Victor Frank Bogard was born on a farm outside Sheldon, Iowa on July 15, 1915. He farmed for one year after graduating highschool and knew this was not his future. Therefore, a journey on a train aided by six of his father's chickens led to an enlistment in the Navy and several trips across the Atlantic during WWII. Upon his return from the war, he opened a drycleaning business in Sheldon with his bride, Nelina Hoevens.

While running Bogard Cleaners was fulfilling in it's own right, Vic could not shake the urge to move westward. He finally gave in to his urge in 1947, packed his bags, and watched as his hometown slowly faded in the rearview mirror of his '47 Oldsmobile. With his wife, sons Vic Jr. and Brad, he set his sights on California, finally stopping in the small town of Santa Cruz.

After the purchase of a lot on Opal Cliff Dr. in Capitola, they began construction of their home. Upon completion, a neighbor was so impressed with the work that he wanted Vic to build a house for him. Thus began Bogard Construction.

The Opal Cliffs area saw much construction by Vic until he was finally invited to build a home in Santa Cruz. He enjoyed this area very much and made arrangements with his new friend Louis Rittenhouse to build on all the remaining lots on the upper westside.

After a fruitful career in the construction industry spanning 4 decades, Vic enjoyed his golden years with his wife and family. Vic went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2002.