Vick Forrest Giles came into this world on December 26, 1945, and departed on November 26, 2017. Born to Elsie Chambers Giles and Vic Robinson Giles in Houston, Texas, Vick attended Bellaire High School and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968, a Bachelor of Architecture in 1969, and an MBA in 1980 from Rice University. He served in the Texas National Guard before going on to a successful career in architecture with Neuhaus & Taylor (later named 3D International) in Houston. He was a registered architect with the AIA from 1972 until 2017.
While at 3D/I, Vick designed and worked on architecture projects around the world, ranging from Spindletop at the Houston Hyatt and Terminal C at the Houston Intercontinental Airport to the First Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai and palace renovations in the Middle East. In addition to his career in architecture, Vick earned three patents in software for projects on which he worked with his son, Ellis Giles.
Known as Grand D. to his grandchildren, he was a devoted grandfather and called his time with the children "the best job ever." He was incredibly kind, always helpful, and often put the needs of others before himself.
Vick was passionate about many things, including Space Exploration, Physics, and Astronomy. He was especially fond of Hickory Pit Barbeque in Bellaire and was likely their best customer. A diehard fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, Harry Potter, Star Trek, and Dr. Who, Vick could often be found at the movies catching the latest fantasy or science fiction film. He was an excellent chess player, enjoyed playing Mastermind with his grandchildren, and never turned down an opportunity to take them to the Houston Children's Museum.
Vick is survived by his son, Ellis Giles, daughter in law, Mary-Helen Giles, grandchildren Alden Giles and Meredith Giles, sister Linda Seyfert, brother in law Dave Seyfert, nieces and nephews Christopher Saenz, Jennifer Chavez, Jessica Wikoff, Michael Seyfert and wife Kelly, Debi Leal, and Becky Caddick and husband Jason, and ten grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 pm, Friday, December 1, 2017, with visitation beginning at 11:00 am at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas, 77401. Interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home.
December 2, 2017
Gary Boyd
Vic was an early mentor to me and many others at 3D/I and was generous with his time. When my wife and I lived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Vic would come to dinner with us when there on business and we appreciated his keeping us abreast of the latest news, both in the US and at 3D/I. He will be missed by so many.
December 1, 2017
Debra Saenz
Prayers for The Giles Family, and those who adored him so. He was one of a kind , extremely talented, the best.
December 1, 2017
Denise Catuogno
I loved looking through your photo gallery. The pictures brought a smile to my face. I hadn't seen your Dad in many, many years until your wedding. He was so warm and friendly - then and always. It looks like he had a wonderful relationship with his grandchildren, something I'm sure they will always cherish. Love to you, Ellis, and your family.
November 30, 2017
Joseph Cavallaro
Ellis and Family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts for all of you during this difficult time. On behalf of your colleagues in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Rice.
November 30, 2017
Denise Samarripa
To the Giles family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God guide and watch over y'all in this time of sorrow.
Denise Saenz Samarripa and family
November 30, 2017
BeBe
Ellis Giles and Family.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ On behalf of your friends at ISS MAPI and ARES Technical Services.
November 30, 2017
Ann and David Patterson
I only met Vick once, at Mike and Kelly's wedding. He seemed so supportive of family by his mere presence and he seemed like he really enjoyed partying with family. I am so sorry for the loss to this wonderful family.
November 30, 2017
Don
My sincerest condolence and deep sorrow go out to the family. May your memories sustain you and the peace from God be with you. (1 Corinthians 1:3)
November 29, 2017
Becky Caddick
My Uncle Vick was absolutely a favorite family member in my life. My brother Mike takes all the words right from my heart and states them so eloquently; it's so clear his love for us we all felt deeply. Uncle Vick was behind me in all the hardest and also best times of my life - he sent me a lovely card after the birth of my son as a teenage mom, he was the only out of state relative to come to my wedding 17 years ago, he was there for us when we lost Fred... the list goes on. Every time he visited Colorado was... the best time. He had a special gravity to him that pulled me in- if Uncle Vick was in the room, guaranteed I would soon be standing next to him. I love my Uncle and will miss him dearly, but relish so in the impact his kind and steady presence has had in my life.
November 29, 2017
Jean Campbell
Vick was my first cousin. We were very close and I loved the times we spent together....which were too few!
I know how much he loved Ellis, Mary Helen and the grandchildren were extra special to him. He enjoyed every minute he spent with them and he loved to tell me all about them.
He had a great sense of humor and I will never forget the time we went to East Texas, searching cemeteries where our grandparents/great grand parents were buried. I do believe it was that trip that we decided if we were going to remain 'best friend cousins' we would refrain from discussing certain subjects...one of them being politics. Rest in peace, Vick, you were loved very much by all of the family!!!.
November 29, 2017
Michael Seyfert
When I think of my Uncle Vick, I think of a caring and supportive person. Uncle Vick was always there to be a part of special days in my life, which made him an even more special Uncle. From graduations to my wedding he was always so supportive and always present. I never had the opportunity to meet my grandparents on the Giles side of the family so it was great to always have that connection through my relationship with Vick. I will truly miss him but will think of him often and fondly. He had a fun humor; I think about his Christmas cards this time of year as an example. He would always send something humorous on the front with simply Uncle Vick written in the card. Really, that's all that was needed because you knew he was thinking of you and wanting to brighten your day with a laugh, simply stated. He was so very proud of his son, his daughter-in-law, and his wonderful grandchildren. That is probably how I'll remember him best, being so thrilled to talk about his wonderful family, their accomplishments, and adventures. He will be missed, and while I cannot say goodbye in person, I hope he and the family knows how special he was to me. Rest in peace Uncle Vick.
Love,
Michael, Kelly, & PJ Seyfert
November 29, 2017
Mary-Helen Giles
November 28, 2017
Debra Saenz
Heartfelt condolences for Vick' s family and friends. I remember him always smiling. He always had a wonderful outlook on life,family,and friends.
November 28, 2017
Debra Saenz
Sincere Condolenses, Prayers and Thoughts with Vick's family. I remember him for always greeting Denise,and myself with a smile.
November 27, 2017
Dave Seyfert
Your entire Colorado family holds you in our thoughts and prayers and we are all thinking about you this week and are with you in spirit. Vick was loved by all of us and will be sadly missed yet always remembered fondly by each and every one here! Linda, Dave, Chris, Jenni, Jess, Mike, Debi, Becky, Jason, Kelly, Sophia, Eric, Brandon, Raylin, PJ, Megan, Cadence, Brycen, Dustin and Cody.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Dec
1
Dec
1
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more