Victor was born on Feb. 15th, 1980 in Temple, TX. He attended both Temple High School and 1st Presbyterian Church in Temple, Texas. He began working in the food industry at Austin Java in Northwest Austin, transitioned to a line cook position at the Balcones Country Club; which then led him to pursue a career in the culinary arts. He auditioned for and secured a position as line supervisor at Great Hills Country Club while attending the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts/Texas Culinary Academy in Austin, TX. He proved his worth overnight by becoming a prodigy Sous Chef prior to proudly graduating on November 7th, 2003 as ‘Chef Vic’. He then went on to be highly relied upon as a Sous Chef at The Crossings Wellness and Spirituality Center in Lago Vista, TX. Victor later went to work for Aramark to supply meals for The Dallas Morning News staff. He eventually moved-on to take a food services contract job as a liaison for Eurest to service Dell Corporation employees in Austin, TX; where he worked for about a decade providing for their upscale corporate café`s and executive dining centers. He was known for being the guy who would get the job done; as well as being smart, trustworthy, helpful, authentic and had a lot of empathy for others.
Victor was a foody with a keen interest and appreciation for eclectic music genres and was also very creatively, mechanically inclined. Those who knew Victor personally described him as a kind, sweet-natured man with a solid temperament and energy. When people remarked how much he resembled his father in appearance and mannerisms or called him ‘Michael 2.0’, he never seemed to mind.
Victor was quiet and introspective yet he could be rambunctious and was known for his wit and good sense of humor….particularly one-liners. From the moment they met, his wife, Jamie, thought he was cute, loved his beautiful smile, and enjoyed his intelligence and impish manner. He had a disarming chuckle and gave great bear hugs. He was a good brother and relished perpetually picking on his little brother, Lucas, who promptly reciprocated.....when he wasn’t initiating. Victor was a good-hearted man who loved dogs and enjoyed rescuing his golden retriever mix Socrates, and his two pit bulls, Abigail and Tucker.
Victor was a loving man and there was no one he loved more than his (7 year old) son, Jacek. In fact, Jacek could even be called ‘3.0’ since he is the spitting image of his father. They shared many interests and enjoyed working on projects together. One of the most important things they shared was their contagious giggle and laughter. Happily, Victor was able to spend his last few months doting on Jacek.
Victor is survived by his son Jacek Scott Sliwa, wife Jamie Taylor Sliwa, father Michael Sliwa, step-mother Janelle Clements, mother, Jan Kirby Salzman and step-father David Salzman, grandmother Mae Offield, brother Lucas Sliwa and wife Amanda Sliwa, step-sister Jessica Leal and husband Jerry Leal, step-sister Jordan Clements, step-brother Ryan Salzman and wife Catherine Salzman and step-sister Corinne Salzman Todd and husband, Lee Todd, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Please join us at 1:00 PM, Saturday May 18th, 2019 Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home 9700 Anderson Mill Road in Austin, Texas 78750. Victor had a great memory and it is our hope that you will share some of your memories at the Reception following his Memorial Service.
