I love you Daddy-O! Your spirit and your humor are a part of me. I aim to make you proud...still. Thank you for showing me how to be a better human and for the wisdom to ask, "What is mine to do?" Though it can be a difficult question to answer, it always gets me to the Heart of the matter. Thank you for this and much more...like stopping for a moment to listen to the rain...

Happy Birthday, Uncle Vic. I miss you still. Always will.
Always grateful for your huge presence in my life.

Today, January 13th, is Vic's birthday. Born in 1938, he'd be 86 today. His presence remains a gentle reminder about living authentically, joyfully, and with integrity. I doubt I'll ever match him, but he continues to guide my thoughts and my choices.

Vic, I'll love you forever. Thank you for our amazing years together. Your light shines always, and that makes me stronger.

Think of you everyday, and thank you for all the memories; most of all, today, the 86th Anniversary of your Earth Birth. Your loving brother, Jerry

Carolynn, the love you and Vic built continues to weave through all who knew you. You are both close in our souls. We love you.

It's been two years to the day since Vic died. The grief remains, and so does the gratitude. This passage from a poem by W.S. Merwin is just right: "Your absence has gone through me like a thread through a needle. Everything I do is stitched with its color." 

Dear Vic,
You are missed more than you can know, and possibly more than you can imagine. But you can’t be missed without being remembered. Thank you, forever, for the memories. Jerry
 

It's been one year today since Vic died. Sometimes I didn't think I'd get through this transition; the loss has been profound. It's taken a year to get my bearings, to return to an overall sense of gratitude rather than unrelenting grief. I can't imagine how much harder everything would've been if Jay weren't living here. He's been a rock, even as he navigates his own grief. I've lit a candle for Vic every morning, talking to him, looking at his picture, sending him my love. He's in my heart always, and he'll continue to inspire me and make me smile for the rest of my days.

A couple of months ago, I was having a particularly hard time. Jay was away, and I felt utterly lost, wondering if it were possible for me to ever feel truly happy again. I went into the backyard, tears streaming down my face, and cried out, "Vic! You feel so far away! Please, can you come close and be with me? I don't think I can do this without you." The next morning, when I woke, I realized that the hollowed-out feeling was gone. It hasn't come back.

I am coming back into life - changed, certainly, and wondering, still, who I am now without the person who was the center of my world. I trust that'll become clear in time. Right now, I'm committed to living according to what I've learned and what I deeply know. Vic continues to be my inspiration, my touchstone, my beloved. He has always been the greatest blessing of my life. That will never change, and I'm grateful. 

It was such a beautiful experience to attend my Favorite Uncle Vic's memorial service this past weekend. I am his first niece, daughter of his sister, Ginger. I loved hearing the music his friends and children and grandchildren gifted him, as well as all the many resonating memories and reminders of what a great man he truly was. I nodded throughout, because so much of what his/my family and friends said was what I also remember and cherish: intellect, wit, empathy, intensity, humor, etc. So many beautiful things were said about him, it would seem that I might struggle to find something original/new to add. But I have found myself wanting to bring up his eyebrows! (My Uncle Jerry actually has the very same characteristic, so this is a shout-out to Vic's brother, as well.) Those eyebrows and the way they can go in different directions on the same face . . . Vic used them to uniquely and adorably convey all those wonderful traits we have mentioned! They brought punchlines an extra kick, and words of concern a special poignance; they intensified his questions about how you were and why the world works the way it does; they helped him check on your well-being with a lightness that made you want to put his curiosity to rest. They were a part of the magic and mystique that so many here and at his service have named. I respectfully suggest that when you're remembering something wonderful that Vic Jenkins said or did for you . . . picture his eyebrows, and smile even bigger.

Loving and missing Uncle Vic terribly today. I do at some point most days but, being a little more distant physically, my brain can protect itself some most days, pretend he is somewhere out there alive and well. Today, not so much. Today, I will grieve more deeply. Remember more vividly. Even laugh a little louder perhaps, because Uncle Vic was a funny funny man. And kind. Generous of spirit. Loving. I wish that I were there to hug my family in person (Carolyn, Jay, and Rene in particular) but mental hugs will have to do. I love you all!

Recently I listened to a story from Tara Brach that Vic had shared with us when he was our minister.  I was elated. The story is about a family that had been traveling by car who stopped to have lunch. The restaurant was mostly empty. They situated themselves at a table and placed their one year old in a highchair. Soon after they began eating, the baby became very verbal and excited saying "Hi there" again and again and again. The mom looked around to see what was arousing the child. To her dismay she beheld a very disheveled  and dirty old  homeless man waving to the baby and doing peekaboo and patty cake. . After they finished, the Mom gathered up her child, hoping to leave quickly because the old guy was seated right by the door.  But as she passed him,  the baby propelled himself into the old man's lap. Of course she was aghast because he was so dirty.  The baby was so happy and fully sharing his joy. After a few minutes the homeless man handed the child to his mother with tears in his eyes and said 
"Thank you Mam, this is the best Christmas gift I  ever received. "  This touched her heart deeply altho she was still physically repelled. When Vic told the story he teared up as he came to the end and got that feeling in his throat. And I  did too. Perhaps we all did.
I loved that Vic was not afraid to let his tender emotions show in his talks. 
It was a beautiful story and moment.

