Victor Wah Chan, 71 of Visalia, California passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2012 in Visalia, California surrounded by his loving family.
Victor was born in Visalia, California on November 17, 1940 to David and Shui San Chan. He was raised and educated in Visalia, graduating from Visalia Unified High School (Redwood High School) in 1958 and he attended College of Sequoia for one year. Victor served in the United States Army National Guard for six years. He married Carol Ann Phillips in Reno, Nevada on October 21, 1972. They made their home in Visalia for 40 years. Victor was a longtime business man in Visalia and Farmersville, owning and operating Chan's Food Center in Farmersville for 57 years. He retired on January 1, 1993. Following retirement, Victor enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing poker and solitaire and spending time at Chukchansi. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and playing with his grandchildren. Victor loved to share his knowledge and teach others. His family remembers his loving and caring ways and what a special husband, father and grandfather he was. Victor will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Victor was preceded in death by his parents, David and Shui San Chan, siblings, May Wong, Grace Tom and Gene Chan.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Carol of Visalia; three sons, Bobby Ragsdale and wife, Kayla, Jason David Chan and Eric Matthew Chan, all of Visalia; three grandchildren, Brandon Ragsdale, Braydon Chan and Colton Chan; his brother, Vincent Chan of Visalia; three sisters, Ruth Lee of Phoenix, AZ, Irene Chan and husband, Hannon of San Mateo, CA, Clara Eng and husband, Wayman of San Jose, CA; nieces, nephews and many friends.
Visitation will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, California on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 4 – 7 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559)732-8371
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 31, 2023
Kurt Fisher
A good man and friend RIP VICTOR
September 11, 2013
Sharon Sewell-Tilton
I'm lost for words. Gosh my heart goes out to Carol and family . I actually met all of the Chans through my grandmother Alice Thomas...my grandmother was a faithful shopper in their grocery store...Vincent, Carol and Victor were very sweet...so easy to talk too...they ran the best neighborhood store...Victor will be missed...God Bless Carol and Family.
Sharon Sewell-Tilton
November 28, 2012
Vincent, I am very sorry to read of Victor's passing. I now live in Surprise,AZ,
if I were there I would attend the services. If you wish to contact me please call 623-518-2483, If you wish to talk. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.
Jeanie Willis
November 15, 2012
Darla Mcgill
My family lived just a few blocks from chan's market. I was always in the store, and victor always knew you by name and both him and Carol were always very nice. I grew up in chan's. You will be missed.
November 13, 2012
Heather Ziegenbein
November 12, 2012
Betty Lovell McGill
Dear Carol & Family:
You guys were always two of my favorite people; both easy to know and love. My prayers and thoughts go out to you during this difficult time.
Love you and send my hugs,
November 12, 2012
tasha ziegenbein rasilla
Victor was a genuine person that touched my life through his kind heart and generousity. My thoughts are with you Carol, Vince and boys.
November 11, 2012
Dan Sweeney
I've known Victor Chan for 60 years. I worked for the Chans 4 to 5 years when going to school and full time during the summer. Victor was a very special friend to me. We worked,hunted,fished,worked on cars,cut wood and laughed together for many years. We always had fun no matter what we were doing. Vic would always find extra worked for me when he knew I needed money to buy parts for my car. We must have waxed the floors at Chans Mkt. at least 100 times. He not only gave me the opportunity to work and make extra money, but would also worked with me, many times until one or two in the morning. I could write a book on Victor Chan and Dan Sweeney's adventures, always fun and always a lot of laughter. Victor was the most loyal and standup friend I ever had and I will truely miss my good friend Victor Chan. Our prayers go out to Carol,Vincent and family.
November 11, 2012
dan sweeney
November 10, 2012
I am 49 grew up in Ca. He made many good childhood memories he was always kind and funny to me ! I wish I REMEBER the whole family Much love and peace Lupe Sweeden (Reynosa )
November 10, 2012
Ruben Macareno
My deepest sympathy to the Chan family. Victor was a great guy, treated everyone with respect and kindness. One of a kind.
November 9, 2012
Maria V. Chavez
Mrs. Chan~
I was very sorry to hear of your husband's passing. We met while my brother Al was in the hospital. Thank you for your condolences and in return you have ours along with our best wishes for you . With Love, Albert Velasquez's Big Sis.
November 8, 2012
Connie Keener
Carol and Vincent I just heard the news about Victor's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss and pray that you all are doing well. I will never forget the great times I had working with all of you at Chan's Food Center.
God Bless You All,
November 8, 2012
Jo Ann Lewis
My deepest sympathy for the family. God Bless.
November 8, 2012
Jake Gunning
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember talking to "Vic" at the baseball games.
November 8, 2012
Ruben N Patricia DeLeon
We're very sorry for your loss. We've know the Chan family for many years since you owned Chans Market in Farmersville. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
November 8, 2012
Shirley Gasper
My thoughts and prayers are with you Carol and family. May he rest in peace.
November 7, 2012
Cheryl Joiner
I am so sad to hear of Victor's passing. He was a constant friendly face in my childhood. My prayers are with you all.
November 7, 2012
R Son
A Visalia legend family...Don't think i ever had the chance to meet him but brother Vince is one of the coolest dudes i know,talks about his brother and family all the time.....Major condolences Vince~Carol and i will keep you in our thoughts.
November 7, 2012
John & Ismelda Vasquez
Our condolences go out to the entire Chan family. We had the pleasure/honor in meeting Victor and Carol when we moved to Farmersville many years back while they owned there store on Farmersville blvd... Our prayers are with the family and May GOD comfort and give you all strength and love.
