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Victor McVey Obituary
January 28, 1923 - November 18, 2010
Victor McVey, hardware man, cyclist, one of the founding brothers of McVey Hardware, died on Thursday, November 18, 2010 in Pasadena. He was 87. Victor was born in Los Angeles on January 28, 1923 to Leroy Arden McVey and Ruth Mann McVey and lived in Eagle Rock his entire life.
He was a graduate of Saint Dominic grammar school and Eagle Rock High School (after three years at Cathedral). At ERHS he took a drafting class that led to drafting work (and even deferments) at Lear Avia in Hollywood where he drew actuators and other aircraft components. Victor served in the U.S. Army in England, Germany, and the Philippines. He returned to earn a business degree at Loyola University. He met and married the vivacious Patricia Ronayne, the love of his life, in 1950. They raised a family of four children.
In the mid 1950s, he joined his parents and brothers Steve and Phil in taking over Miner's Hardware in Culver City. They moved the business to Temple City in 1964 renaming it McVey Hardware until finally closing its doors in 2006.
He was an excellent cook, appreciated railroads, in particular steam, and was a serious bike rider. Victor enjoyed "cowboy" and Cajun music, often playing his harmonicas at local music festivals in the off-stage jam sessions. He loved the San Gabriel Mountains, especially Mt. Lowe, and often camped, hiked and picnicked there with his family. Victor was a wonderful father, inspiring spirits of independence and curiosity in his four children, and he enjoyed seeing and keeping up with his grandchildren.
His wife Patricia died in 1969. Victor passed away on what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his children John (Cambridge, Mass.), Margaret Thomas (Pasadena), Catherine Heinlein (Covina) and Tom (San Diego), and his grandchildren Victor, Kelly, Euan, Emily, Sarah, Jenny, and Chisaku. He is also survived by his sister Lois Johnson and brother Steven.
A memorial service will be held at Cabot & Sons, 27 Chestnut Street, Pasadena on Friday, November 26 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following, location to be announced.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Victor McVey
Bob Rode
November 14, 2020
I worked for Steve and Victor for 11 years till they made the decision to sell. That time wa s special to me and enjoyed them as my friends. Last year I called Steve at Xmas,as I have every year since we moved to North Carolina. I never heard back from Steve as he would always call me back.
John Davidson
November 26, 2010
I'm Margaret's friend and neighbor. I'm very sorry for your loss.
On a few occasions, Margaret talked to me about McVey Hardware, but I never realized that the McVeys were such a part of the fabric of American History. More than bolts, skillets, and naval jelly, Victor McVey's hardware store was a kind of repository for this history: dust from the lands of William Penn purchased by Scotch immigrants, the spirit of a soldier from the war of 1812, and strong family desires to come out West from Indiana-- just to name a few.
One thing that stands out most to me is Mr. McVey's love of books which came from his own father. In one passage of the history, the author comments that Victor McVey's library of imaginative fiction might have represented the possibility of missed opportunities, roads never taken, and dreams unfulfilled. If true, the obvious choice would be something having to do with education, academia, or a learned profession. One can see these dreams fulfilled in his children. Certainly, Margaret's love of reading, her dogged perseverance of an MBA, and her elegant way with people can be traced to her father. It's sad that such a part of history has passed.
And by the way, the historical piece written by Margaret's brother is absolutely outstanding... your father and grandfather would have been proud.
Mark Kimball
November 26, 2010
I would just like to say thankyou to all of the McVey's for being a big part of my life. as a new salesmen for "larsen suppy" McVey hardware was one of my first customers (1986-2006) I miss that old store and all the people in it. "Vic thankyou" it was fun.
John McVey
November 25, 2010
to Bob Rode, and others -- some notes about McVey Hardware, and some photos (even of Bob Rode, scroll to bottom!), at http://jmcvey.net/hdwe/index.htm
Bob Rode
November 25, 2010
I am glad I got the chance to know Vic. He always showed an interest in whatever you were talking about, guns, war stories, store business, & even women sometimes.
Jean McVey Sousa
November 21, 2010
Over the past many years, I continue to have such vivid memories of Uncle Victor instructing me on how to lay out the "sidewalk sale merchandise" in front of McVey Hardware on Las Tunas Blvd. for the regular weekend sale. Uncle Victor always had a smile on his face during those hardware days. Us kids were always ready to turn the "We are closed" sign 5-10 minutes before closing! I will always have fond memories of the hardware store and sidewalk sales with Uncle Victor... Jean McVey Sousa
gina pichardo
November 21, 2010
It was always a pleasure working with Vic. He will always have a place in my heart. Gina Pichardo (cashier 1995-2006)
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