I am unable to attend the celebration of life tomorrow. But I wanted to leave a few words about this precious man. Vic was an integral part of my journey to find Peace and Love through God. His wisdom and insight was so apparent in the messages he gave while minister. When I spoke to him in person he often helped me out of confusion and into clarity on many issues. One of my favorite expressions he used was "Ask what is mine to do?"-- such a simple yet profound prayer. We can't do it all, we can't fix the world, but we still have a part to play in healing it. I use this prayer to this day. It both humbles me and reminds me that I live in the house that God built. Vic officiated the marriage of my daughter Allison to her husband Derrick. They are so happy and have five children, all gems, all unique and joyful. Vic also christened my first born grandchild, Alayah Danielle-Love Davis. She is now almost 18 years old. So many wonderful memories. Thank you dear Vic for all that are and all that you gave. Your legacy lives on.

A bittersweet day for me. I will be unable to join the Celebration of Vic’s Life in person. I’m sad about that because I would like to experience the loving energy flowing back and forth in that room. However, I am also joyful that I can share in memories that include Vic’s magic….his mischievous sense of humor, his passion for music, his vulnerability and caring for others, his commitment and vision and love of life. We are all the bound together because of him and whether or not we can be there in person we will all honor his memory in a grand way.
Thank you, Vic for all the gifts you brought to my life.

Dear Vic,

Four years ago, on the 80th anniversary of your birth, I sent an email to you and those of our family for whom I had addresses. An article was attached — “‘Geezers,’ ‘coots’ or ‘the elderly’: What we call ‘old’.” (It can be read or re-read by a Google search for “Laura L. Carstensen December 2017 article in The Washington Post”). 

As to what we would call you, I know of no one who disagreed with the author’s proposed choice: “Perennial”.

Today, on the 84th anniversary of your birth, I am only more certain of this descriptor. As atoms never cease passing through our bodies, I cannot imagine NOT believing in miracles. Now, reading the wonderful submissions of your myriad friends — oh, my. They evince your perennial being.

[At this juncture, writing was interrupted to sing “Happy Birthday” to you. You may have noticed that “and many more” was supplanted by “forevermore.”]

Though you won’t see me in Vacaville this Saturday, you will know that my spirit is there even as I am physically in Virginia. Another Virginia (our sister, Ginger) has my deepest appreciation for delivering anew the love that we were so blessed to share in person in August.

All my sibs, Sue (8 years older), Ginger (6), you (4) played a big role in raising me. (And I’m not saying this just so others know who’s to blame.) Of this I am certain: both Daddy and I (especially, I) benefitted from your encouragement to understand the other’s perspective. This was typically accomplished with few words (sometimes with no more than a nod or frown). On more than one occasion you saved me from myself — on our last round-the-country trip with our parents, when you were 18 and I 14 — we were visiting the Browns in Shawnee. Daddy, from another room, said something like, “boys, I want to go out to the old homestead where I grew up. Want to go with me?” Before I could say, “no, I’d rather stay here with Mary Sue (one of the Brown’s daughters)” you saw the inclination on my face, gave me a look of “yes”and tilting of your head toward the front door and our visit to the homestead. I enjoyed that day then, and cherish it now — JUST now thinking it an instance (explained in your book, Breaking the Wineglass) of falling toward the glassblower’s breath.

With boundless love for you, your sons Jay and René, and, of course, Carolynn,

Your brother Jerry

P. S. Thank you, Daddy, for introducing baseball to my brother and I. And thank you, Vic, for so fully sharing that passion with me. Thank you Mother, for your laughter inspired by Vic’s quick wit. And thank you, Vic, for sharing that gift with a pre-teen little brother. Thank you, too, for introducing me to Mad magazine, aardvark(s), and Catch-22. 

It saddens me that I won’t be able to attend the celebration of life for Vic.  I met Vic when I started going to unity Church of the Valley about 25 years ago A friend kept Telling me that I needed to come to unity of Vacaville...that Vic wasnt like most ministers. at the time I not only didn’t want a church. I was A little judgmental of people who did. I showed up that first time with low expectations. My friend Julie was right. He was different. After the service I sent Vic an email. two things I remember saying in that email were that I appreciated his sense of humor and that I was so relieved that the word God was only mentioned twice in his sermon and he didn’t open the Bible at all. He didn’t chastise me or attempt to change my beliefs. That wasn’t his way. He was such a great example of acceptance of all beliefs. he made me feel welcome in a church and encouraged me to honor my own path. He earned my admiration as someone who humbly owned his own failings and used them not for self criticism or self shame as I did but to motivate himself to become a “better(fill in the blank) a better man, a better husband, a better minister etc ...to move forward on his path to be his higher self.
I was fortunate to serve with him on the board for several years and together with Julie we worked closely with him the year our church hosted the conference at asilomar. Others may have known knew him better, or socialized with him more but he had a key role in making me who I am today.
I remember some of his stories and puns but for what ever reason the one that pops in my mind is the one about the minister who wanted to paint his church but the church had very little money. I can’t embellish the way vic did but It went something like this
After Sunday service a pastor noticed that his church needed painting. The church had little money So the pastor bought as much white paint as the church could afford and began the job.
He got done with the first side. It was looking great. But he noticed he had already used a lot of the paint. He wanted to finish the job so he found a gallon of thinner in the shed out back, and began to thin his paint.
It worked out great. He now had two sides done and decided to add more thinner so could finish the remaining sides but again he could only complete 3 sides so he mixed the last of the paint and the last of the paint thinner together and painted the last side
That night, it rained: it rained hard. The next morning when he stepped outside of the church to admire his work, he saw that the first side was looking great, but the rain had washed away most of the paint on each of the other sides until the last side had no paint at all
The pastor looked up to the sky in anguish and cried out, "What shall I do?"
A voice came back from the heavens saying, "Repaint, repaint and thin no more!" I can still see the twinkle in his eye and hear the laughter and groans from the pews. 
I will remember Vic as a man with compassion insight and humility and I can only strive to follow his example.
So on saturday, as others share their stories, I will join them in spirit with the image of Vic with a twinkle in his eye and joy in his heart as he crossed over
Much love to carolynn, his family And to all those whose heart is hurting at the passing of Vic

