His early life was spent on the family farm, where work was the rule. He was forbidden to play baseball which only resulted in his increased desire to do so. He became an accomplished shortstop for both the school and Army teams that he played on.

Many hours were spent playing "catch" or "pepper" with his sons. He always watched the Colorado Rockies whenever he could, or at least until they were losing by too many runs. He also liked to watch the Denver Broncos and The CSU Rams football and was a season ticket holder of CSU Basketball for many years.

He was a WWII veteran and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received while serving in the Phillipine Islands. Victor was drafted on June 15, 1942, a date that he easily remembered and always said "Greetings" when he mentioned it. His hard work quickly moved him up in rank and was soon a Sargent, and eventually in charge of a platoon. He has many stories that he shared with us on his birthday in 2004. We have about five hours of videotaped conversation where he passes on these stories and I am sure everyone will be moved by his experiences.

Almost immediately on his return from the war, he married Helen Blehm on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1945. He got married with a borrowed suit, a borrowed car, and an empty tank of gas. The stories of his marriage span over 61 years, and are joyfully shared by everyone that knew him.

Victor is survived by his wife Helen, two sons, Stewart and Robb, five grand children, Vickie Young, Nathan, Tim, Andy and Megan Deines, and two great grandchildren, Taylor and Harlie Young, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A life long member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran church in Fort Collins, he was the contractor that built the original church building and two additions in later years. "Vic" was known thoughout the area for his talent for home constuction and his insatiable drive for perfection and quality in his work. If and when any of these homes come up for sale, they are advertised, as "Vic Deines Homes". He built some of the most exclusive homes in the Fort Collins area.

He had a love for the mountains and fishing and for many years built and improved a family cabin at Red Feather Lakes. This gift that he built for his family will keep his memory alive for many generations to come. His love of the area brought him back many times, for the mountains, for the cabin, and the fishing.....and the fishing. Countless sunsets were enjoyed in his company while taking time for "just one more cast".