Victor “Vic” Subia, class of 1960, passed away February 2, 2021 from COVID-19.

Vic was a year ahead of us at Azusa High School, but many from our class knew him and have asked about his passing. I’ll share with you what I know about Vic’s fulfilling life and his untimely death— both from emails he sent and what I learned from his younger brother, Rick.

“Vic had serious lung issues from his time as a firefighter. He contracted COVID and that, and other health issues, were too much for his body. He passed in the hospital. Unfortunately, he was isolated. We were able to talk to him via phone but due to the breathing tubes he could not reply. My big brother is gone, and I will miss him,” Rick said.

Vic led a full and interesting life in his mission to serve others. His pursuit started early. At Azusa High School he was active in the Key Club, ROTC, and even worked on the big “A” on the mountain overlooking Azusa.

After high school Vic joined the army and later, worked with communities and organizations to help make them safer. In an email dated September 13, 2020, Vic said, “I am a retired firefighter. After the army I was an Azusa firefighter, then an Orange County Deputy Sheriff, then back to the fire service in Huntington Beach. After I retired I was a public safety and national security consultant to several US and foreign agencies including the FBI, Secret Service, Defense Threat Reduction Agency and several Olympic Summer and Winter Games.”

After years of working long hours and traveling the world as a security consultant, Vic settled down and bought a home in Rancho Bernardo, California. When a fire destroyed all of the homes on the block except his, and he was told the repair work to his home would be extensive and costly, Vic decided to pack it up and move to El Dorado County near Sacramento so he could be closer to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He said, “I’m close enough to see them often without becoming a meddling parent.” He was proud of all of his grandchildren, especially is granddaughter, Ashley, who followed in his footsteps and is now a Fire Captain with the U.S. Forest Service. Vic said, “I never encouraged my granddaughter to become a firefighter, it was all her idea and she is really good at it.”

After years of paying mortgages, home maintenance and repairs, living in crowded cities, and almost losing his home to a wildfire, Vic was tired and wanted to live a simpler life in his retirement. So when he arrived in El Dorado County he chose to live in a hotel where everything was taken care of. “Living in a house just wasn’t me. I like being alone, living free, and having someone else worry about replacing the toilet paper and fixing the roof and the plumbing,” he said.

When the pandemic hit, Vic’s worries were far from over. He had several friends from other countries who died from COVID-19, so Vic was aware of the dangers to the most vulnerable population. He said, “The COVID-19 issue is a nightmare. I have asthma so I have to be extra careful not to get exposed to the virus. I usually volunteer at the El Dorado County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), but not with the COVID-19 stuff around.”

Vic isolated at home, read mystery novels to keep himself entertained and only left when absolutely necessary.  “I don’t live close enough to stores that deliver so I have to shop once every two weeks,” Vic said. Sadly, despite his precautions, he contracted COVID-19.

Vic was beloved by all who knew him. He was always a gentleman and never a bore. And he loved to talk—especially about his worldly adventures and the famous people he rubbed elbows with along the way. He was considerate—always sending e-cards on holidays and special occasions to his friends. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, Vic.