I was still a young man when I met Vic. Throughout the years, Vic has served as father figure, brother, friend, confidante, and spiritual teacher. Most of all, Vic was always a role model for how a man should live his life. My sadness in saying goodbye is as deep as my gratitude for having known Vic.

Hi Carolynn,
   Wish I could claim the title. All I did was to crop a photo. Vic will always be the "Magic Man" Who else could take a 99 pound weakling of a man and turn him into a well adjusted, loving, whole person? Who else could take a Jewish boy, wave his metaphysical wand, and make him believe that the cross may not be so bad after all? Who else could take a nervous nellie, knee knocking guy, and turn him into a confident speaker who thrives on speaking to crowds? Who else could make me laugh and cry and proclaim, "Aha!", all in the same talk? Who else could make me serve and volunteer, and then thank him for the opportunity? Who else could show me that a public school teacher could become a minister that I could put on a pedestal, and yet make me realize that he is a man, just like me? Who else would take the time with me to make sure I was spiritually fed, and make me dream of one day being a minister?
  There is a line from the musical, "Wicked" that I dearly love, and it applies to Vic (and you): "Since I knew you, my life has been changed for good." Vic lives in every single cell of my body and mind, helping me be the mensch that I want to be. Could say, "Now, that's magic.!" But I say, "Now, that's Vic!"
Love,
Gary

From Hamilton, the Musical:
And when you're gone, who remembers your name?
Who keeps your flame?
Who tells your story?
Who tells your story?

For me regarding Vic Jenkins, those questions are easy to answer. Even though I had the honor and privilege of knowing Vic for only 17 years, once I met him (and Carolynn) in 2004, I knew he would easily become part of my new marriage and my new life.

Thanks to my new husband, Fred and his late wife, Diane, there was already a close relationship with Vic and Carolynn so in the Fall of 2004, when I met them for the first time over the love of theater, specifically in Ashland, Oregon, any anxiety I had about spending a long weekend with them evaporated quickly as I felt their warmth and love at once. It was easy for me to move from being an acquaintance into what turned out to be lifetime bonding.

In 2008, at the time of Vic’s retirement, Fred and I created an adventure of a lifetime by planning and experiencing a trip to Italy with Vic and Carolyn. The trip was so relaxed, easy and fun and one that I think about often. With Vic’s knowledge of miscellaneous histories of peoples and countries, he always provided insightful perspectives with lots of humor.

During the 17 years we met and fell in love again and again with theater in Ashland, we shared many sad and happy life experiences, inner thoughts, laughter and tears and our bonds grew tighter and tighter. We always looked forward to catching up each year in our special place, Ashland while also dissecting the plays giving us new insights into humankind—the good and the not so good.

As Carolynn shared difficult times with us in 2021 with Vic’s health and the possibility that we might not meet again for our October in Ashland, Fred and I knew we had to make a trip to Vacaville. So in August, we visited them and we are so thankful we did. Vic and I shared a love of gardening although growing veggies has not been my forte. But I loved getting a tour of Vic’s tomato plants which were amazingly healthy, strong and fruitful, lovingly described with their historical background and breeding background. As Vic was a storyteller, he shared conversations he enjoyed having with other tomato aficionados at the farm store. 

Vic was a man of the earth (from Oklahoma to CA), sprinkled with love of history, the belief that all people are worthy of redemption, insightfulness and humor. Thanks, Vic.

I am a better person having known and loved you.

Vic was my brother-in-law, and I am truly thankful that he was in my life. However, before he became my brother, he was my competitor, and a very fierce one at that. As I was courting his sister, Ginger, and waiting for her to get "readier" for our date(s), Vic and his brother Jerry and I had a LOT of time to talk, and we talked baseball to the point of arguing who could choose the better all-star team. These arguments led us to forming (to our knowledge) the first fantasy baseball league, although we didn't call it by that name. We just came up with a way to judge the best team through a complicated set of end-of-the-year statistics, and the VJM league was born, two years before Vic became "family" to me.

Since Vic really knew more about baseball than I did, and he was REALLY competitive, I lost to him rather regularly (and all too often) over the 65+ years we competed, and he didn't mind using his "Vulture" (his team's nickname) persona to lord it over me and Jerry. 

