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05/09/2017 - Reno, Nevada, EEUU

On June 21st Victor "Vic" to all who knew him celebrated a century of birthdays. Another milestone in his life, but oh so many moments!

Imagine his curiosity and amazement when he witnessed the changes that have occurred over the past 100 years.

"Outhouses" to indoor plumbing, horse drawn wagons to fuel and battery operated automobiles, single propeller airplanes to jets to space travel (Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon), wood burning stoves to solar panels, "party line" crank wall phones to wrist "smart" cell phones, kerosene lamps to electric lights, newspapers, radios, colored television to touch I pads for all the news, but one thing didn't change. Vic's bright eyed smile as he welcomed you to come in to his world. He was truly a gentleman. Honesty, kindness, respect, hard work, trust, generosity and love was his persona. He lived his life by the 'Code of the old West'. A man's word was his handshake.

Vic was born at Porcupine Creek Ranch, a small Basque homestead located at the base of the Santa Rosa's, Humboldt County, Nevada. His mother, Josephine Laucerica also was born and raised on this ranch.When Vic was 5 he and his mother moved to Winnemucca so he could attend public school. He attended numerous elementary schools. Winnemucca, Reno's McKinley Park, Stockton, Bakersfield until Josephine and Vic's stepfather Fernando Maestrejuan settled in Los Angeles where they managed the King Hotel on Broadway. Memorable moments: selling newspapers on the street for three cents a copy, winning a gold medal in Junior Olympics (Combo of handball, 40 yd. dash, basketball throw and baseball), viewing his first lighted Christmas tree, polishing brass door plates and knobs every Saturday, bread lines during the great Depression of 1932. When the massive Long Beach Earthquake (1933) demolished the Polytecnic High School Vic was attending his academic future ended.

The Depression forced the family to close the hotel and a train ride returned them to Winnemucca. Vic found a job herding sheep in Golconda, but soon joined his father James Pickens Anderson II who ran cattle in the Owyhee Desert (Eastern Oregon). The stories Dad has shared of his 'memorable moments' include names like 5 Bar, Antelope Corral, Sacramento Hill where he discovered three missing bulls in a hidden cave, Pole Creek, Robbers Roost where he overlooked a canyon that cattle had been trapped, 3 Forks, the Echave ranch where a bull snake fell from the rafters scaring the B-Jesus out of him. His love for cattle and horses emerged and was branded in his soul during his "buckaroo' days with his father. He summed up his time in this arid, infested rattlesnake desert as 'living with and living without'! The lessons he learned proved valuable throughout his life. "Everything in Moderation"!

By happenstance, Vic was introduced to the newspaper business. While walking by the Humboldt Star in Winnemucca he was offered a job cleaning linotypes and a printing press which were covered in dust from a recent remodel. With hands on experience and his mechanical sense he was soon setting type and instrumental in publishing the news. In 1944 Reno Newspapers (Reno Evening Gazette-Nevada State Journal) recruited Vic. Except for a short time in Alturas, Calif. (1950-1952) publishing the Alturas Plaindealer, he worked as mechanical superintendent for Reno Newspaper until his retirement in 1970, 37 years loving changing "ink and rolls of paper" into print Vic and Verna purchased Porcupine Creek Ranch (Vic's birthplace) in 1965 from the remaining Laucerica uncles and aunts. After restoring the ranch, building their new home and Vic's retirement in 1970, Porcupine was their home for 25 years before moving to Los Alamos, California and Reno.

Vic married Verna Bullis, a Winnemucca gal, on June 21, 1940. They celebrated 68 years of marriage until her death in 2008. With the births of Nancy, Vicki and Eric their family was complete. Vic has been blessed with 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He has loved each for their individuality. Family photos adorn the walls in his home and recently he turned his chair to enjoy their faces. He commented," I hope life is good to them and for them"!

Vic spoke English, Basque and Spanish. Shortly before his death Vic questioned the names of his horses and asked in Spanish, " Donde es mi caballo" ? Where is my horse? We knew he was getting ready to take his final ride. On September 5th he put on his boots, spurs and cowboy hat, saddled up his favorite horse and rode away. We are thankful for all the' treasured moments' of his life. May he ride the high country, see thru God's eyes. Ride the desert and feel God's strength. Ride the prairies and mountains, hear God's voice.

Vic was preceded in death by his wife Verna, brother Joe Maestrejaun, grandson Josh Anderson and daughter-in-law Lynn Anderson. He is survived by daughters Nancy DiLoreto and Vicki Menante and son Eric Anderson (Jan); 9 grandchildren Dale Mikle (Cindy), Todd DiLoreto (Kelly), Antonio DiLoreto (Kim), Cammy DeLoreto, Dean Menante (Lisa), Darin Menante (Lisa), Nino Menante and Joel Anderson (Janna). 17 great-grandchildren; Nick Nathan, Andressa, Cole, Loren, Oceana, Sienna, Indigo, Daniel, Ashley, Lexie, Dylan, Chloe, Madison, Joshua, Logan and Delainey. He beamed with delight when he heard their voices calling out, "Hey Gramps"! Nothing could compare to being showered with their hugs, kisses and love. Also surviving is his sister Florence Sullivan (Dan) and their children, Kevin, Sean and Brian and his deceased brother, Joe's sons, Rick, Tobin and Frank Maestrejuan, nephews; Ben and Bob Echeverria, Duane and Joe Bankofier, and Gary Bullis.

As per Vic's request, there will be no funeral. A memorial celebration of life will be held at his beloved Porcupine Ranch at a later date. Care is defined as the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance and protection of someone. Our family is grateful for the extra loving care and kindness our father received from his caregivers; Marty, Semisi, Rose and Olga. We appreciate and thank A Plus Hospice; Drew, Ari and Wanda for your support and quick response to Dad's needs. Thank you, Dr. Jay Schroeder, because you understand the need for treating patients with medicine if necessary, but human compassion is often the best medicine. You are a man who truly was interested and enjoyed listening to Dads's life stories. Thank You.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paradise Valley/New Building Fund c/o Gary Echeverria, P.O. Box 137, Paradise Valley, NV. 89426; Joshua L. Anderson Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 19298, Reno, NV 89511; Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation 3550 Barron Way #9a, Reno NV. 89511, or your favorite charity .

(publicado el 13 de septiembre de 2017 en Reno Gazette-Journal, Legacy.com)