Victor F. Fermin

Victor was born in Laoag City, Philippines to Leandro Domingo Fermin and Trinidad Formantes Fermin on September 17, 1943, during the latter part of World War II. The Japanese had captured Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte Province on December 12, 1941. Japanese operations had begun to unravel in 1942 and 1943 respectively. Victor’s mother Trinidad liked to say he was named Victor for Victory because his birth occurred during an auspicious time during Japanese occupation. The Philippines was ultimately liberated by the US in 1944.

All ten of the Fermin children would begin their education in Laoag City. Like his older brothers and sisters, Victor spent his formative years at Holy Ghost Academy School, and then went to high school at St. Williams College. He graduated from the University of the East in the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He later attended Occidental College in Los Angeles to expand his opportunities in the finance sector.

Victor spent over 30 years in the banking industry working for major domestic and international banks. He started his banking career at the Philippines Veterans Bank while still attending college. After relocating to the U.S., he started as a General Auditor at Crocker National Bank, now Wells Fargo Bank. Victor quickly moved up the ranks and was promoted to Chief Internal Auditor at California Overseas Bank. He remained with COB for many years until he decided to move overseas to Guam where he served as Managing Partner for an accounting firm. During the course of performing an audit job for one of the major local banks in Saipan, CNMI, he met Cynthia Cruz, whom he would later marry on June 14, 2003 in Las Vegas, NV. Victor went on to work for Citi Trust Bank as a General Manager before he retired.

Victor loved his German shepherd, Xenia, she was the most loyal animal companion to Victor. They loved to train and play together even when he was battling cancer. They formed such an unbreakable bond. She truly was a bundle of joy to him. Victor also loved fishing and went on several fishing trips with his siblings and very close friends and family. He also loved reading suspense and action thriller novels series and is a wide reader. Victor loved singing and dancing, he loved to sing karaoke and was really light on his feet. He was a patron of Oriental Arts and a huge lover of country and rock and roll music. He also loved sports, he followed the NFL and NBA, knew the game and every star player and their stats. Victor enjoyed traveling all over the world, he believed going to different places is the second-best education you can get. He considered himself a conservative and engaged in meaningful conversations when it comes to his conservative principles and values.

Victor is preceded in death by his eldest sister, Leatrice Fermin-Tembrevilla, and his older brother, Carmelo Formantes Fermin.

Victor is survived by his spouse, Cynthia Cruz Fermin, and their daughter, Victoria Alexa Cruz Fermin. He is also survived by his former wife, Adelinda Emma Gajo and their children and respective spouses -- Gennie Ira Fermin-Leerkamp and Chris Leerkamp; and Eric Gajo Fermin and Lani Fermin. He is a proud grandfather to his only granddaughter, Ava Rian Fermin. Victor is also survived by his seven siblings – Lilia Fermin Lacanilao, Leandro Formantes Fermin Jr., Hernani Formantes Fermin, Eleanor Fermin Madolora, Trinidad Fermin Quindoy, Filamer Formantes Fermin and Rosemarie Fermin De Castro.

The family of Victor Fermin wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to his medical team - Dr. Raymond Wadlow (Lead Oncologist), Dr. Timothy Cannon (Consulting GI Oncologist), Craig Rezac (GI Surgeon), Dr. Paula Pinell-Sales (Cardiologist), Dr. Brian Krakower (Primary Care), Dr. Erica Campbell (Geriatric Medicine), Dr. Michael Eblan (Radiation Oncologist) and Dr. Anwar (Hospice Physician). They also wish to extend their appreciation to the dedicated hardworking nurses at the Inova Schar Cancer Center Institute, Inova Schar Infusion Center and Capital Caring Health Hospice Group especially the nurses and caregivers at the Adler Care Center in Aldie VA where Victor spent his last days. They also wish to thank Fr. Stefan, Fr. Bork and Deacon Linus for providing Victor and his family spiritual guidance.

A Roman Catholic mass will be held in celebration of Victor’s life at 10am on Saturday, October 19, at the National Funeral Home in Falls Church, VA followed by Visitation and Reception.