Clarence Victor Kloepfer, A Generous Man of Achievement

Victor (Vic) Kloepfer, loved and respected by a close family and many friends, died peacefully on the morning of March 11, 2008 at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Vic was a generous man who loved life and left a legacy of service and accomplishments that has enriched the lives of many people.

Born in Calgary on May 24, 1933, Victor was the third of four children born to Arthur and Philomena Kloepfer. As the name Clarence was too difficult to pronounce by his siblings, the family switched to the second name of Victor in honour of the queen with whom he shared his birth date. Arthur worked as a manager for United Grain Growers and Philomena as nurse and President of the Canadian Cancer Society. Victor’s industrious and service oriented life began as a young boy working jobs as a newspaper and grocery delivery boy, and serving as an altar boy and Eagle Scout.

Vic was an exceptional student who graduated from St. Mary’s high school prior to receiving a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. After earning his Petroleum Engineering degree in 1954, he returned to the burgeoning Alberta oil industry. Working in the offices of Husky Oil, Vic happened upon the secretarial pool where he met and fell in love with Olive Sultan. Courtship ensued, and the baby carriage followed their marriage in the spring of 1957, with the births of Susan, Jay and Tony.

A keen intellect and strong work ethic soon earned Victor the position of Chief Engineer at Banff Oil at the ripe age of 32, moving up to the Manager of Engineering when the company was purchased by Aquitane Company of Canada. He then co-founded the pre-eminent petroleum consulting firm of Kloepfer & Associates (now GLJ Petroleum Consultants) at the age of 39. Vic was recognized for his achievements by his peers in 1981 with the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy’s Gold Medal Award of Distinction for outstanding contribution to the oil and gas industry of Canada. Within ten years, Victor retired from the consulting firm, which had reached a staff of 60, and focused his business acumen on his holding company Permez Ltd. while serving on numerous corporate boards.

While he relished his business accomplishments, Vic’s real pleasures came from time spent with his family and friends, all of whom will miss his casual demeanor, sense of humour, optimism, modesty and confident pronouncements. Many benefited from his sincere interest in the well being of others. Humble and private about his charitable contributions, it was important to Victor that he give generously, both of his time and his money, and he served on the boards of a number of social service organizations. Vic’s achievements were never in a quest for acquisition, but as a means of creating and enriching personal relationships. Vic was a role model to his family as husband and father, as a mentor to business colleagues and as a supportive friend.

Victor loved outdoor recreation with friends and family including hiking, skiing, camping, cycling and sailing. He also had a soft spot for the myriad pets that were an integral part of the family over the years.

Despite a distinct and admitted lack of aptitude for foreign languages, Vic was a world traveler, starting with international business trips, followed by numerous explorations with family and friends, spanning all five continents. Hawaii was a special recharging spot for Olive and Vic. Serious vacationing took place at their holiday homes in Whitefish, Montana and Sidney, B.C., the sites of many gatherings of family and friends. Vic’s grandchildren hold special memories of holidays with Grandad, who always took a keen interest in each of their development and achievements.

Looking for the warmest climate within Canadian borders, Olive and Victor relocated from Calgary to West Vancouver in 1991. Upon arrival, the Rotary Club of Vancouver played an important role in their social and service life. Vic was honored for his contributions to the Rotary club with a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2004.
Olive and Vic celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this last April 27, 2007 with a most memorable trip to Hawaii with their family. During his final days, Vic marveled at the full and enjoyable life he had led, and how very fortunate he was to have been surrounded by family and friends throughout his journey.

Victor is survived by his wife Olive Mary, daughter Susan, sons Jay and Tony - and their three spouses, sister Anna Mae, brothers Phil and Lorne, and eight grandchildren.

A special thanks is offered to all of the dear people who have visited, called and supported Vic and Olive during Vic’s recent illness. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations to the Union Gospel Mission www.ugm.ca as a memorial of Vic’s service to others.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Vic’s life:

Monday, March 31, 2008 from 2 - 5pm.

The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
3811 Point Grey Road, Vancouver