Vic Essakow was born in Krugersdorp, South Africa and schooled at Krugersdorp High School. He was Sportsman of the Year 1958 and received Honors Blazer for Sporting and other Achievements. He received a B.Com (Economics) from Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg and a University Honors Blazer for Athletic Achievements. In 1959 he was South African Javelin Champion and record holder.

In South Africa Viv worked in a family business in Krugersdorp and served the Jewish Community of Krugersdorp as Treasurer of the Shul and Chevra Kadisha.  As a youth he was active in Habonim.

Vic came to live in Israel in 1976. He has worked in numerous companies, but today works as an independent. He is a co-founder of Tikvot, a nonprofit organization which rehabilitates IDF soldiers and Israeli citizens who are Victims of Terror through the medium of sport.

He married Dolores Uran in 1964. They have three children, Jonnie, Sandy and Sue all living in Israel and 8 grandchildren. Jonnie Essakow who is based in Haifa and is the Honorary Consul for Portugal in Israel.