November 7, 2012
Linda Brenner
Sorry for your loss ... Victor always greeted you with a big smile ... May God bless you and yours...R.I.P. Victor ...Linda (Sing) Brenner
November 7, 2012
Sorry to hear of your loss. Victor was one of the good guys and a good friend to my family, he will be gravely missed. Our prayers are with the family.
November 7, 2012
Heather Ziegenbein
Victor, Vince, Carol and Gene... our very first friends when we moved to Visalia in 1979. I will miss Victor and his genuine kindness to our family. Love to Carol, Vince, Bobby, Jason, Eric and the entire Chan Family.
November 6, 2012
Denise Doria
Wonderful Man who was a Blessing to the entire City of Farmersville. May God comfort Your Wife Carol and your children who we had the privilege of seeing them grow up.
November 6, 2012
Doris Chavez (Redfearn)
Carol may God bless you and comfort you through this terrible loss. I have many fond memories of Victor as knew him my whole life. A kind man and wonderful person. God Bless you and your family!
November 6, 2012
We are so sorry to hear the passing of Victor. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We enjoyed playing poker and the stories he told. Love Steve and Destani Castillo
November 6, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy to all of Victor's family...I agree, to know Victor is to love him! Irene and Clara...especially thinking of you...I know what it is like to lose a beloved brother. Blessings to you all... Doris Beattie
November 6, 2012
Connie Robinson (smith)
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
November 6, 2012
Arvilla Boswell
Victor was a very good high school friend, we teased back forth all the time at RHS because we had many classes together. I really liked Victor, he was just a special person who was easy to be around. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Thank you my friend, Victor, for many wonderful memories. May you rest in peace.
November 6, 2012
kurt fisher
i've know victor for a long time we had many great talks togather,so sorry carol and family,he will be missed
November 6, 2012
Mike & Kim Burchett
Our condolences to Carol and family. I first met Victor at a Pop-Warner football game many years ago, and he and Carol were working the concession stand every weekend. Victor always had a smile on his face and was a good friend. He touched a lot of people's lives and will always be remembered.
November 6, 2012
Joey Armstrong
R.I.P. Victor thanks for always being nice to me.What a great guy he was.
November 6, 2012
Trisha Smith
So sorry for your lost. Prayers for the family. Victor was a kind man and people thought a lot of him .
November 6, 2012
Patricia Ward (Qualls)
R.I.P. Victor, I will always remember you and your Family. Every time I went to Chans Supermarket with my Grandfather, Henry Qualls, you would give me a penny candy and I really loved it. I will keep everyone in my Prayers. You will be Greatly missed.
November 6, 2012
Mary Till
There are so many lovely memories of victor....as a child i remember shopping at the store, Victor was always there to greet you with a smile and ask how your day was. He always joke around with all the kids. He come from a GREAT FAMILY! He will turely be miss by all! Carol, Vincent and Family may GOD comfort and give you all strength and love.... Heart felt Blessing....
November 6, 2012
Jim, Gayla & Justin
Our prayers are with Carol and the family. Victor be will be missed. May God BLess and Comfort You All at this time.
November 6, 2012
I was so sad to hear about Victors' passing. I will always remember his smiling face every time I came into the store and after his retirement seeing him a various places. Please know that all the family are in my prayers.
November 6, 2012
Leenora Kloth/Duel
I just wanted to day how sorry to not be able to come down. I remember. Going to Chans. Market with my grandmother. Nora Shannon When she went the market. And. How we were treated like family. When we came in I have a lot of fond. Memories. May god bless you and take you in his arms
November 6, 2012
jeanie jones,qualls,philpot
victor you can rest now you have done alot in your life ive known you every since i was a kid.i will miss seeing you around town and really miss chans market.ive always loved you as friends. ill see you again some day.
November 6, 2012
Sammie O'Brien
What a wonderful friend Victor was to everyone. Knowing him since childhood was a blessing, his whole family were and are exceptional people. My heart breaks for the entire family. I know he is in good hands now and is having a grand reunion. Love to all.
Sammie and Jerry
November 6, 2012
Adela/Myron Wiley
Carol, our prayers are with you at this time...Victor was such an asset to Farmersville...he will be dearly missed, May God comfort you at this time. Myron/Adela Wiley
November 6, 2012
Charlene Goss
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. We have always thought a lot of Victor. He will be greatly missed.
November 6, 2012
a good man victor,vince,gene & henry are good guys i remember going to there store for many years from a child and grown up. he will be missed. r.i,p. my ol friend take care in heaven say hi for me to gene. our father in heaven will take care of you. take care carol i hope every thing is good for ya. bless you all. from your fiend pete mesa. i used to live behind your store when i was a kid.
November 6, 2012
My condolences Carol and family. Victor was a super nice man and I loved his smile. May God bring you all peace and comfort during this most difficult time. R.I.P. Victor.
November 6, 2012
Clara Fisher
Carol so sorry for your loss, Victor was a great loving man, Mom [Desbie Miller] send's her prayers, he will be missed..much love Clara Fisher
November 6, 2012
DAN TERRY
You have been a friend and always concerned about people and their family R S P VICTOR
November 6, 2012
Ernestine Dougherty
Carol, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. May God give you comfort and strength. Our deepest sympathy, Ernestine, Brian, Vic and Lisa.
November 6, 2012
christine beer
A man with a good heart, you will be missed.
November 6, 2012
Darlene Perales
Oh Victor was the greatest person, always smiling and very friendly to everyone, Carol and family we are so sorry for your loss.
November 6, 2012
John Epperson
Iwill miss victor he and his family hired me to work in the store when no one else would at the time I was a young man just out of jail and the Chan family took me in and gave me a job and with no questions asked I will always be greatfull of victor carol and vincent. they were there when I needed them
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