Victor Kendle Saiz

1943 - 2024

Victor Kendle Saiz
04/19/1943 - 05/31/2024
Surrounded by family, Vic passed away in his longtime Belmont home following a valiant battle with Parkinson's Disease. He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Clarissa; sisters, Olivia Murray and Maripaz Perdices; brothers-in-law, Albert Murray and Bill Bosque; and cousins, Richard and Dolores Garcia. He is survived by his loving wife of thirty-seven years, Elizabeth "Betsy" McGilvray and their son, Anthony; brother, John (Susan); nine nieces and nephews and their children; and best friend, Robert Burns. Vic also had tremendous affection for Betsy's four sisters and their families; particularly Kathy (Gary) McClelland and her son, Brendan (Sarah Namouth) Callahan.
Vic attended San Francisco public schools before earning a bachelor's degree in history at the University of San Francisco. His odyssey as a first-rate soccer player and aficionado began at James Lick Junior High School. Vic proudly captained his Polytechnic High School team before playing for the USF Dons, where he was honored with 1964's Most Valuable Player award. His love of the sport endured, playing many seasons semi-professionally for the San Francisco Scots. Vic counted many of his teammates among his greatest friends.
Vic was invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic soccer team for the 1968 games, but had to forgo, instead fulfilling his U.S. Army obligation during the Vietnam War. Upon returning from service, Vic began his career as an athletics equipment distributor, first at Wilson then Penn before developing and heading Westlake Sporting Goods. In the '80s, he formed Specialty Nets, where he enjoyed success as an athletic and industrial netting supplier until his retirement in 2015.
Vic's interests extended beyond the soccer field. He keenly appreciated music and drama, traveled when he could and fluidly navigated any topic of conversation with ease and confidence. Vic was a fine cook and an even finer host, exemplifying his utter verve for life.
Betsy and Anthony wish to publicly acknowledge the unwavering devotion Vic's brother, John, paid him during his long and complicated struggles with Parkinson's. John's abiding love and selflessness made Vic's final years much more comfortable and fulfilled. We are forever in your debt, Uncle John.
All of Vic's accomplishments came second to his family. He was an extraordinarily faithful and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Though Vic's death leaves a hole in the hearts of his loved ones, we can draw inspiration from a life well lived-always on his own terms with equal parts gravitas and levity. A funeral mass will be offered at eleven o'clock on the morning of July 26, 2024 at St. Finn Barr Church, 415 Edna Street, San Francisco.