Víctor Pey facts for kids
Víctor Pey Casado (born August 31, 1915 – died October 5, 2018) was an engineer, professor, and businessman. He was born in Spain and later became a citizen of Chile. He lived to be 103 years old!
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Early Life and the Spanish Civil War
Víctor was born in Madrid, Spain. His father was a writer and priest named Segismundo Pey Ordeix, and his mother was Manuela Casado. When Víctor was two years old, his family moved to Barcelona.
Fighting for Freedom
During the Spanish Civil War, which was a big conflict in Spain, Víctor fought on the side that supported the government, known as the Republican side. He was part of a group called the Durruti Column. He also worked as a technical advisor for the government that was trying to keep industries running during the war.
Escape and New Beginnings
In January 1939, Víctor had to cross the Pyrenees mountains into France to escape the war. French authorities held him in a prison camp. Later that year, a famous poet named Pablo Neruda helped Víctor and his family get on a ship called the SS Winnipeg. This ship took them all the way to Chile.
Life in Chile
After arriving in Santiago, Víctor found work as a surveyor, helping to measure land for building projects. He worked on building an aqueduct, which is a system that carries water. Víctor became a Chilean citizen and worked with his brother Raúl in an engineering company.
Meeting a Future President
Víctor met Salvador Allende at a party. Allende later became the President of Chile in 1970. When Allende was president, Víctor became one of his closest advisors.
Owning a Newspaper
During Allende's time as president, Víctor bought a newspaper called El Clarín. It became the biggest newspaper in Chile! However, after a new government took over in 1973, El Clarín was shut down. Víctor was forced to leave the country and did not return until the 1990s.
Later Years
In 1997, Víctor started a lawsuit against the Chilean government. He wanted to be paid for his newspaper, El Clarín, which had been taken from him. This legal battle lasted for 19 years, but in the end, the case was dismissed, and Víctor did not receive any money.
Recognition and Passing
Víctor was honored in 2015 when he was named an honorary rector (a special leader) of the University of Chile. This happened in the same year he turned 100! Víctor Pey passed away peacefully on October 5, 2018, at the age of 103.
See also
In Spanish: Víctor Pey para niños
