Fwd: Funeral Plan and Obituary for Rev. Victor A. Olvida
Mercy Lazo
From: Deacon Greg <deacon...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 2, 2025, 23:23
Subject: Fwd: Funeral Plan and Obituary for Rev. Victor A. Olvida
To: Mercy Lazo <mercy...@gmail.com>
From: Fr. Gary Zender <Gary....@seattlearch.org>
Date: Sun, Mar 2, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Subject: Funeral Plan and Obituary for Rev. Victor A. Olvida
To: Priests <Pri...@seattlearch.org>, Deacons <Dea...@seattlearch.org>, Loretta Sursely <Lor...@stmadsophie.org>, Jennifer Ibach <JIb...@stedwardparish.net>, Steve Wodzanowski <ste...@stjosephparish.org>
With
deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Father Victor A. Olvida, a devoted servant of God whose life was a testament to faith, compassion, and generosity. Born on March 29, 1949, in Mati City, to Paterno Olvida and Gregoria (Ayop) Olvida he was one of nine
siblings and a cherished uncle to twenty-two nieces and nephews, many of whom he supported both financially and spiritually throughout their lives. He died peacefully in his home in Sedro-Woolley, WA., on February 22, 2025.
Father Vic answered God’s call to the priesthood after joining the Community House Seminary in Davao City, Philippines in 1973. While living there, in intentional community for discerners, he studied and received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Ateneo de Davao College in 1977. He then went on to advanced priestly formation and was ordained on December 1, 1982, by Bishop Ramon Villena, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Tagum. His ministry began at San Francisco Javier Church in Manay. In 1984, The Diocese of Mati (which separated from Tagum) was created and served as pastor of San Francisco Javier and San Pedro Claver in Sigaboy Parish and later Tarragona Parish respectively. He tirelessly spread the Gospel and ministered to his community wherever he was. He was known not only as a spiritual leader but also as a pillar of support for his family, ensuring his nieces and nephews had the opportunity to pursue higher education through his generosity. He went on to enjoy such roles as Diocesan Director of Family Life and Tribunal Vicar in the Diocese of Mati, through 1990.
In 1991, Father Vic moved to the United States, where he continued his priestly vocation as Vicar of St. Anthony Church in Renton. Over the years, he served various parishes across the archdiocese, offering spiritual guidance, comfort, and unwavering devotion to his congregation. He impressed Archbishop Thomas Murphy, who incardinated him a priest of the Archdiocese of Seattle on October 12, 1996.
He went on to be pastor of the Pacific County Catholic Churches for a term, as well as in Enumclaw, Buckley, Wilkeson, and Sequim. Over the course of his 25 years in active service, he was in every region of the archdiocese. Even after his retirement on June 24, 2017, from St. Anthony Church, he remained dedicated to his calling, continuing to serve churches in Skagit Valley as a senior priest in residence.
Father Vic had a special affection for his brother priests from the Philippines. He was the power of attorney for Fr. Jaime Tolang, whom he faithfully visited and attended every one of his care conferences to the time of his death in 2019. In turn, Fr. Vic won the admiration and affection of many of his younger “brother priests,” not just of Filipino descent, always with a listening ear and supportive voice. After a courageous battle with liver cancer, Father Victor was called to eternal rest, embraced by the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though we grieve his passing, we find peace in knowing that he is now at home with the Lord, watching over us from above.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Fr. Vic is survived by his sisters; Cecilia, Aurora, Rufina, Lilia, and Daisederia. Brothers; Roberto, Leopoldo, and Alijandro. As well as many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paterno and Gregoria.
Condolences can be sent to:
Carmelita “Tita” Gonzalez (DPOA/friend)
- Rosary and Vigil:
o Thursday March 6, 2025
- 6:30pm rosary
- 7:00pm vigil
o Fr. Gary M. Zender to preside.
o Here is the link for the livestream: Search: livestream | St. Anthony
- Funeral Mass:
- Friday March 7, 2025, 11am
- St. Anthony Church, Renton
- Archbishop Paul D. Etienne to preside.
- Concelebrating priests: please bring an alb, a white stole and RSVP to jen...@seattlearch.org
- Father Tom McMichael to preach
- Livestream will be available here: Search: livestream | St. Anthony
- Committal:
- Friday March 7, 2025, 2:30pm
- Calvary Cemetery, Seattle
- Father Alex Pablo to preside.
With prayerful Gratitude,
Gary Zender
Fr. Gary Zender
Vicar for Clergy
(206) 636-3493
The aim of our charge is love
that issues from a pure heart
and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5