I think everyone in the Jenkins family gave our baseball "league" credit for helping to keep our families together over the years, as we would meet at least annually before or during spring training to revamp our team rosters with exciting new players...and catch up on family news while at it. We also added several other, younger family members to our "league" over the years, so we were also able to get to know each other and our families that much better.

So, not only am I thankful that Vic was in my life, I'm also proud to say he was a part of my family. He showed over his lifetime what a man can do with the God-given talents he was blessed with. I never heard him teach, but I know he was loved by his students, and when he decided to become a minister, I heard him preach and saw how his congregation loved him, so it was very evident to me that he was in the right place at the right time, using his many talents to help people struggle with life's problems. And besides his professional life, Vic was also a great father, who loved his children and cared for them dearly. In all, Vic lived a great, productive life, and everyone who knew him was a better person for having experienced his presence in their lives.

Vic was a man of humanity, history, and humor, a true mensch, a dear friend, and brother-in-kind, who I was privileged to know for over 20 years. I met Vic and Carolynn in 1998 when Carolynn’s mom and her partner (later to be husband), Alfred, invited my wife, Dianne, and me to join them on a cruise to Alaska as a way of getting the four ‘young ones’ to get to know each other. We ‘hit it off’ so to speak, immediately finding many common interests. That’s when I first discovered Vic and Carolynn’s love of theater and Vic’s quick and puny sense of humor. Shortly thereafter we decided to spend a few days together in Ashland, Oregon, enjoying theater at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). That trek to Ashland became an annual tradition, continuing almost uninterrupted for 20 years, even after Dianne passed away in 2002 and my new wife, Lisa, joined the team.

Those three-to-six-day treks to Ashland were special. Each time we met we caught up on our past year’s experiences and then watched, pondered, and discussed as many plays as we could fit into our schedule, often watching two per day. For those who know, the performances at OSF were uniformly excellent, and always generated deep and substantive conversations. During the performances I’d look over and watch Vic leaning forward in his seat, concentrating on the action, sometimes laughing, sometimes tear-eyed. I came to appreciate Vic’s love and knowledge of history because in our after-play discussions he would often draw on historical events in interpreting and putting into context the themes of the shows. And when we weren’t discussing plays or the news of the day, Vic and I had a knack for entertaining each other and our spouses with puns and other forms of humor.
The relationship I had with Vic was special. We felt comfortable sharing personal thoughts as if we were close family. In fact, on several occasions he would refer to me as ‘brother’. As those who knew him can testify, he was such a good listener and so easy to engage in deep and meaningful conversation (often with interjections of humor). 

My whole family loved Vic and Carolynn, and the feeling was mutual. Vic officiated at the weddings of my two daughters, Ilana in 2004 and Gravity (aka Lisa) in 2015, the latter in the backyard of their Vacaville home.
Our annual trek to Ashland, of course, did involve planning, which I often took the lead in doing. During the year there would be many back-and-forth emails working out the details of our trip and sharing personal news, and it was during these correspondences that I really came to really appreciate Vic’s sense of humanity, kindness, and sense of humor. I thought I’d end this tribute by sharing a few of his email comments.

From May 2004 when he couldn’t open some attached images I had sent, even after several tries: “Still nada, still a mystery. But the thought of the beautiful images we're missing is beginning to bug me. I'll try the all-purpose technology prayer.” Later that year he was still having some technology challenges with a message I had sent: “May Day! May Day!! I inadvertently deleted the last message you sent (along with a bunch of spam). I do not consider you to be spam...salami, perhaps, but never spam. Regardless, could you resend it?”

Forgiveness and humility (and humor) were part of Vic’s inner being. In Nov 2016, after Vic and Carolynn went through the trauma of the trial of his daughter, Robin’s murderer, he wrote: “So it is a relief to know that we can turn the page on this portion of the closure process. In my thinking, this so-called "closure process" equates with what is termed "forgiveness". I have come to believe that forgiveness is not a one-time thing, that it occurs on many levels, and as we stick with this process of forgiveness we delve deeper and deeper into our heart and soul...and...uh, oh.... looks like I'm moving into preacher mode! May Day! May Day!!”

Vic was also a romantic. In the summer of 2018, when Vic and Carolynn were planning a vacation in New York, he wrote: “Yes, we are doing well, and considering the circumstances and the way life has of twisting, turning and unfolding, we sometimes look at each other and wonder how that can be. I suspect we might be in love. In a couple of days (Thursday, to be exact), we're going to be in Niagara Falls. Carolynn doesn't realize this yet, but it's a full moon that evening. Full moon, Niagara Falls...she doesn't have a chance. I've been in training for this event for a while now and there's just no predicting what sort of international border incident might be triggered by the sheer magnitude of the Vicster's Macho Buffedness. Other than that, the trip promises to provide numerous tellings and re-tellings...with a probability that some might be true!”

