Obituary of Victor John Mesplay

VICTOR JOHN MESPLAY July 23, 1939 ~ January 12, 2015 January 12th marked the passing of Victor John Mesplay, meeting this day with courage and strength. Son and wife were present during his struggle. His death was due to lung cancer complications and heart failure. Victor was born in Wagoner, Oklahoma on July 23, 1939 during the aftermath of the Great Depression and the start of World War II. Both his parents, William F. Mesplay and wife Mamie died when Victor was young and after the age of 12 he came under the care of his Grandmother. After Graduating in 1957 from high school in Wagoner, he joined the Navy and upon discharge trained as a Police Officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Academy was not his forte and while working in Albuquerque, he met his wife Madeline. They separately relocated to the San Fernando Valley in California and were married there on November 26, 1964, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They attended college in Las Vegas, New Mexico, graduating from New Mexico Highlands University. Victor worked as a teacher and then moved with his wife to Portland, Oregon where his siblings resided. He worked for many years as a Salesman for Zellerbach Paper Company and later selling building materials. After leaving Portland and moving to The Dalles, Oregon, an opportunity came to teach on the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico for 2 years. A later relocation was to Roswell, New Mexico working for Zee Medical Supplies and then home to the Northwest becoming self employed. The couple have lived in Vancouver, Washington for the last 26 years. Victor was an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Indian Tribe and of the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town located in Southeast Oklahoma. He was also of Cherokee and French Ancestry. Victor is survived by his Wife, Madeline; Son, Caleb; two Grandchildren; Mother-In-Law, Betty Pennington all of Vancouver, Washington and one Brother, Joseph Mesplay and Wife Lucy of Las Vegas, Nevada. Other siblings, Jacque Dorr, William and Max Mesplay preceded him in death. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and their extended families. At Victor's request there will be no service. In his memory, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.