Mr. Victor Felix Esain

Victor Felix Esain passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2014. He was born in Fresno on June 6, 1933, and was the only child of Felix and Lyda Esain. He grew up in Fresno where his parents were the former owners of the Basque Hotel and Esian's Villa Basque. He graduated from Edison High School and Fresno City College where he lettered in baseball. He then joined the United States Army and obtained the rank of corporal where he served in Germany. Victor was a co-owner of the Esain Villa Basque.

His accomplishments included being elected to the Basque Hall of Fame in October of 2004. Victor was a founding member of the Fresno Basque Club; a promoter and chair of the Fresno MUS Tournaments; and a NABO delegate.

Victor has travelled extensively to Europe, Hawaii, South America, Canada and Mexico. He was a fan of Fresno State Football and the San Francisco Giants. His passion was Midget Auto racing, the USAC and BCAA. He had a huge collection of programs and pictures dating back to the 1930's. Victor started going to the races when it first started at Kearny Bowl and the Airport Speedway. He has followed the circuit in California his entire life including the 2013 season.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Audrey; and cousin and lifetime friend, Florence Etchegoin.

Victor is survived by his son Michael Esain; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Esain; granddaughters, Victoria and Katherine; grandson, Nicholas Delgado; cousins, Barbara Bryant and JoAnn Castello.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Sunday, February 23, 2014, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Saint Anthony's Chapel, at Saint Peter's Cemetery on Monday, February 24, 2014, at 1:30 p.m.