In Memoriam – Remembering Victor K. Atkins, Jr.
It is with profound respect that we remember Victor Kennicott Atkins, Jr. (February 8, 1945 – April 14, 2025)—an extraordinary leader, beloved mentor, and generous benefactor.
Victor Atkins was a long time supporter and lifetime member of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Victor, along with Geoie Writer and Jean Schuyler, made significant lead gifts in the museum’s 2008-2013 Lease Buyout Campaign. This campaign saved the museum more than $13,000 a month in rent to the City of Santa Barbara, and without the successful completion of that campaign, the museum would not be here today. He was a regular table sponsor at the museum’s annual galas, and in fact at the 2009 gala, after Geoie Writer made a pitch for support of the Lease Buyout Campaign, Victor declared “Geoie, I will give you $50,000 (This was in addition to the larger gift he’d already given to the campaign) if you can match it in 20 minutes.” It took nearly 45 minutes to raise the matching funds that evening, but we did it! Victor is also a founding member of the museum’s Flagship Society, including SBMM in his planned giving, both through a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) and in his will.
“SBMM will be forever grateful for the contributions Victor K. Atkins made to our museum. His support helped the museum stay afloat during the early days, helped eliminate the onerous monthly rent payments to the City, and his planned giving generosity will provide additional sustainability for the museum, and help us grow and innovate,” said Executive Director Greg Gorga.
Born in Seattle and raised in San Francisco, Victor graduated cum laude from Harvard University and earned his MBA with high distinction at Harvard Business School.
Victor served with distinction as a U.S. Navy officer during the Vietnam War—earning a Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry—though he often deflected praise, reminding us of his abiding pride in his fellow servicemen. His professional accomplishments, including leadership roles at E.F. Hutton and Polaris Industries, were matched by his unwavering commitment to philanthropy.
A devoted supporter of learning and culture, Victor endowed facilities at Middlesex School and donated generously to Harvard, the University of Oxford, and local museums and hospitals—including the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Known for his sharp wit, love of conversation, and mastery of fine wine and history, Victor was, by all accounts, “a principled leader” and “a straight-shooter.”
He donated quietly and generously, leaving a legacy built on integrity, loyalty, and cultural enrichment—a legacy that will continue to inspire those of us fortunate enough to have known him.
SBMM will always appreciate all that he did for SBMM.