Rabun County Search and Rescue (SAR) member Victor York is remembered by friends and coworkers as a passionate man filled with endless knowledge who always helped others in need.
Victor York, 61 of Clayton, passed away on Dec. 2.
York was a retired Master Sergeant and served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, where he had many military accomplishments.
York worked as a builder in the construction industry. He enjoyed being outdoors and loved hiking on the Appalachian and Bartram Trails, camping and fishing. York also liked to spend time wood working, traveling and spending time with his friends and family.
York’s fellow Rabun County SAR members and friends reflected on the fond memories they shared with him.
“Victor had a love for the Lord and a love for his country by serving in the Air Force. He loved his family, both his personal family and Search and Rescue family. He also had a love for the community and visitors to Rabun County,” said Brian Panell, Rabun County EMA director, about York’s dedication and service to the community as a member of Rabun SAR.
Panell said York loved to teach and talk to people and will be missed.
“Victor York was a very passionate man. The knowledge he had seemed endless. The love he spread through Rabun County Search and Rescue will forever be with us,” said Will McCracken, chief of Rabun County SAR. “He also loved people, even if it was as simple as to say a few kind words to them. He loved helping anyone in need or he came across. He loved helping teach people the knowledge that he had if they were interested.”
York loved teaching and helping others and many people who knew and worked with him remembered moments they shared.
“A fellow SAR member and I were discussing how Vic was pictured in the center of our latest team photo and how fitting it was given he was always right in the middle of everything we did, yet he never made himself the center of attention,” said Lt. Chris Wright with Rabun SAR, of York. “He was wise, really cared about people, and was always willing to teach SAR members the skills required to do the job. He will be sorely missed by our team.”
Co-worker and friend Riley Owens describes York as “one of a kind” and someone who was extremely intelligent.
“The loss of Victor York left a hole in my heart,” said Owens who recounted working with York on SAR missions and the incredible work ethic York displayed.
“Victor’s level of common sense superseded any ordinary man. There was never any need to explain, because Victor already understood every assignment,” Owens said. “There were not many 20-year-olds who could keep up with him on a rescue mission.”
Owens said he never had to worry about York because he would always make it to wherever the location for the mission was and would come back with whomever they were looking for.
“And not only that, but when you were worn out he would pick up your load without any hesitation,” Owens said about York always being a team player and helping out his fellow SAR members.
“Rabun County lost a great asset. I will forever miss my friend. I ask everyone to keep his wife, Nancy, in your prayers. She was the apple of his eye,” Owens said.
SAR member Mark Holloway looked to York as a mentor in his life.
"For seven years, he [York] taught me that rescue was more than just learning the technical skills of equipment and strategy," Holloway said of working alongside York. "He taught me that caring for people is our first item and our skill set."
Holloway also described York as someone who motivated and encouraged others.
"Many times on the trail, I got to observe Vic tending to hikers' emotional and mental state first, and then we took care of their physical needs," Holloway said. "He truly was a blessing in my life. I hope to honor his memory by practicing the things he taught me."
McCracken said it was “a great honor” to serve alongside York and credited York with helping him grow in his position as SAR chief.
“He will be greatly missed, but the memories and the lifelong lessons he helped create and teach will never be forgotten. With love and great honor, rest in peace my dear friend,” McCracken said.
The funeral with Beck Funeral Home in charge of arrangements was held on Thursday, Dec. 8, with Rev. Kyle Watts officiating.