Obituary of Victor Bruce Briggs

Victor "Vic" Briggs, 78, passed away on May 24, 2024, with family by his side after his four-year battle with cancer. 

Vic was born in Red Bluff on March 25, 1946.  His family moved around Northern California while his dad was employed by the Federal Government at various Dam Newcastle, California, close to Folsom Dam. Vic attended Bella Vista High School in Orangeville and became sworn into the Navy by his father as a reserve.  He attended American River Junior College and graduated from Chico State University in 1969 with a degree in Business Marketing.  There he met and married Joan Cook on July 8.  He was called to active duty and sent to Japan two days later. Joan was able to join him there later that year.  He was assigned to Atsugi Air Naval Station as a Communications Yeoman.  Vic and Joan returned to the States in 1971.

Vic's career was quite varied.  He worked for Goodyear Tire in Sacramento, Salesman for Campbell Soup, Sales Manager for Gehlco Tractor, Dandal Manufacturing and finally opening his own business, Briggs Firestone in 1985 in Oroville. 

He wanted to live in the town where he did business, so he moved his family from Paradise to Oroville in 1988.  He purchased a new store site on Feather River Blvd in 1997, incorporating to Briggs Car Care Center. Vic loved his customers and was a fair and honest businessman.  He attended many classes to learn every new trend he could to keep current for customer care and new products to sell.  He always treated everyone with the utmost care and respect.  He had many acquaintances and friends.  His son, Daniel began working for his dad at age twelve and his youngest son Darren soon followed.

Vic always believed in supporting his community by belonging to service groups, including Butte County Search and Rescue, the Knights of Columbus, his parish of St. Thomas the Apostle Church where he served on the Finance Committee for 23 years, and the Salvation Army.  While his wife was a teacher and principal at St Thomas the Apostle School, he was instrumental in accomplishing many improvements to the school and the parish, which are too numerous to mention here, but greatly appreciated.

Vic loved hot rods and began to acquire a few.  He owned and restored a 1962 Chevy Impala and a 1969 International Scout, with the help of his friend Dan Monroe.  He made sure his wife, Joan, always had a corvette and "souped" it up, even with her protests.  She would always give in, making him happy. 

Vic is survived by his wife Joan of 55 years, his sister Kenna Hall, his sons Daniel (Brooke) and Darren (Becky), grandchildren Conner, Isabelle, Bristol, Peyton, Tanner and Alyla.  He was preceded in death by his parents Weston and Elenor Briggs, his brother Douglas and his brother-in-law Larry Hall.

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday June 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1380 Bird Street in Oroville, followed by a Mass the next day, on Thursday June 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM, also held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Oroville. 

 In lieu of flowers the family would love it if you could donate to St. Thomas the Apostle School, in Oroville, California.  

Arrangements entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877