Victor Joseph Kazakevich Jr.

Victor Joseph Kazakevich, Jr., a Del Mar resident for over 40 years passed from this life into eternity on February 2, 2025 after a long illness. Born in Camden, New Jersey in 1943, he spent his childhood in Madison Heights, MI. He attended Michigan State University, eventually transferring to the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts from which he graduated with a focus in Automotive Design.

Victor became employed by the Chrysler Corporation as a clay modeler, bringing automotive design drawings from two into three dimensions. In 1975 he moved to San Diego where he initially worked at Rohr Corporation in Ground Transportation design. Soon afterwards Nissan Motor Co. opened an automotive design center in La Jolla where he continued his career as a clay modeler for another 25 years, retiring in 2006. At the time of his death, Victor was 81 years old.

Victor had an eye for design. He always thought about how things might be improved. One of his most significant ideas was to redesign the landscaping of the property surrounding his home. It wasn’t long until he presented his plan to a contractor, and then oversaw the project. That landscaping project is now Victor’s tangible legacy. He also was skilled to complete several home improvement/remodeling projects over the years. And as a “gearhead,” he liked to collect and work on classic automobiles. Chief among them were a Jaguar XK150 Coupe, and a Jaguar Mark 2 sedan, while there many others along the way.

In retirement with husband Randall, Victor spent each summer at their Northern California vacation home on the shoreline of Shasta Lake where they enjoyed their 30-foot day-cruiser boat. They also ran a vacation rental for 17 years there in the township of Lakehead, CA.

Victor is survived by his husband of 48 years, Randall McNames. They committed to their relationship in 1976. And in 2008 they were the first same-sex couple to be married in Shasta County on the first day it became legal in California. Victor is also survived by his sister Patricia and her husband Daniel Kralowski, nephew Matthew Kralowski, niece Jill and her husband Giuseppe Battaglia and their two children Vito and Eliana, along with numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Victor J. Kazakevich, Sr. and his mother, Eleanor V. (nee Wineski.)

Victor asked that his remains be cremated, and that his ashes be spread at sea. He asked that no flowers be sent in his memory, and did not request any charitable donations be made in his name. A celebration of his life will be announced to family and friends at a future date.