Born on June 11, 1993, Viktor grew up in the South Carolina lowcountry. He graduated from Wando High School, where he was a member of the ice hockey and wrestling teams as well as DECA, where he served as an officer. His committed involvement in the club led to scholarships from both DECA and The Art Institute, after multiple state wins in the hospitality division. He went on to attend the University of South Carolina and interned at the State House, which led to an interest in politics and political involvement. He most recently worked for the Steyer campaign during the 2020 presidential election. A culinary enthusiast, he also spent many years working in the hospitality and service industry, both locally and abroad.
Viktor was an avid traveler and passionate about experiencing other cultures. He spoke Spanish, was a keen history buff, and a prolific reader. He was intelligent, creative, witty, and fun-loving. Some of his favorite pastimes included cooking, gardening, fishing, and practicing yoga. He also loved spending time with friends, music, singing, and the beach. Never one to stop learning new skills, Viktor had also taken up woodworking and had become quite the skilled craftsman. A lifelong animal lover, he especially loved his cats, Snowbelle and Beatrice.
Viktor is survived by his mother, Lynn Mathewes; father, Oleg Krainev; sister, Zhanna; grandmother, Cathy (Bill) Taylor; grandparents Viktor and Vera Krainev; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his partner, Holly Hayden. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dean Seedorff.
A celebration of Viktor's life will be hosted by his family at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com.
