SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 521 In Memory of Victor Valencia WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Victor Valencia, who died on April 14, 2025, at the age of 64; and WHEREAS, Born May 22, 1960, in Long Island, New York, to Oscar and Ruth Valencia, Victor lived a life characterized by exemplary service, unwavering faith, and profound dedication to his family and community; and WHEREAS, Victor Valencia honorably served his country as a member of the United States Navy for nine and a half years, during which time he was awarded two Navy Achievement Medals for his outstanding contributions; and WHEREAS, His innovative spirit and technical expertise led to the development of a patented improvement on a ship's boiler, an invention implemented throughout the entire United States naval fleet, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and service to his nation; and WHEREAS, Following his distinguished military career, Mr. Valencia, alongside his wife, Linda, established and operated Sign Wizards beginning in 1988; they built a successful business and many meaningful relationships with customers who became like family; and WHEREAS, A man of deep faith, Victor was a devoted member of Bridge Church for 17 years, most recently serving as the First Impression Ministry Director, where he welcomed all with warmth, humor, and a heart full of love; and WHEREAS, Victor Valencia's passion for sports was evident in his enthusiastic support of New York teams, including the Mets, Jets, Knicks, and Rangers; he enjoyed his active participation in ice hockey, and he coached the Sharks and the Kempsville Kamikazes, in addition to founding the Venom team at Chilled Ponds and competing at the national level with senior teams; and WHEREAS, Victor also enjoyed co-ed softball, volleyball, golfing, kayaking, and fishing, and he conveyed the same dedication and joy to his recreational pursuits as he did to all aspects of his life; and WHEREAS, Victor Valencia's greatest legacy lies in his family relationships; he was a loving husband to Linda for nearly 28 years, and they forged a partnership built on mutual respect, shared work, and enduring love; and WHEREAS, He was an exceptional father and stepfather who provided consistent support, guidance, and love to his children, Renada, Sonja, Brian, Reyna, and Victor, teaching them through example the values of loyalty, strength, and compassion; and WHEREAS, As "Pop Pop" to seven grandchildren, Bianca, Keegan, Kumar, Paisley, Micah, Reef, and Jackson, he created cherished memories and imparted wisdom that will continue to influence future generations; and WHEREAS, Victor Valencia fostered unity within his blended family, bringing together his children, their mother Gayle, and his stepchildren into one cohesive family unit, while also maintaining close bonds with his siblings Oscar, Maria, Johnny, and Dolores, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and WHEREAS, His remarkable capacity to forge meaningful connections extended beyond family to countless friends and community members, and he was noted for his warmth and his ability to transform everyday interactions into opportunities for kindness and fellowship; and WHEREAS, Victor Valencia embodied dependability and selflessness in all his relationships; he was consistently present for life's significant moments and everyday challenges alike, offering practical help, emotional support, and unwavering commitment to those he loved; and WHEREAS, His legacy of quiet strength, genuine care, and steadfast presence will continue to be a source of inspiration to his loved ones and friends and to all who were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Victor Valencia and extend sincere condolences to his bereaved family; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Victor Valencia. Birdwell ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 14, 2025, by a rising vote. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate