Samuel Victor Bristol Sr.

Samuel Victor Bristol, known as Victor by most, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, after a brief illness, at the age of 92. Victor was born to Thomas and Sarah Bristol in the village of Catherineville, British Guiana (known as Guyana after its independence from Great Britain in 1966), on September 20, 1932. He is survived by his son Samuel “Sam” Bristol, Jr; his daughter Collette Vann (husband Keith), his grandson Zachary Vann; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Sydney Bristol, and Rita (Persaud) Bristol (mother of Sam and Collette).

From a humble beginning in a village of a British colony in South America to being included in the historical records of the United States, Victor’s life touched many across the world. After grade schooling in British Guiana, Victor received a scholarship to attend college in the United States in 1955. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 from West Virginia State University, focusing on chemistry. While in college, Victor was listed in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges”.

After working in Kansas and Minnesota, Victor accepted a job offer and moved in early 1963 to Kokomo, Indiana, where he began work as a chemist for Delco Radio (later Delco Electronics), a General Motors subsidiary. By the end of his career at Delco in 1997, Victor’s name was listed on 6 patents granted by the U.S. Patent Office. He also earned the Boss Kettering award, given by General Motors to scientists, researchers and engineers in recognition of their bold new ideas and contributions.

Victor was also a trail blazer outside of work. With the help of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), his family moved to the Country Club Hills neighborhood in Kokomo in 1967, becoming the first Black family to live in that area. Until they were nearly middle-aged, Victor’s children did not know that the family had police protection during the first few months living in Country Club Hills, due to racist cross burnings in the front yard of their house.

To show his gratefulness for the opportunities that happened by emigrating to the United States, he became a citizen of his adopted country.

Per his request, Victor will be cremated. A time of remembrance for family and friends across the world is scheduled to be done online on Saturday, March 22, 2025, noon – 1:30 pm Eastern.