California/Charlestown 7-11 customers’ outpouring in memory of Victor Henley

(Texted photo)

Both outside his California/Charlestown 7-11 and inside, memorials are growing for Victor Henley, who died suddenly on Friday.

(WSB photo)

Thanks to everybody who’s tipped us about this. Victor was much-loved by customers – one person who emailed us described him as “a human that could reach out and make you smile,” His page on the Emmick Family Funeral Home (WSB sponsor) website has a message from his family:

Victor’s celebration of life will be a public event and will take place in West Seattle, the community he loved very much. Our family appreciates the outpouring of kind words and memories of Victor that you have been sharing. The love you have shown is immeasurable; there are no words to describe how special you have made us feel.

Victor was 50 years old.

27 Replies to "California/Charlestown 7-11 customers' outpouring in memory of Victor Henley"

  • Matt B July 26, 2021 (10:12 pm)

    I had just seen him at the store a few days before. He was so energetic and kind.

    My condolences to his family during this difficult time.

  • Sky July 26, 2021 (10:16 pm)

    It’s so sad to lose Victor so suddenly when he had so much life left to live. My thoughts and prayers are with his parents and the rest of his family. He was a fixture in West Seattle, and a very kind man all around. I’ve known Victor for many years now. When I’d come in, he was always so welcoming and friendly; we’d chat about life, he’d ask about my family, what I was up to in life and we’d usually end up chatting (and holding up the line) for a few minutes. He treated everyone like family, and with the utmost respect. You were loved by so many because of who you were as a person. You’ll be missed greatly brother!! RIP

    • Todd July 26, 2021 (10:38 pm)

      Well said Sky. I am going to miss him.

  • Todd July 26, 2021 (10:29 pm)

    Omg. I saw him almost every day. Shocked. 

  • Wsresident July 26, 2021 (11:10 pm)

    How sad. This WS 7-11 is the only 7-11 that I like. Condolences to his family and friends.

  • Adam July 26, 2021 (11:39 pm)

    I cant believe this!Victor, was unbelievably kind, thoughtful dude- I would literally stop by to get something I didn’t need just to say hello, no joke. he would ask about my family, knew my kids names, and I have to say it – that 7/11 was my favorite place in West Seattle….all because of him and his kind / sweet mother (that worked there also)wow, a life cut short – a man that was one of a kind, and you can tell, people love him.we will all miss you! 

  • JTinWS July 27, 2021 (2:06 am)

    Oh no! This news is heartbreaking. Victor was so kind, friendly, and just always seemed to know what people needed to improve their days. I really loved to drop in there just to see him. I’m so sorry for his family’s loss. 

  • Smittytheclown July 27, 2021 (6:34 am)

    Oh my, what a huge loss.  Such a kind, sincere man.  He was a beacon of hope in these conflicted, confrontational times.  So welcoming and so good at making everyone feel that their quick stop was important! He had a gift.He will be missed.  God bless.

    • m July 27, 2021 (11:11 am)

      A few weeks ago my wife’s mouse stopped working in the middle of a work presentation.  After checking Rite Aid and both Bartells with no luck, decided to head for Westwood but stopped by 7-11 on the way.  7-11 usually has cell phone chargers and thought maybe they also sold a computer mouse.  Doubtful but worth a shot.   Victor was working and said they didn’t sell them and told me to hang on.  He then walks into the office for a few minutes rummaging around, only to return disappointed that he couldn’t find an extra one to give me!  A small gesture but it says A LOT about his character.    Thank you Victor!   RIP to this kind soul.

  • Tracey July 27, 2021 (7:05 am)

    I only stopped in at 7-11 on occasion but I remember asking Victor, “Do you work everyday?”  Every time I stopped by, he was behind the counter and it was so unique to see a familiar face no matter what day or time.   It is also rare that he left such an impression on me after just a few brief encounters.  When I saw this post, I was worried it was the kind man I remembered and his photo confirmed it.  Very sorry for the loss.  

  • Side note July 27, 2021 (11:01 am)

    I was wondering what will happen to his parents? I know he moved back here to care for them and word on what they will do now? 

  • Richard July 27, 2021 (11:28 am)

    I’m shocked & saddened. 

    I only went to that 7-11 once or twice a month but despite my infrequency, Victor always remembered me.  Maybe because I would buy ten $5 scratch offs at a time but I’ve come to realize that he was just a nice person.  We joked about my scratch off purchases but he agreed that “the odds were in my favor (buying 10 in a row)”. 

    Life is short.  My thoughts are with his family & friends, he is already missed.

  • ShermanO July 27, 2021 (12:21 pm)

    How very sad. I was a little suspicious of him when I first moved to the area–how can someone who works such long hours at such a difficult job be so unfailingly pleasant and friendly? But he was the genuine article. My condolences.

