It was a gutpunch when I opened the Gold Pan today, and found out. Vic was part of the best group of brass players I ever associated with. Besides that, he would bring comic books to rehearsals, and we'd sit in the back reading them. That's where I was introduced to The Dark Knight Returns. Clear skies, Dr. Andersen.
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Victor came to Tuscaloosa recommended by Frazer Owen. He was my first Ph.D. student and thoroughly spoiled me for those who came after, with his combination of motivation, independence, and remarkable lack of stressing about it. (He was the only one I could trust to head off to Kitt Peak for thesis observations without having nme there at the outset). Victor wrote a somewhat embarrassing blog entry on the occasion of my retirement in 2022, when I am quite aware that he had other matters on his mind. Going over these memories, I have a sudden urge to go binge some Babylon 5...
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Janel and Morgan,
We are so incredibly saddened by the passing of an amazing cousin. Victor's heart was so big, caring, giving, intelligent, funny, and just an amazing man!!
What an incredible hard year and a half for our whole family.
We love you both dearly, and we are here for you.
PLEASE know even with so many miles between us we are all in this together...
Sending prayers for strength, comfort and healing....
All our Love,
Joe and Lisa Yedlicka
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I "met" Victor via email. I'd been at UA for a year & Bill Keel asked if I could help one of his incoming grad students locate adequate housing ahead of his arrival. So we emailed possible houses back & forth--two guys clumsily getting to know one another along the way. As happens in way more such cases than you'd likely guess, I think both of us ended up handing details to our wives, who bypassed us & nailed everything down in a phone call :^) He became my best friend.
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I still remember the first time I met Victor back in August of 1983 in Socorro. Driving that Opal station wagon from Twentynine Palms. The fun we have over those 5 years. Me trying to teach someone left handed to play golf and I’m right handed. No driving range or any other practicing. Par 5 and he scored a 23 and off we went. He did manage to get a handicap around 12 I think. Physics majors have more time than us engineers. You will be missed and I’m glad I got to see you back in January and got to tell Ian some stories I knew you wouldn’t tell. The best roommate I had as a freshman. Who would have thunk you would end up being my best man at my wedding. Going to miss you a lot my friend.
Darrin Steed
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Victor was a very special person. I enjoyed having him as a student, many many years ago, and am very pleased that we resumed our friendship in recent years. I'm so glad that he & I were able to exchange hugs when he & Janel came through Socorro, and am thrilled to learn that he was also a fan of Tom Baker (the very best Dr Who). Janel, am also glad I've gotten to know you better, and wishing you all the best going forward.
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Victor was a wonderful friend in graduate school. He was always there with a nice smile and ready to help. I will miss having him on this planet.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Victor was such a special person, and I’ll always remember his incredible love for science. He was a huge help to me during my undergrad, and he even helped me get into the Colorado Space Grant Consortium. I can’t even begin to imagine how you’re feeling right now, and I wish you and your family all the best during this difficult time. Victor, you’ll be deeply missed, and I’ll always cherish the memories we made together. If only I had one more chance to see you, I would.
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Victor was a great support to me as a new grad student. I will always appreciate his willingness to help me with the computers and share what the senior grad students knew. He was very kind to us.
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I walked in to the first day of jazz band, knowing just a few other freshmen on campus. There was one other trumpet player that year and he was this tall, seemingly extroverted senior named Victor. I might've totally crushed on him from day 1 but we were just friends, then penpals, for 2 years before we started dating.
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