Remembering Vic Atiyeh: A Legacy Rooted in Oregon History and Family Tradition

At Atiyeh Bros., our story has always been about more than rugs. It’s about family, community, and a commitment to quality that has carried through generations. Few people embody that history quite like Victor George “Vic” Atiyeh.

Before serving as Oregon’s governor from 1979 to 1987, Vic played an important role in the family’s rug and carpet business. Following his father’s passing, he helped lead Atiyeh Bros., continuing a family tradition that began in Portland in 1900. His experience in business helped shape his perspective as he entered public service.

As Oregon’s first Arab American governor, Vic made history while helping shape the state’s economic future. Known by the nickname “Trader Vic,” he worked to expand Oregon’s international trade relationships and attract investment, including through connections with Asia. His years in public service left a lasting mark on Oregon and its communities.

Today, Vic’s story continues to be remembered through Atiyeh: Governor Vic Atiyeh and the Transformation of Oregon, a biography by Pacific University political science professor Jim Moore. The book explores his life, leadership, and contributions to the state he called home.

We’re proud that Vic’s legacy is part of the Atiyeh Bros. story. His life reflects the values of family, hard work, and community involvement that continue to guide our business more than 126 years after its founding.

Watch KOIN’s feature remembering Governor Vic Atiyeh:
Former Oregon Gov. Vic Atiyeh Remembered in New Biography

His story reminds us that a family business can be part of something much larger: a community’s history and a legacy that spans generations.