Victor "Vic" Apodaca Jr.

APODACA Victor, Jr. "Vic" passed away peacefully on April 28, 2013. He was known for his "larger than life" stature and personality and for his contagious smile. His flamboyance and notoriety were legend, but well calculated to garner national attention when the famous needed his bail bond services. Vic or "Happy" as he was called during high school was born on January 25, 1940, and spent the majority of his life in El Paso. He attended Texas Western College, but decided to follow the career path that he had started at age fourteen by working for his father's bail bond business. He was best known for his management of Apodaca Bail Bonds, but founded other business ventures with partners such as, Viva Motors, Inc. and Cielo Vista Bank. Vic also founded and served as the first President of the Professional Bondsmen of Texas where he served as a leader in their legislative agendas in Austin. His business leadership was recognized when his company was placed on the Hispanic 100 list of Hispanic Business Magazine. He lived a vibrant life, similar to the colorful suits he enjoyed wearing. Although large in life, he was a steadfast proponent of the little guy and the underdog. He valued a hard work ethic, and always demanded quality. He was a silent benefactor of many causes and people and extremely generous to his family, friends and strangers who asked for a helping hand. It is unknown how many school trips he paid for children in need. He supported UTEP and set up an endowed memorial fund many years ago. Some of his other contributions were to the establishment of the El Paso Juvenile Detention Center, Southwest Rodeo and Livestock show (where he would purchase livestock and donate it to those in need).Vic was proud of his Hispanic heritage and fought for all to have the same

opportunities that he had and never begrudged people who had more. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was predeceased by his wife, "la guera," Kris and survived by their children: Michelle "Missy" Apodaca, V. Trae Apodaca, III, and Senator Tom Apodaca and his wife, Lisa; and his grandsons: Cristian, Tate, and Brandon. He was preceded in death by his parents Pilar Chavez Apodaca and Victor Apodaca, Sr. and his half-brother, Richard Apodaca. The family wishes to thank: Ladonna Apodaca, Dr. Dwayne Aboud and his staff, Cyndi Carrasco, Cristina Velasquez and Javier Rios for making him comfortable. There will be a vigil Thursday, May 2nd at 7 p.m. and life Celebration will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 11:00 am. Both services will be held at Martin Funeral Home, 128 North Resler Drive, El Paso. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Victor Apodaca, Sr. Endowed Memorial Fund at UTEP, Kelly Hall, 6th floor, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0524. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com.