September 16, 1935 – January 24, 2020
Victor was born in Swissvale, Pennsylvania the youngest of 4 children born to immigrants from Lithuania.
He grew up teaching himself how to kick football’s over the phone lines and was an alter boy in the Catholic church.
After excelling in high school, he attended university of Dayton on scholarship, where he earned the MVP trophy as a senior.
After a brief time in the U.S. marines in 1957 he was the 17th draft pick in the NFL to the 49ers, then went to the Toronto Argonauts until 1958. Vic was a kicker, linebacker and could also play guard. He was known widely as ‘Vic the kick’
When Vic was traded to the BC Lions he met Audrey of Australia and they married in 1961.
When his football career ended in 1963 he had a partnership in a glass company and he worked with insurance agents across the lower mainland. Kristos glass it became and it still operates today.
In the 70’s Vic was ‘Coach Kristo’ to young football players he coached at Vancouver College and also had a BC Lions post game show on NW’98.
Victor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2008. He is survived by his wife Audrey of 58 years, his kids Tony, Andrea, son in law Ken and his loving sister Mary.
Memorial service, Saturday 15th of February at St. Anthony’s Parish in West Vancouver 1pm.
Celebration of life to follow.Published on February 4, 2020
VIA: https://vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca/obituary/victor-kristopaitis-1078373529
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