Following the trauma of Robin’s death and the resulting trial, Vic became involved with strengthening the Solano Family Justice Center. In 2018 he wrote: “I chose to plunge full-bore into the fray. So from this point on, when people ask me that seemingly eternal question: 'what are you doing now that you're retired?' My answer is going to be: 'Why...I'm choosing to plunge full-bore into the fray' [I'm not afrayed] ... the fray takes perseverance and speaking up, but it's about compassion, caring, kindness, peace, justice...for everyone. That's been pretty much my life work, and it feels like the work I'm to do now.”

The last major email I received from Vic, in 2020, was in response to some funny cartoons I had sent him about seniors: “Great to see that you're utilizing your time alone wisely (re: 'Very Funny Senior Cartoons'). I have always suspected that the two of us tend to such similar perspectives that we must be biologically related. Hence, an extensive and rather inconclusive foray into Ancestry.com. Viewing these cartoons and wiping tears of laughter from my eyes, I was inspired to immediately cancel my subscription(s) to the folks at Ancestry.com...I don't need any more stinkin' DNA evidence to confirm our brotherhood! It is a small but mighty brother/sisterhood, we wise elders, who possess the earthy, quirky, irreverent and (some might say) loony wisdom to see the light in the midst of darkness.”

In the Jewish tradition, after a loved one passes away and we mention his name, we often add the phrase, ‘May his memory be a blessing.’ And so it was and will always be: knowing Vic was truly a blessing, and I will always think of him in that way.

{Posted with the permission of Ben Kor}
"Well, done, thou good and faithful servant..." I imagine this is what the Lord said as He welcomed Vic to heaven. Vic was my best friend and the best man I've ever known. I believe that Vic was a best friend to many others, also. We met in the fourth grade at Roosevelt school in Dinuba, where Vic's dad was the principal. Our friendship never waned. We shared many great times together. We often met in person once a year to share our lives and times. Even now, I think of him fondly almost every day, and I always will. May God bless and comfort you and your family.                                          
      As Vic would say, "A friend and accomplice,"
                      Ben Kor

This is my dear Uncle Vic’s space, and I find that my thoughts of him are inextricably and lovingly linked with remembrances of his big sister.

My mom, Sue, and my Uncle Vic, her beloved little brother, were my foundational earthly spiritual guides. Reared in the Methodist church, they lived lives of spiritual expansion. Scholars and seekers, they drew from this life and I believe countless others, to broaden their own faith to include, never exclude, other seekers and scholars of life and academia. Both of them were great teachers, counselors, and guides for so many. They ran so deep. They laughed so hard. They mastered the art of soulfulness without ever taking themselves too seriously. They were, each of them, so unconventional – she was sassy, he was irreverent, an imp. They were magical. Mystical. They were more often than not the smartest ones in the room. 

They instinctively got that Jesus came to show us what is possible. How to love. How to live a life of Yes! How to walk the walk of prayer, a celebration of joy even in sorrow. They instilled in me, through example, a lifelong quest to deepen my own relationship with Spirit. They showed me that there is no separation. Ever. Ever. That we have everything we need inside us. That everything will work out perfectly. That there’s no such thing as death. So important to remember, now that they are gone from our sight. 

All is well.

Our heartfelt condolences to you Carolynn and the whole family. Vic was quite a man and had a tremendous influence in many lives, in our Unity community and the whole Northern California area. Our many fond memories of happy times will carry us forward through this time of loss sincerely Jim and Barbara Lee

The Celebration of Life for Vic will be January 15 at 1:00 at Unity of the Valley Spiritual Center, 350 North Orchard Avenue, in Vacaville. Masks are required, as well as vaccinations and boosters. Care will be taken to assure the safety of all visitors. We trust you to follow protocols and take care of each other! There will be a time to gather informally in the Social Hall afer the service, and light refreshments will be served. You are most welcome! The service will be reccorded for those of you unable to attend. More details about that to follow.

Dear Carolyn Sorry to hear about Vic getting his wings but as one who sat thru our class meetings I know he more than earned them long ago. Blessings to you and the church. Remember he has not gone far and in fact will always be near, loving you all. 

I was Vic’s minister in Santa Rosa. He was my Music Director. Later he was a colleague in ministry. I loved this man and his family. I shall miss him dearly. Fly with angels, my friend.

{This is posted with Jim Brown's permission.}

I first met Vic when I was in the fifth grade, and Vic was in the sixth grade. His father was the principal of Roosevelt School that we attended. Our families knew each other, and we went to the same church and also went to MYF. I'm not sure why, but one summer our parents decided to send us to church camp. The first thing we did when we got there was find girl friends for the week or ten days we were there. When camp was over, we only saw them once at a football game.

When Vic was sixteen, I was fifteen, so he had to do the driving on double dates and anywhere else we went. When I was sixteen, I got to do the driving, which was a good thing because my car was much more of a chick magnet than his parents' '48 four-door Plymouth.

When Vic graduated from high school he went to Reedley College, and a year later we were in the same band again. At the end of the first semester I joined the Army and guess what? I was in the Army band. We kind of lost touch with each other during my service time, which was three years. When I got out of the Army, we hooked up again, and I believe Vic had just graduated from San Francisco State. About that time I met Shirley, and we were getting married, so I asked Vic to be my best man, and of course he said yes. However, the Army had different plans for Vic, and off to basic training he went. So Jerry filled in for Vic and everything went off without a hitch.

