Victor Nathan Sundquist

Victor Nathan Sundquist passed away August 21, 2024 in Cortez, CO at 104 years of age. He was proceeded in death by his Father, Victor “Jumbo” Anders Sundquist and Mother, Barbara, Wife, Bertha Sundquist, Son, Vic Sundquist, Daughter, Laurel Lee Haverkate, Ken Long, Jenny Sundquist, Aspen Ashby and JD Minor. He is survived by his Daughter, Anita Long and Grandkids, Victor Chris Sundquist, Beth Richardson, Lori Sundquist (Troy), Jack Minor (Danielle), Jesse Nathan Minor (Shandra), and Andy Long (Lani), 19 Great Grandkids, 25 Great Great Grandkids, as well as Nieces and Nephews. 

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 AM, Sept 22, 2024 at the Summit Ridge Cemetery. A memorial service will be held immediately following at the Dolores Community Center. Food will be served.

Victor was born in El Vado, NM on June 15, 1920 to Victor “Jumbo” Anders Sundquist and Barbara Catherine Sundquist (Johnson). He was the only boy with 4 sisters; Lena Mary, Lucille Althea, Loraine and Barbara Louise.

Victor attended school in various logging camps like the one on Beaver Park above Dolores and in Durango. Victor graduated Dolores High School, graduating in 1938. He was an incredible athlete at everything he did. Wearing the #7 jersey in football; in the days with a leather skull cap, no face mask and very little padding.

Victor’s parents had moved him and his sisters to Mc Phee with the Montezuma Lumber Company where his father, “Jumbo” was a well-known figure. As a small child he saw his grandfather, Nathan Johnson logging with upwards of 15 teams of horses. He watched as the horses began to be replaced by machines. His father was one of the first to begin logging with trucks. It was with one of those first trucks that he took his first load of logs to the lumber company. Victor said his dad told him when he was 13, “take this load of logs into the mill”. From then on Victor had a love of logging. He told other stories of being a teenage boy and taking his truck to the deck of logs, where he slept on the ground, to be one of the first loaded the next morning. That way he could get an extra load of logs to the mill that day.

He married the love of his life, Bertha Elizabeth Lynch in Vancouver, WA on January 5, 1943 while on leave from the Army Air Corps. Victor was always the example of a loving husband. They were the proverbial newlyweds. It was common, even after their 50th wedding anniversary, to see him holding her hand on evening walks or her sitting right by his side in the pickup. Many women expressed envy at their relationship. He would often stop on the way out of the woods to pick flowers for his “new” bride. They were blessed with 3 children, Victor David, Laurel Lee, and Anita Elizabeth, 6 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 25 great, great grandchildren.

Victor was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Corps, during WWII, assigned as a waist gunner/mechanic on a B-29 Super Fortress. He enlisted on Jun 28, 1941 in Fort Logan, CO and was honorably discharged on November 7, 1945.

After the service Victor worked at various jobs: A plywood mill in Ashwood, OR, hauling ore at Madras, OR then to Feather Falls, CA where he fell Sugar Pine for a Lumber Company. He moved to Nampa, ID for a time before returning to his beloved Dolores, CO. He said “if we are going to starve, we are going to starve in Colorado”. Victor worked several jobs in Colorado including working for Jim Stephens on the reservation before returning to logging. Victor logged the mountains of Southwest Colorado and Northern New Mexico the rest of his life until he retired and spent his time with family and friends. 

Victor was always active even later in life. It was common, even at 100 years of age, to find him cutting wood, hauling pellets, working on his truck, and even on the roof cleaning his chimney. He had promised his wife he would not allow himself to get overweight. You could often show up at his house in the evening to find him lifting weights or exercising with an inner tube.

Victor took his role as a family provider very serious. Never a lazy man, He was vigilant in his work, not just to make a living for his family, but also to care, nurture, and provide true love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. His family was his Treasure. He was described as a true Gentleman. Definitely from the old school, he stood up straight, walked with a purpose, looked you in the eye when he spoke, opened doors for others, and seated the women first. He had manners and was as comfortable at a formal dinner, as he was sitting on the ground in the woods eating lunch. He was mindful of how he spoke, and encouraged others. He was also a true Gentle Man. Known for his even temper and loving nature. 

Victor leaves behind a Legacy of what his descendants want to be. One said “He was like Superman, we were always just trying to keep up”.