Victor N. Coloyan Jr

Victor Navales Coloyan, Jr., affectionately known as Ampa or Tio Jun, was born on November 23, 1942, in Naga, Cebu, Philippines to Victor Navarro Coloyan Sr. and Maria Navales Coloyan. He was the youngest among nine siblings, including Romeo, Leah, Aidah, Lagrimas, Thelma, Vicente, Amelia and Jesus. Victor pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of the East in Manila. His career led him to work as a clerk at the registrar’s office in Naga, Cebu.

On November 28, 1967, Victor married his beloved Nicefora Escala Coloyan, also known as Ama or Tia Nel, whom he had met at the Naga Young People’s Association. Victor, serving as president, and Nel, as secretary, shared a beautiful life together, raising four children – Charlotte, Victor III, Vincent and Candice. In their pursuit of a brighter future, the couple courageously exchanged their comfortable and joy-filled life in the Philippines for a fresh start in the United States, arriving with only $40. Prior to their arrival in the United States, Victor prepared himself and memorized every word in the dictionary. Victor’s story became a source of inspiration for his children, displaying the spirit of hope and reinforcing the belief in boundless possibilities. Driven by a dream to succeed, he embodied the virtues of hard work, transforming aspirations into tangible achievements.His unwavering commitment and perseverance were evident throughout his remarkable 21-year tenure as a senior accounting manager at Pacific Bell.

Residing in San Francisco, California, the Coloyan family radiated joy and love. Victor’s passion for music, particularly playing the piano, filled the home with harmony. Known for their warm hospitality, Victor and Nel often hosted family and friends for festive occasions.

Victor’s leisure activities extended to basketball, chess, golf, ping pong, tennis and volleyball with his friends, showcasing a vibrant span of interests. Beyond these, he found delight in watching Korean dramas on Netflix and sharing the thrill of action films in theaters with his family. Family held a significant place in his heart, which was reflected in the joyous Facetime calls that he made whenever he missed his loved ones.Victor’s family cherished his sense of humor; he never failed to make them laugh.

Victor’s commitment to fatherhood defined his legacy. He imparted values of honesty, respect for elders and caring for loved ones to his children.Serving as their role model, he demonstrated acts of bravery, compassion and loyalty throughout their upbringing. He possessed a competitive spirit and actively cheered for the 49ers, Giants and Warriors – an enthusiasm that he passed down to his own children. Above all, Victor instilled in them the significance of a tightly-knit family.

Victor also cherished moments with his grandchildren – Justin, Kaila, Kaya, Karisma, Kirana, Kayla, Xavier, Max and Dexter. Despite his introverted nature, he consistently prioritized his grandchildren, attending their birthdays, graduations, musical shows, sports events and weddings. His love for singing Frank Sinatra became a magical bond; each note resonated, leaving his grandchildren in awe with every heartfelt performance.

On the night of December 21, 2023, Victor peacefully transitioned, surrounded by his family. Victor, a resilient fighter for many years, stood as a warrior for his family. Victor’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched, a testament to a life of well-lived, filled with love, determination,and the enduring impact of a father’s wisdom.

Victor is survived by his wife, Nicefora Escala Coloyan, his four childrenand their spouses – Charlotte and Christopher Dela Cruz, Victor III and Gail Coloyan, Vincent and Karen Coloyan, and Candice and Brian Schwartz; and nine grandchildren, Justin Coloyan, Kaila Perez Boone and her spouse, Isaiah Boone, Kaya Coloyan, Karisma Coloyan, Kirana Coloyan, Kayla Coloyan, Xavier Vincent Coloyan, Max Schwartz and Dexter Schwartz. He will be deeply missed by so many.