I don't know if Vic ever told you this, but we were driving around in Vic's Plymouth after a football game, and it was about 1:30 in the morning. We happened to wind up out in the country by my uncle and aunt's house. I told him to stop the car. I got out and played reveille for them, and that was just about the extent of our mischief.

We kind of lost touch with each other for a time, but when we did reconnect, it was just like old times. We got together, and it was just like no time had ever passed. I wish we could do that just one more time.

He was really a good man and a wonderful friend tht I will never forget and, yes, I miss him dearly.

This tribute is from Ginger Jenkins Munson, Vic's "older" sister, which he usually stressed when introducing me to new people I hadn't met (with that impish twinkle in his eyes that many of you have mentioned!) Frankly, since we had so recently been together at a Jenkins' Family Reunion in August of 2021, and he was at the center of everything, and enjoying himself, and looking to be feeling so well , I think I am probably still reeling from this quick turn of events. The whole family of Vic Jenkins, Sr. and Thelma Carder Jenkins was well represented, and we had such wonderful times of Sharing, Singing, Skits, and Games at the Cambria Pines Campground...and Vic was in the middle of all of it. There were over 30 of us there for two and a half days, and we had a wonderful time! It ended with a Gratitude Circle outdoors by the ocean! Every single person shared their gratitude for such a Loving Family ---even all the great-grandchildren, and they did it in such a beautiful, heartfelt way! Vic was at the center of all of it! How very grateful I am for that wonderful time. 
  Vic had expressed a desire to have a "heartfelt sharing time with our youngest brother, Jerry, who came from Virginia with his wife, Janna, and me, Ginger. Our oldest sister, Sue Jenkins Allen, died 9 years ago, and we talked a lot about her (She was an "amazing person" who we all counted on!) We got to have that time and "unpacked" a few things that had happened in each of our lives that the others hadn't realized. We really "listened" and brought each other "up to date". We ended after several hours in a tight Family Hug, and with expressed love and appreciation for each other! I am so incredibly thankful for that time, and thankful to our spouses for sharing among themselves so that we could have that treasured time.
   After we returned to our own homes, we all (including nieces, nephews and cousins of several generations) have stayed in much closer contact. Vic began having much more serious health issues within a month, and he and Carolynn
fought back valiantly and hopefully, but accepting that physical healing might not be God's plan for Vic at this juncture. I began thinking of all the earlier trips he had taken up and down the San Joaquin Valley, to visit High School friends, and friends he had made as a boy when we moved to Dinuba. He looked up people he hadn't seen for a long time, and met with buddies he had in the Music field, and had gone to camp with, and with whom he had lost contact because their points of view on things didn't always match. He made trips and stayed with Jerry and me, but often was gone to spend time with friends with whom he had lost contact. He visited all of his nieces and nephews and was a valued confidante and advisor to our three daughters! He was a great listener and a lot of fun to have around ! He made a couple of trips to D.C. to visit his brother Jerry and sister-in-law, Janna---he just wanted to BE THERE for other people, and to have "right relationships"! I think he did that, and did it purposefully! He certainly built a right relationship with his wife, and all his family! I am so very proud to be his sister, and I know we will see each other again!

I met Vic through his wife, Carolynn, soon after they met each other. I was taken with how warm and funny he was, always ready to laugh, always wanting to make others laugh, characteristics both Carolynn and I admired and gravitated toward. I was honored to attend their wedding back in Missouri. Even more honored when Vic agreed to officiate at my own wedding a few years later. I couldn’t think of anyone who would better meet my wishes for earnestness, compassion, humor, and joy: all the things I wanted in my marriage.

Although I didn’t have consistent contact with Vic over the years, I always counted him as the sort of man I would wish to call friend. Indeed, he presented a high standard, I think without his even knowing it. Whatever Vic expressed came from his heart. He was a mensch, and I truly admired the man!

Vic touched me deeply in so many ways. My first experience of Vic was in 1987 when he was speaking at Unity of the Valley, and we were meeting at Vaca Hills Chapel in Vacaville. My family and I just moved from Southern California. We were looking for a new church home, and we didn't have to look far! Vic's humor, kind voice, coupled with his passion for Truth principles, led me through some of the most trying times of my life. In
recent years, I feel we reconnected in a most profound way. We talked some, always shared a laugh, but the power of our communication was always through his eyes and his heart. I see his beautiful soul ongoing, and I feel his presence now more than ever. He is forever in my heart.

I am grateful to have known Vic, and to have had my family so openly and graciously welcomed into his (even across state lines!). :)

I will never forget Vic’s laugh, and the mischievous, playful twinkle in his eyes, or the strength and encouragement with which he spoke when it was time. With Vic, however you showed up, you were enough and you were welcome. You will be missed.

Much love to you all.

Vic could confront things face to face but preferred to steer with the rear rudder from the back of the boat. He was a very good man. I love him and I always will. - by Rev. Joel Hughes

It's hard for me to imagine Vic far away, though his passing is testing me to remember he's still as close as ever. I met Vic in seminary, where he was the chair of the class a year ahead of ours. If you knew that class, you'd know that was quite an accomplishment: to lead such an array of diverse, sometimes cranky, always challenging group of people. Vic was a quiet leader, expressing charm, compassion and caring for anyone, even the misfits. He was my advocate when I needed one. He held my grief when it spilled over. I learned so much from him, not because he taught it, but because he lived it. He set the highest example of how to live gracefully, take care of yourself and family and do the right thing. Vic is one of the finest friends I've ever had and the gentlest of men you could ever meet.

