Victor Dela Rosa O'Campo

Born August 29, 1924 in Manila, Philippines.

Victor demonstrated his bravery at the tender age of 15 when he joined the Filipino Guerrilla Force with his brothers during World War II. Because Vic was so young, his brother discouraged him from joining by telling Vic that he would have to torture the enemy. Although he was scared, Vic was determined to fight beside his brothers for the freedom of his people. During that time he was nicknamed "The Hawk - Vic Hawk". Vic recounted to his family that while in the Filipino Guerrilla Force, he had to hang onto dead bodies while fleeing across a river because he had never learned to swim. On November 21st, 1945 he voluntarily joined the U.S. Navy in the Philippines. He proudly became a citizen of the United States on board the USS Gary while crossing the international date line from China on December 11th 1946 despite dearly missing his family in Manila. He sent his Navy portrait to his family in Manila with "May this remain as a remembrance from your son in a far away land" written on the back.

Vic's ship came to Long Beach in the end of 1946. On an outing to a ranch party with his Navy buddies in Wilmington, CA, he met Laura Perales. He instantly fell in love and courted her with love letters, true friendship, and a strong arm on which to lean. His grand-daughter asked him "What made you fall in love with Grandma?" He answered "Your grandma was always good, she was always taking care of everyone." Grandma said that she fell in love with him "because he was always there for her." They were married on December 2nd, 1948. They started their family beginning in 1949 and had five children: Susie, Steve, Sandy, Sharon, and Stan ("Boy"). Always a hard worker, Vic painted automobiles for more than 40 years - doing whatever it took to support his family. Through the years, they learned and loved to dance with each other. They enjoyed spending time camping with their family, friends and children. Vic expressed himself creatively by constantly taking pictures and capturing precious moments, playing the piano, and painting art. He was always very stylish and handsome, as well as one of the best dressers one would ever meet. Vic and Laura welcomed three grandchildren, Shannon, Sharon, and Brandon as well as one great-grandchild, Sophia with all of whom they were incredibly close. Vic and Laura built a beautiful life filled with family and life-long friends. Together, they remained inseparable and in love for over 62 years.

Vic's final victory was making it home from the hospital, where he was surrounded by the people he loved in the place that he loved when he passed. He went peacefully on his own terms. He was a great soul with a wonderful spirit.

We will love and miss him forever.