Spokane sign company founder Vic Linden, 91, dies

One of Spokane’s most innovative sign artists, Vic B. Linden, died Wednesday. He was 91.

For more than 60 years, Linden, along with his sons, operated a full-service commercial sign company in downtown Spokane.

After graduating from North Central High School, Linden joined the Navy during World War II. Stationed at Johnston Island in the Pacific, Linden was assigned to paint insignias and letters on airplanes.

In 1946 he started his first sign business, Post Street Signs. That business later evolved into Vic B. Linden and Sons Sign Advertising Inc., at 122 S. Lincoln St.

His sons, Nick, Chris and Steve Linden, continue to own and operate the company.

Before computer technology became a primary part of sign making, Vic Linden was regarded as a master of hand-lettering, Nick Linden said.

“He was left-handed, and that was something that added to the challenge,” he said.

The name of the business will not change, he added.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hennessey-Smith.