Obituary of Odey Victor

Odey was born at Tacoma General Hospital on May 25, 1931, and passed away peacefully at Tacoma General Hospital on April 29, 2017, a victim of congestive heart failure. Odey grew up in Tacoma's North End, attending public schools and graduating from Stadium High School in 1949. He excelled at part of the track team, achieving school high jump records. His success at track and field continued at then College of Puget Sound, graduating from there with a Bachelor's degree in Art studies. Following college, Odey worked for a time at Puget Sound Bank and helped with the family restaurant businesses in Tacoma and in Camas, Washington. Around 1960, Odey moved to Santa Monica, California, where he continued to work in the restaurant industry. His work there connected him with Luana, the woman who would become his future bride. Odey returned to Tacoma with Luana and they remained here the rest of their lives. From the age of 15, Odey gained an increasing appreciation for cars. He seemed to have a knack for buying, selling, and trading, and was rarely on the short end of any negotiation. This eventually led to Odey starting Victor Motors, a small used car business at 52nd and South Tacoma Way. Odey's business sense turned it into a successful venture. Opportunity arose a few years later to purchase a larger lot at 50th and South Tacoma Way, and the success of Victor Motors continued at this location for many years. Even in his eighties, Odie's eyes would light up at the thought of getting a good deal on a low mileage, clean car. His love of cars served as an inspiration for family, rubbing off on siblings, nephews, and cousins. Odey's sense of humor was one of his best attributes. His humor came spontaneously as part of any conversation being discussed. Sometimes it was sarcasm and other times just light-hearted fun, but it always made us laugh. Attending services at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was an important part of Odey's life. He found his faith to be spiritually uplifting and it offered him a social outlet to bond with others in the community. Odey was preceded in death by his older brother, George, and by his wife, Luana. He is survived by his sister, Ethel, by his brother, Van (Lynn), by his nephews Steve (Coyia), Sean, and Alex, and by many loving cousins. Trisagion Service 6 pm Thursday, May 4, at Piper Morley Chapel, 5436 S. Puget Sound Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409. Funeral Service 11 am Friday, May 5 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1523 S. Yakima, Tacoma, WA 98405. Donations to the church, honoring Odey's memory are appreciated. While you're on the site, please sign the guest book.