Vic's courage inspires book

Vic Furlan is pictured riding a penny-farthing in Ferguson Park, Tauranga. Picture by Mark McKeown

Former long-time Gisborne resident Vic Furlan has laughed, cried and shaken his head in wonder at what life has thrown at him over his 86 years.

He is now the subject of New Zealand writer Graeme Wilson’s first book, VICTORY: The Vic Furlan Story, which the author describes as an inspirational tale of an ordinary man’s extraordinary battle to win at life.

As a three-year-old, Vic recalls two burly policemen arriving at the front door to take his father, Giovanni, from the family home at the start of the World War 2.

An Italian migrant to New Zealand, Giovanni was detained on Somes Island in Wellington Harbour along with about 200 others considered enemy aliens.

The absence of his father throughout the war was the first of many setbacks Vic would suffer over the years.

He dealt with bullying and health challenges before the biggest blow of all, the loss of both children in separate road accidents.

The sudden and tragic deaths of former Gisborne representative athletes Vicki and Mark Furlan left Vic with a choice to surrender or persevere, and he is glad he chose the latter.

“It’s built an inner strength to survive and thrive through tragedy and heartache,” Vic said. “I hope my story inspires others to face and overcome their own unique challenges.

“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”

The author has known Vic for more than 40 years and was determined to share his friend’s story in the hope of helping others.

“He has always embodied the ‘no guts, no glory’ approach to life and it has been inspirational to witness,”  Graeme said.

“With each passing year and challenge overcome, my respect continues to grow.

“I’m confident that others will love learning about my little mate with the big heart.”

Among many other things, the book chronicles Vic’s time as a champion boxer and jockey, and what he calls a fairy-tale 58-year marriage to Gisborne-born wife, Helen, who died in 2017.

“She was a marvellous wife and mother, and I could never, ever say enough about how lucky I was,” Vic said.

“I struck the jackpot when I met Helen, and I knew it right from the start.

“I learnt so much from her about life, and in my mind we had the perfect marriage.”

VICTORY: The Vic Furlan Story will be officially launched on September 23 but is now available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book.