Father Victor A. Olvida

Born March 29, 1949, in Mati City, Philippines, he was one of nine children of Paterno and Gregoria (Ayop) Olvida.

He joined the Community House Seminary in Davao City, Philippines, in 1973. During his time in the seminary he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Ateneo de Davao College in 1977.

He was ordained Dec. 1, 1982, by Bishop Ramon Villena, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Tagum. He began his ministry at San Francisco Javier Parish in Manay.

Father Olvida served as pastor of San Francisco Javier Parish and San Pedro Claver in Sagaboy Parish, and later Tarragona Parish in the Diocese of Mati once it was created in 1984 after separating from the Diocese of Tagum. He continued in the Diocese of Mati through 1990, serving as diocesan director of family life and tribunal vicar.

Father Olvida moved to the United States in 1991 where he began serving as vicar of St. Anthony Parish in Renton.

On Oct. 12, 1996, Archbishop Thomas Murphy incardinated him as a priest of the Archdiocese of Seattle.

He served as pastor of the Pacific County Catholic Churches St. Aloysius Parish in Buckley, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wilkeson and St. Joseph Parish in Sequim.

After 25 years of active service in the archdiocese, he retired June 24, 2017, from St. Anthony Parish in Renton, but continued to serve parishes in Skagit Valley as a senior priest in residence.

He was known not only as a spiritual leader, but also for his support of his family, ensuring his 22 nieces and nephews had the opportunity to pursue higher education through his generosity.

He had a reputation for being a good listener and supportive voice and had a special affection for his brother priests from the Philippines.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his sisters Cecilia, Aurora, Rufina, Lilia and Daisederia; brothers Roberto, Leopoldo and Alijandro; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.