Vic was born in Portland Oregon, graduated Benson Technical High School in Portland, the University of Washington, Naval ROTC and submariner schools in San Diego and New London. He was assigned to the USS Segundo (SS 398) as a junior officer and made four successful WWII war patrols. He was also involved in the capture of the Japanese submarine I-401 at the end of the war. Vic shared this story with Seattle Base USSVI in November 2008. He did not enjoy the peacetime Navy and had fallen in love with his future wife, Ruth Griffin, so he moved on with his career.
Vic returned to Astoria OR, gradually taking responsibility until he was managing Sebastian Stuart’s processing plant in Astoria. Together with partners, he bought the plant and formed Ocean Foods of Astoria in 1966. Vic moved up the executive chain becoming President & CEO of all of the Ocean Beauty group of companies in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. He served on the boards of Pacific Seafood Processors Association, Alaska Seafood Marketing Association, and other industry groups. He was instrumental in negotiating the seafood processors’ position with Exxon after the oil spill in Prince William Sound. Following his retirement, Vic continued working with the seafood industry consulting with salmon fisheries in eastern Russia. Vic enjoyed seafood – eating it as well as working with it. He could taste and tell if Dungeness crab legs or salmon or halibut cheeks were not quite properly processed. He attributed eating a lot of seafood to a long and healthy life.
Vic married Ruth Griffin in 1946 and their life was very fine until Ruthie passed away. Living in Astoria they raised their children Vic Horgan, Jr., Timothy Henningsen and Jan Trenholm to be people they were very proud of. Astoria remained Vic’s heart-home even when work caused him to live in Portland and Seattle. In 2003, Vic married Mary Lee Hazel, and they enjoyed life to the full. Vic is survived by his children, Vic (Diana), Tim (Kristen) and Jan Ford (Mickey); grandchildren Amy (Bob) Lukasiewicz, Paul Horgan, Brian Ford, Stacey Ford, Meredith Horgan, Thomas Horgan and Kyle Horgan, as well as two great-grandchildren, Madison and Brady Lukasiewicz.
Vic was always a gentleman – with his family, in business, on committees and boards, in church and social occasions. His handshake and attention was sincere. He was not only very smart, he was very kind and wise. He never forgot a name and enjoyed keeping up with old friends. His faith in God had grown these last years as he enjoyed learning more about Him. He lived life well and we expect he is now enjoying a lovely water view condo in heaven with his family and friends who have preceded him.
A service in honor of Vic’s life will be held Monday, June 20th at 11:00 am at United EV Free Church, 1420 Northwest 80th Street, Seattle. A reception will follow. Please see www.funerals.coop.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory to St. Vincent de Paul or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by his family.
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