Victor Valentine St. Onge

Victor Valentine St. Onge, a lifelong resident of Longview, died Oct. 21, 2023, at the age of 75.

Private inurnment will take place at Longview Memorial Park.  Vic will be honored at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Longview American Legion Post #155.

Vic was born February 14, 1948 to Theodore and Catherine (Provoost) St. Onge and attended St. Rose, Monticello, R.A. Long, and Lower Columbia College.   He shared his birthday with the Ehrmantraut twin, sisters who also attended St. Rose. Everyone in their class enjoyed cakes baked by his mother and ice cream cups provided by Mrs. Ehrmantraut every Valentine’s Day.  Vic was a state champion swimmer for R.A. Long and held the school’s breast stroke record for decades. He graduated in 1966. Vic later attended Lower Columbia College, where he graduated in 1972.

Vic was Honorably Discharged from the US Navy in 1970 as an E5 Boatswain’s Mate 2^nd Class after serving two tours of duty in Viet Nam on PCF (Swift) Boat 95 where he earned a Bronze Medal with Valor.  Vic maintained contact with his military buddies Steve, Kellogg, David, and Bill until his death.

After severe damage to his neck in the line of duty, Vic retired from the Longview Fire Department in 1988 after 14 years of service.  He served as Firefighter, Driver, Lieutenant, Acting Captain, City Fire Inspector, and City Fire Marshall during his time with the department.

Vic was a member of and served in many local organizations including Central Little League, Western Little League where he was active as a team coach and manager, umpire, and league President.  He was a life-long member of the Cowlitz Boat Club, eventually serving as Commodore the year that Mt. St. Helen’s blew and took out much of the local boating options on the Cowlitz River.  He loved being a member of the Longview American Legion where the morning “coffee” group swapped military service stories and bad jokes daily.  Vic was also a member of the Ocean Park Eagles, the Gearlords Car Club and the Untouchable’s Car Club.

Vic’s favorite past times were classic cars and time with his family. He owned several classic cars over the years. Until his health failed, Vic also enjoyed water skiing, golfing, fishing, camping, pool and bowling leagues.  His early retirement allowed Vic to spend a lot of quality time with his sons Nic and Matt as they were growing up and developing their own interest in cars and boating. 

Vic was a good friend to call on when you needed help, he was a bit of a silly jokester, and he was very social.  Vic never met a stranger and he liked to throw impromptu back yard BBQ/car club/fire department get-togethers.

Vic is survived by his wife of 52 years Sandie, his sons Nic (Felicia) and Matt (Monica), and four grandchildren Ciera, Kameryn, Gavin, and MaKenzi.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and all his siblings Francis “Bub”, Charmaine, Gary, and Mike.

Contributions may be made to your favorite charity.  Some of Vic’s favorites were the Christmas Angel Trees, local food banks, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Longview American Legion Post 155.  He was also fond of donating to the annual Lower Columbia College Athletic Auction.