, Chuck Moore and Beth Carr, four granddaughters and a grandson. He is also survived by an uncle, Irving B. Spooner, of Hampton, and cousins throughout the United States, as well as close friends, Chris Michael Adams and his family and Suzanne L. Wright and her family, which became his adopted family. Vic's love of life was always evident as is reflected in his ability to do for others whether it was to share what he had, listen or just be there when needed. His uncanny ability to fix anything mechanical began as a youngster in the family owned business, Spooner's Salvage, and followed throughout his entire life. His ability to accomplish and succeed in varied interests included hydroplane racing in the waters off Fort Monroe and then the entire East Coast. His love of racing began when he completely restored a favorite 1932 Ford and led to professional National Sports Car of America Racing Driving School, racing and owning many Porsches. 'Snortin' Norton' was a favorite motorcycle and well known among biking enthusiasts. Vic's love of land and water allowed him to be close to both at his restored home in Mathews, 'Anchordown'. His knowledge of deep sea fishing took him to many places throughout the world, but local waters captured his heart. Vic's ownership of East River Boat Yard along with his cranes allowed local watermen 'just another place to belong'; while his land was turned into gardens that produced bountiful vegetables shared with neighbors and strangers alike. Along with being active in local issues, his ability of caring and giving brought many into his life. He and Laura were active in animal rescue through the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society and placing these animals in good homes throughout the country. Vic's famous line to their sometimes just unwanted creatures, 'You can stay here until you do better' became a trend which became legend. His proficiency in writing found him in partnership with boating magazines producing articles on local waters and fishing, as well as, question and answer columns. His love of reading began at an early age and continued with a lifetime of collecting his cherished books on varied subjects, but his favorite book always remained 'Horatio Hornblower.' Vic graduated from Newport News High School, attended the University of Miami and was a member of water ski teams, Tau Epsilon Phi, and engineering and business organizations. For many years, prior to moving to Mathews, he owned and operated Paul's Auto Parts. He specialized in foreign parts for cars and hard to find items for friends. This quickly gained him the reputation of being able to find anything when others gave up. Respecting his love of the land, which he felt should be reserved for nature, planting trees for the environment and using the earth to grow food to feed people, he will be cremated. His family and friends will gather at 3 p.m. Oct. 27 for a Celebration of Life at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home in Mathews. Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Irwin Victor earmarked to the Foster Puppy Program to the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, VA 23061, to the Mathews County Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews VA 23109, or to the Mathews County Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1130, Mathews, VA 23109.

Published in the Daily Press from 10/24/2006 - 10/25/2006.
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