Victor Fuentes Garcia

Victor Fuentes Garcia was born July 24, 1939 in Ft. Stockton, Texas to Lupe Fuentes and Jose Garcia. Lupe remarried Conrado Armendarez and Victor became a big brother to Conrad, Ofelia, and Sally. Before moving to Los Angeles, Victor was raised in a segregated Mexican Barrio in Texas, surrounded with love by his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Though he enjoyed his youth in Texas, he was impacted his entire life by the racism he witnessed by living in a segregated town and attending a segregated school. At some point in his youth he worked alongside his family picking cotton in the fields of Texas.

In Los Angeles Victor attended Belmont High School, then transferred and graduated from Garfield High School. He sold shoes in downtown Los Angeles and always wore a suit and tie, instilling a lifelong sense of pride in his appearance. He attended LA City College and transferred to CSULA earning a BA in sociology. Victor earned a J.D. from Loyola Law School.

His first career was a social worker in the projects of East LA. He then worked in the Ocean Park area helping seek employment for fellow people of color. Victor became an activist during the 1960’s Chicano Movement. Victor was present at the National Chicano Moratorium.He was very proud of establishing La Causa, a youth center in Venice. He was a mentor for young boys at a local clubhouse. In Bakersfield Victor became involved in Chicanos United for Progress (CUP). Victor was very proud that he met Cesar Chavez whom he strongly supported and admired.

In 1971 Victor married his love, Alice, on his birthday. Their wedding was a big, outdoor Chicano wedding, beautifully displaying their proud Mexican heritage. Eldest daughter Maya was born in 1973, followed by Alicia Victoria in 1977. After living in Bakersfield, the Garcia family moved to the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley. Victor found his calling in life as an adult education instructor which he enjoyed for the remainder of his life. His greatest joy, though, came in being a grandfather. Papa Vic adored his grandchildren, Kyle Robert, Victoria Marie, Simone Anna, Kyla Rose, and Julian Victor.

Victor was an avid reader-he read nonstop and enjoyed books, magazines, and newspapers. He was knowledgeable about a variety of subjects. He also enjoyed classic movies and a variety of music, from Mexican corridos to Bob Dylan, along with the blues and country greats. He was an excellent pool player, learning the craft at a young age. He liked to play darts, poker games with family, craps and blackjack at the casinos. He could either be seen dressed up in a suit, tie, and hat or a cap with his favorite teams-the Dodgers, Raiders, and UCLA. He appreciated a good beer, Mexican food, and the company of others.

Ole Vic was a people person. He was friendly and happy. He enjoyed telling stories. He loved to spend time with his family and treated all with respect and kindness. Victor loved traveling with Alice and spending time with his daughters and sons-in-law, Allan and Vince. Most of all, he loved watching his grandchildren grow up and play sports and attend their school events. Victor will be greatly missed by many, but never forgotten.

A funeral service for Victor will be held Monday, August 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 12745 Oriole Ave., Grand Terrace, CA 92313. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, 3510 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Garcia family.