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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Sep '00
Alfred Henry Victor, Jr. * '46
No. 15333 * 6 Jun 1924 - 21 Jan 1997
Died in Carlisle, PA * Inurned at West Point Cemetery, West Point,
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ALFRED HENRY VICTOR, JR. grew up in Akron, Ohio
graduating from North High School in 1941. After two years studying
biology at Akron University, he received his appointment to West
Point where he joined the Class of 1946 on 1 July 1943.
Al had no problems with cadet life. His academic
abilities allowed him to graduate in the upper ten percent of
the class. Blessed with an excellent baritone voice, he sang
in the Cadet Chapel Choir his entire time as a cadet. He graduated
a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps.
After basic Signal schooling, Al was assigned to
the 97th Constabulary Signal Squadron in Germany. While he was
attending the Signal School, Al married Nancy Reese during Christmas
leave in Akron, Ohio on 28 December 1946. In 1949, he transferred
to the Corps of Engineers and his first assignment as an Engineer
was with the 7714th Engineer Intelligence and Topographical Center
in Germany. He received a Masters in Civil Engineering from the
University of Illinois, Champaign, IL in 1952. Al's Engineer
career assignments included commanding an Engineer company in
the Korean War, serving on the staff and faculty at the Engineer
School, Resident Engineer, Alaska, Instructor at the Army Command
and General Staff College, Executive Officer of an Engineer Group
in Korea, Army War College and then serving with the Army Institute
for Advanced Studies at Carlisle, PA. Al retired from that assignment
as a Colonel in 1970.
Al began his second career as an engineer in the
Construction Branch in the PA Department of Environmental Resources.
In 1972, Al was promoted to Chief, Division of Office Engineering,
Bureau of Operations in the Department of Environmental Resources.
In that capacity, he was responsible for the preparation and
review of all aspects of construction bid documents and services.
In 1982, Al was named Chief of the Engineering and Contracts
Unit. He had planned to fully retire in June of 1997.
Al Victor died on 21 January 1997 from a massive
cerebral hemorrhage. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; daughter,
Margaret; sons, Henry, William and Charles.
The things that mark a person as special during
their life are best recalled by those who knew and loved them.
Al Victor was special and this is reflected in these remembrances.
William Calder, friend and associate: "My
feelings about Al run deep. He was a role model for me - he was
always the consummate professional, straightforward to a fault
and self-effacing. It's amazing to me the number of people who
have said to me how much they owe to Al for teaching them about
contracts, about managing an office and about life generally.
"Al, you lived a good life. You earned the
respect of those around you and left the world better for your
presence here."
Daughter, Peggy, at the memorial service: "Driving
here, my son told me that Grandpa is the most honorable person
he has ever known. High praise from a teenager. An associate
from Dad's work told me that Dad was gruff on the outside but
on the inside he was always looking after and protecting his
colleagues at work. It was a challenge and a learning experience
being my father's daughter. When I began my professional career,
I appreciated even more the values he has modeled for me. But
it was only when I became the sole parent responsible for two
young children that I really came to appreciate and understand
his qualities and values to the extent that I do today. That's
the greatest gift a parent can give a child and I am thankful
he was there for me."
Son, Charles, at the memorial service: "For
37 years I've been my father's son and only in the last 10 have
I come to really know him, to understand how much I learned from
him and to see how much he has given me. He taught me honor and
integrity, love of family, perseverance, commitment and hard
work."
Son, William, at the memorial service: " Dad
was a great and much loved father. He was steadfast in his opinions,
led by example and was often direct and to the point. He encouraged
us to always strive to improve. My love and prayers go with him,
he will be sorely missed as he goes to meet God."
Son, Henry, at the memorial service: "Dad
always earned respect for himself and the forthright manner with
which he approached any task. He didn't look for praise and would
be embarrassed to receive recognition for doing something that
he perceived as part of his job. He was a rock. He was always
there and in my mind always will be. So, today, I would like
him to receive our thanks and recognition for a job well done."
Beloved wife, Nancy: "Al was a diligent, hard
working responsible person in everything he did. He inspired
great respect from his associates and his family. He was multifaceted
and one of a kind. We all love him and miss him terribly."
To these words from family and friends, the Class
of 1946 is honored to add the words that would mean so much to
our classmate: "Well Done, AL; Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his family
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