Victor Maes

Victor Modesto Maes

7/20/1935 — 10/18/2024

Victor Modesto Maes, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, nino, angel, and friend passed away peacefully on October 18th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

Born and raised in Walsenburg, Colorado, Victor Maes was a star athlete in school and fluent in both Spanish and English but left school after the eighth grade. His life often took him between Walsenburg and Oakland, California, as he searched for his path in life.

At 16, tragedy struck when his mother passed away. He suffered a period of grief and darkness, before enlisting in the Army, where he was stationed in Greenland during the Korean War. Thanks to a priest there, he was able to reconnect with his Catholic faith. After returning from service, he sought work using the GI Bill but quickly realized the opportunities were not available to men of color like him. Undeterred, he forged his own path and built a life based on hard work and resilience.

Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Helen Pineda, who became his lifelong partner. His wife, “Mi Negra,” as he affectionately called her, was his foundation, guiding him onto a path of faith and keeping him grounded. 

They had their first son Leroy in Walsenburg, then two more-- Ron and Russ-- after they moved to Oakland, California. Before moving, he helped run The Chankla, his family’s bar in Walsenburg. The parties continued in Oakland at their best friends’ bar, The Sombrero. Victor and Helen and their friends and family would gather regularly for house parties, picnics, family reunions, and travel for cruises and casinos. In Oakland, then Castro Valley, their loving and bustling home became a haven for anyone who needed support.

Victor cherished Helen deeply, and she was the cornerstone of his life. He would continue to find solace in his talks with her even after she passed away in 2014. He came to call her “Santa Maria Elena.” 

Professionally, Victor worked for Kyoto Candy Company and Berkeley Farms until he retired, but his work ethic and gregariousness wouldn’t let him stop working altogether. He became a shuttle cart driver for the Oakland A’s, warmly greeting and taking the elderly and people with disabilities to their seats at the game, always offering his trademark kindness and humor.

As a father, he was a guide and hero to his sons, as well as a beloved uncle, second father, and nino to many. He was a coach to young athletes in San Leandro and Castro Valley. His influence extended well beyond his family, as he became a beloved figure at his grandchildren’s sporting events and a “grandpa” to many.

He was an avid sports fan, bowling and playing softball into his 70s and exercising until his dying day. He was a lover of dance, from the ballrooms of Oakland to the bailes in Walsenburg in the 50’s,  to the big Chankla reunion he organized in 1987. Whether at a state fair, a family wedding, or any other event, he never missed a chance to dance—his most recent being at his granddaughter’s wedding just a week before he passed away.

He spent much of his time calling beloved family members on the phone, and traveling to visit them in Colorado and San Diego. His warmth and generosity made everyone feel special, because to him, they truly were.

He was a leader and beloved community member at his local churches Saint Alphonsus and Our Lady of Grace. As a Eucharistic minister for decades, he visited and prayed with people who couldn’t make it to church. In his later years, his mission was to teach his most powerful tool of prayer, the Holy Rosary. He gathered then distributed rosaries to anyone who was interested. Even as his memory began to fade, his devotion never wavered—he prayed the Rosary three times a day, where he would call to mind all the members of his huge family. He did this every day without fail. His home was filled with images of saints and family members, a testament to his deep love for faith and family alike.

His famous sayings will be remembered by all who loved him:

“I’m just an old homeboy from Walsenburg, Colorado,” and “I love you more.”

He is survived by his three sons, Leroy Maes of San Leandro, Ron Maes of Castro Valley, and Russ Maes of Pleasanton; his seven grandchildren Anthony, Jilian, Trevor, Lauren, Vanessa, Tori, and RJ; and three great-grandchildren Nicole, JuJu, and Mateo. He also leaves behind his siblings, Margie Moreno, Harold “Tojo” Maes, Betty Ann, and Carl Wayne Maes, and the list of other extended family members he held so close to his heart would be too long to list here. You know who you are :)

Monday, October 28, 2024

Rosary/ Vigil at Santos Robinson Mortuary

160 Estudillo ave. San Leandro 

at 6:00PM

(VISITATION 12:00PM - 8:00PM)

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church

3433 Somerset Ave, Castro Valley 

at 11:00AM  (1 hour long )

(Between 12:00PM to 12:15 or 1:45 everyone must be in their cars to proceed to the cemetery)

Burial at Holy Sepulchre 

26320 Mission Blvd, Hayward at 2:30PM

Lunch served after Burial -- back at Our Lady of Grace Church

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Victor Maes, please visit our floral store.