Vic touched this life of ours in powerful ways, with his smile and gleam in his eyes. Our family first crossed paths with Vic and Carolyn in 2005 at Unity of the Valley, He christened Matt and Ryan, and meant so much to us.        
    He was like a serendipitous angel.... I would cross paths with him at the most random times, like the Nugget parking lot one day, when I was feeling quite low and missing my Dad.  I saw Vic, and grinned from ear to ear, knowing that just crossing paths with him and a hug, was a gift from the Universe. His stories, his laugh, his pauses at just the right time, his lessons in forgiveness and social action have touched us forever. And Carolyn, to see you 2 together, the love and joy exuding between you and out to the world is an example of what matters, and is special. Thank you for sharing this tribute Carolyn. You are loved. Dena, Matt and Ryan MItchell.

Vic was a blessing in my life: a bright spark, a companion and co-conspirator on the spiritual path, a font of "dad jokes." I worked with him for only a season at Unity of the Valley, but he never left my heart. I cherish my ongoing connection to his family through René. I think of the times in recent years when he showed up in Davis for tea and a chat, and the event I led at the UU Church of Davis that he and Carolynn attended. I felt so special, so honored to be witnessed and respected by him, and so delighted by the ease of our connection and banter. We could roam freely from the sacred to the profane, from the stupid to the sublime. This is how he was in the world-- a citizen of all of it, a person who could feel the whole range of experience and invite us in there with him. I admire his example tremendously. Big hugs to Carolynn, René, and Janay. And Vic, I'm sending you a massive hug with the wish that your spirit continue unceasing in your mission of holy mischief!

What I will miss most about Vic is his very pleasant, kind, warm smile and hugs.
Vic had a very cozy feel about him. He was a "gentle'man, and that is the best kind. When I put that label on a man it means he is special. In his Sunday talks Vic's jokes were a delight. His voice was so calm I have to admit I sometimes fell asleep--until the next joke awoke me. Vic's heart was so open and kind often he would become tearful while he was relating a touching story. I loved that about him too. I would feel tearful with him.
I love Vic and I love you, Carolynn, as a couple. I can't imagine you separately. I believe he will always be next to you.  The photo of your marriage in 1987 and the next photo showed me how wonderfully you 'aged" together. You looked terrific together more than 33 years later! And the photo of you lounging together with your arm cuddling Vic- the model of a loving relationship-says everything.
Heartfelt blessings to you Carolynn, and Vic's family, and all of us who are missing him.   Mei-ling


.

Vic was such an important presence in my life and the lives of my kids since we came to Unity Vacaville fifteen years ago. His wisdom and wit will stay with us forever. He offered insight and counsel with humor and true compassion. The silly jokes and stories interwoven in his Sunday talks were always appreciated (sometimes with a groan!) Condolences to Carolynn and all of Vic's dear family.

I was sorry to hear of Vic's passing. Thank you for letting me know. I always appreciated his kindness to my parents Ruth and Jacob. I enjoyed being able to see him, from time to time, after he left Santa Rosa. My condolences to the whole family. 

Vic was a wonderful, amazing human being and I am honored to have been part of his life. I have many memories to treasure--but likely what will stay with me forever is Vic's goofy smile right after he made some joke, and the way he looked around, taking in your bemused smile and then waiting on my dad to respond in an equally goofy way. It was like watching love bounce around a room. Last week I picked up and read Breaking the Wineglass and enjoyed the sound of Vic's voice in my head, again a combination of self-aware humor and thoughtful wisdom. He adds so much to life's conversation. One detail of his life that I didn't know and that I read in the Announcement was the name of his childhood dog. Vic named his faithful companion who kept by his side, Happy.  Of course he did.

Vic holds such a special place in my heart. We met over thirty years ago and he, Carolynn and I soon became friends. Vic has been such a light in my life and his brilliance continues to shine. I spent much time listening to his uplifting and inspiring teachings and he was always open to talk and listen to what I had to say. He shared so many inspiring stories and I don't remember him ever judging or finding fault with any person. His quiet manner was touching even when he was teaching, answering a question or giving advice when asked. I will really miss him for I loved him and he meant so much to me. He and Carolynn were such a connected couple and showed by example what two people could do together with love as their top priority. Vic will always be with us and I will always remember him. I send love to Carolynn, the members of his family and his many friends.

