Victor Russell Tarbet Neves

Victor Russell Tarbet Neves

1965 ~ 2024

After a valiant battle with cancer, Victor Russell Tarbet Neves passed away suddenly but peacefully at home, on the evening of September 20th, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, and educator whose life was filled with music and love.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 25, 1965, Victor was raised by his parents, Gloria Gay Nuttall and Glen Frank Tarbet, as well as his beloved bonus parents, Wilford Leslie Neves and Betty Bennion Tarbet. He moved frequently throughout his childhood, living in California, Missouri, Idaho, and Utah. As a young adult he marched in Phantom Regiment in 1982, ’83 and ‘87. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1984-1986 in Paris, France.

While attending the University of Utah, Victor met his wife, Caroldean, during marching band camp in 1987. He knew within two days that he was going to marry her. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 22, 1988. They celebrated their 36th anniversary this year.

Caroldean was the love of his life. Their marriage was a constant source of joy, and Victor always prioritized her. He supported her through every chapter of life — being a stay-at-home mom, serving the community, completing her degree, and beginning her own teaching career. Their love was the foundation of his life, something he cherished above all else.

Victor graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in Music Education in 1991. He later went on to earn a Master’s degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University in 2007. He continued to earn diverse endorsements and ended his career as a Master+30. He was also a proud member of the fraternity Phi Mu Alpha.

A lifelong teacher and learner, Victor taught music for 33 years, primarily a Band and Orchestra director, he also covered other subjects over the years including French, Choir, General Music, Reading, and Guitar. He began his career at South Fremont Junior and Senior High Schools in Idaho, before returning to Utah to teach at West Hills Middle School. He retired in June of 2024. He made lifelong friends among the staff and students of West Hills and Jordan School District.

Victor’s passion for the marching arts led him to create his own drill design company, Bandtek, where he worked with bands across the U.S. and internationally. The shows he wrote earned dozens of awards across the U.S., and he remained active in the marching community. As a WGI Certified Judge, he judged marching band and drumline competitions while supporting the local color guard circuit.

He was integral to founding The Battalion, Utah’s first Drum Corps. Victor loved supporting the corps and was excited for their future. The Battalion awarded him the Lifetime Service Award in 2019. The past few years Victor promised to slow down, but his passion for the work kept him constantly moving. In fact, this past summer was one of his busiest! In addition to music, Victor loved Scouting. He earned his Eagle Scout by creating a Joseph Smith Memorial Trail from Nauvoo to Carthage, Illinois. He also served as a Wood Badge Leader, sharing his love for Scouting with his sons and friends.

Always believing love only grows, Victor welcomed many people into his circle. Over the years he opened his home and heart to many who needed it. Loving the individual and ministering to everyone he met were important tenets of his life.

Victor had an amazing sense of humor. He could always tell a joke and lift people up. In that spirit, he wanted to make sure we all know that he wanted to be remembered for his humility.

Victor was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was grateful to live near so many temples and sang “I Love to See the Temple” each time he drove past one. He often said that church and the temple were the most restful places to take a nap. He loved the gospel, and he loved the Lord.

Most of all, Victor cherished his family. He loved being a dad and grandpa. Sharing stories and creating memories through camping trips and adventures with his children. He spent countless hours and quality time playing video games with his children, always beating them in Mario Kart. Victor always had an abundance of love to share.

Victor was preceded in death by his parents, some bonus parents, and a few siblings. He is survived by his wife Caroldean, their children Eva (Colton), Penny Alena (David), Wilford (Shaylyn), Liz, Donald (Chey), Tilly (Ryan), his grandchildren Edna and Cayde, his bonus mom Ann Tarbet, and several siblings.

A celebration will be held Thursday evening, September 26, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service on Friday morning, September 27, 2024 at 11 a.m., with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services at the Alpine Stake Center, located at 98 East Canyon Crest Road, Alpine, UT, 84004.

He will be interred in Wanship, Utah. A beautiful place he and Caroldean chose 30 years ago.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your local middle school music programs