  • ttt July 27, 2021 (3:26 pm)

    my teenage son was really sad when I told him today. He would walk to that 7-11 with his friends after school got out during a regular school year. Today he walked to the store to “buy something to support Victor’s family”. Condolences to his family…

  • Mark Litfin July 27, 2021 (7:26 pm)

    RIP Victor is was a pleasure getting to know you. The whole crew there is great but you definitely captained that ship.

  • G&G July 27, 2021 (8:14 pm)

    Victor was the reason we went to this 7-11. He loved fishing!! We joked of winning the lottery and buying an island to just fish. COVID did not change his positive, friendly, and kind spirit. All the tributes I have read and his sudden passing, brights to light, the importance of being kind to all we meet. It is how we are truly remembered.

  • Mark July 27, 2021 (8:40 pm)

    An absolute wonderful human being.  This is a tremendous loss for our community.  We loved Victor and would go make it a point to stop by even if it wasn’t the most convenient.  He had accepted an invite to our wedding next month and loved our dog.  Rest In Peace my friend.  We love you

  • Kelly July 28, 2021 (7:15 am)

    I am missing you so very much…you will always be in my heart …

    • Thomas A Wood July 28, 2021 (1:44 pm)

      I remember when Victor started working at the store when he was a teenager. It was nice to see him when he came back a few years ago. He will be missed for sure.My deepest sympathies

  • Audrey July 28, 2021 (9:16 am)

    So sorry for your loss. He was such a lovely, friendly face, treating everyone kindly and bringing joy to his job. During Covid, when 7-11 trips were some of our only outings, it was a pleasure to have a short chat with him during the day.

  • John July 28, 2021 (2:20 pm)

    I was so sad to hear about Victor’s passing. He was always so kind, upbeat and helpful. I started going out of my way to his 7-11 because he and his mom were consistently better than all the rest. Rest easy my friend. 

  • Tristan Hildebrand July 28, 2021 (10:23 pm)

    Words cannot explain the warmth, kindness, and hospitality I experienced with Victor, everyone knows how kind of a person he was but we should also shine light on the work ethic of such a dedicated man, he worked so hard to support his family and kept an impossibly perfect charisma about him at all time effortlessly. Truly a west seattle legend may he rest in power and be remembered for the pillar of our community he was

  • Audrey Henley July 29, 2021 (4:15 am)

    Dear friends and family, This Friday, July 30, 2021, at 11:00 am, we will hold an online prayer service for Victor.  We hope that you will be able to attend via Zoom.Following the prayer service, and, precisely at 12:00 noon, the immediate family will hold a special send-off as Victor will be aqua cremated.  Because we wish to share this special experience with you, we ask that where ever you are to please keep Victor in your prayers precisely at noon, as we all send him off together on his next journey.Please log onto Zoom between 11:00 am and 11:45 am. Meeting ID is 630 596 5334Passcode is 073021••••••••Community CelebrationJoin us for the celebration of Victor’s life this Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 2 pm – 5 pm outside at our family 7-Eleven in West Seattle on 3801 California Ave SW, Seattle.  We’ll share stories, eat good food, and raise our glasses high. We would love to see you there.Sincerely, Mija, Audrey, Ashley, Alexis, Aliyah, Aubriana, Ava and AriyahPlease follow current covid safety protocols, stay aware, and mask when possible.Victor’s Tribute Wall http://www.emmickfunerals.com

  • Joe July 29, 2021 (1:43 pm)

    I just heard the news-I’m so stunned-can’t believe this.  I’m only 2 years older than him.  Saw him about a week ago and like everyone else, we had a great conversation.  I’m so floored by this.  Life is precious, cherish it with the ones you love.  My heart goes out to his family.  Wow, this world needs more guys like him, a true stud taken way too soon! 

  • Chris Scullin July 29, 2021 (8:17 pm)

    Victor was was a soft place to land in this world. I can’t thank his family enough for sharing him with us.

  • kim July 30, 2021 (7:40 pm)

    Victor made every single person feel like his favorite person. I will never forget him. He has been a part of my son’s life for years – the funny kind and caring 7-11 guy, and I know that hundreds of people have the same thing to say about him, he cared about everyone. He sent good energy out in a way that literally affected all of West Seattle.  May we all carry him with us and treat one another with kindness,  goodwill and a funny joke! We need him to stay with us.

  • Kelly July 31, 2021 (6:13 pm)

    Every second of everyday I think of you I read our messsages and I miss you so much. I found a few more of your little notes you would hide for me..and how much we laughed till our cheeks hurt..when you yelled to me I miss you more than a fat kid misses cake..was the best..you will always be in my heart Victor..always..love you 

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