The memories we have of Vic are embedded in our hearts forever. When in his presence you couldn’t help but feel the warm fuzzies of complete acceptance, of complete empathy and complete understanding. Talking with Vic you knew that you had his entire attention, like no one else was around. The man was a hoot also, he could joke about himself better than anyone, there was no ego involved with him. No doubt some of the best laughter took place in his presence. The love Vic had for his kids, family and friends ran deep in his soul. But his love for Carolynn truly was inspiring, when he spoke of her his whole face changed into a look that really was reserved only for Carolynn. The way the two of them looked at each other could melt your heart and make you strive for just a snippet of that same love in your relationships. Vic was the BEST teacher of life and love. How incredibly lucky we are to have had just a piece of his wisdom to hold onto and to carry forward with. We miss you, we adore you and love you so much. Thank you for the lessons our teacher. You did an outstanding job!
Gene & Patti

You married us and with Carolynn you christened our children. You inspired and helped us to become better people through your lessons, counsel, and example. Carolynn's tribute captures so much of what you shared with us and others. We love you and are grateful to have known you and we will carry you with us in our hearts.
Mike and Sandy Duggan, theduggans@castles.com

Vic was one of the very few beings of pure love that I’ve ever met. He was so kind, so embracing, and so full of love and energy!
He lives right in my heart, and I’ll miss his presence here on earth forever. To be in the same place with him was like being next to a cozy fire, warming me to my soul; that’s how charismatic and loving he was.

Putting words together to describe my feelings for Vic is so hard, and I know I’m not the only one. We love you with all our hearts, Vic; I’ll listen to Bill Evan’s music as long as I’m here on Earth, because of Vic!

Carolynn, take my love and wrap it around you for your enormous loss. When I visualize you, automatically, I visualize Vic right beside you always. I love and adore both of you❤️

                           Vic Jenkins
With great respect and deep sorrow, the family of Vic Jenkins announces his passing on October 18, 2021. He was a man of unusual integrity, wit, and wisdom. He was a teacher, a writer, a musician, a minister, a historian, a gardener, and a social activist. He was also a co-founder of the first Fantasy Baseball League in 1954, along with his brother, Jerry Jenkins, and his two brothers-in-law, Bill Allen and Jerry Munson. He was humble, warm, and always ready to lend a hand or share a funny or provocative story.

Vic was born in rural Oklahoma on January 13, 1938, during the Great Depression. He was the third child born to Thelma and Vic Jenkins, Sr. Even as a small child, he was a free spirit, never wanting to be penned in. He often disappeared for hours with his dog, Happy, roaming the countryside and developing a lifelong closeness to nature. In later years he became an avid backpacker and river rafter.

His family moved to Dinuba, California, in 1947, when he was nine years old. Vic maintained lifelong relationships with several of his new friends. His mother was his first grade teacher, and his father became principal of a neighboring school. Vic worked in the fields and in the packing sheds and canneries during the summers, driving tractors and trucks when he was 13.

Majoring in history and music at San Francisco State University, he became a high school teacher in 1963 after serving in the army band for two years at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He brought his first wife, Gloria, and his son, Jay, to Wheatland, California, where he was a history and band teacher. His creativity and intellect, along with his humor and easy-going personality, made him a popular and well respected teacher.

In 1971 Vic moved his family, which now included two more children, Robin and René, to Santa Rosa, California, where he taught at Montgomery High School. He started a rafting club called the River Rats, conducted pit orchestras for many school musicals, and played for years with Ken Stout and his music group. He kept lifelong connections with some of his former students, who were blessed by his unconditional love and support.

In Santa Rosa he and Gloria helped start a Unity Church. Vic was the choir director and was so taken with New Thought teachings that he eventually decided to become a Unity minister. He started his second career after completing a two-year ministerial program in Lee's Summit, Missouri. By the time he'd graduated from seminary, he had remarried, and Carolynn Ranch became his devoted wife and soul mate. He became the minister of Unity of the Valley Spiritual Center in Vacaville, CA, in 1987, where he remained for twenty years. During this time he mentored many people, became a regional leader, and inspired us to expand our thinking about spirituality and social justice. Always thought-provoking, his Sunday talks were laced with anecdotes, puns and jokes that were usually appropriate. 

Recently he served as President of S. A. J. E., Solano Alliance for Justice and Empowerment, a non-profit created to provide financial support for the Family Justice Center in Solano County. Motivated by the murder of his daughter, Robin, in 2009, he worked tirelessly to support those whose lives could be enhanced by having a safe place to stay, financial support, legal assistance, and counseling.

Our world has lost a great man, one who was able to shine light into the darkest corners of human experience. We will miss his laughter, his wise counsel, his vast knowledge, his willingness to converse about many subjects, and his gentle nature. He was devoted to his children, adored by his wife, and well loved by his family and countless others whose lives he touched. Now he lives within each of us blessed to have known him, loved him, and learned from him.

He is survived by his wife, Carolynn Ranch, his sons, Jay Smith and René Jenkins, his sister, Ginger Munson (Jerry), of Dinuba, his brother, Jerry Jenkins (Janna), of Woodbridge, Virginia, a dazzling assortment of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His daughter, Robin Jenkins, and his sister, Sue Allen, predeceased him.

We're proud of our relationship with you, Vic. You made a difference. You made us laugh. You made us think. You always cheered us on, helping us become our best selves. Yours was a life lived to the fullest, spilling over with laughter and love, and we'll always be grateful for each brilliant moment we shared. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Unity of the Valley Spiritual Center, 350 N. Orchard Avenue, Vacaville, CA. 95688 or Solano Alliance for Justice and Empowerment, Box 2760, Fairfield, CA 94533, are welcome. 

From Carolynn Ranch (wife of Vic Jenkins).  Email: cranch007@gmail.com