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Obituary
Victor, 79, died August 15, 2024. He was born August 14, 1945, in Galena, Alaska, and grew up in Kaltag. After high school, Victor went to Chicago for two years, earning a heavy diesel mechanic certificate. He followed that with an associate's degree in Aviation from Sheldon Jackson College, which, in turn, led him to get an instrument rating from a flight school in Seattle. Victor became a commercial pilot for Harold's Air Service and the Galena Air Service before establishing an air taxi service in Nulato. Victor was more than a pilot; he was a community pillar and a savvy entrepreneur. His general stores in Nulato and Kaltag were proof of his sharp business acumen and deep understanding of local needs. These establishments became vital hubs in their respective communities, providing essential goods and services. Summers found Victor on the Yukon River, showcasing his versatility as a commercial fisherman. Victor's dedication to service was unwavering. He held leadership positions in several organizations, including Gana-A'Yoo, Doyon, Limited, and the Tanana Chiefs Conference. As the chief and mayor of Nulato, Victor's tenure was defined by his ability to listen, his impartiality, and his talent for uniting people. His unique achievement of being the first person to serve on the governing bodies of Doyon, Limited and the Tanana Chiefs Conference simultaneously is a testament to the trust and respect he earned throughout his life. Victor jumped at Fairbanks 1969-72.
Identifier
Nicholas_Victor-W_Fairbanks_1969
Publication Date
September 2024
Keywords
Smokejumping; Smokejumpers -- United States; National Smokejumper Association; Wildfire fighters; Obituaries
Disciplines
Forest Management
Recommended Citation
National Smokejumper Association, "Smokejumper Obituary: Nicholas, Victor W. (Fairbanks 1969)" (2024). Smokejumper Obituaries. 1701.
https://dc.ewu.edu/smokejumper_bios/1701
