Valdis Osvalds Kupris

KUPRIS, Valdis Osvalds Valdis Osvalds Kupris, beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend and artist, lost his valiant battle with cancer on Thursday (May 13, 2004). Born in Latvia in 1940, he came to America in 1950 where he discovered his passion and immense talent for making art. He spent his life celebrating the many people he met by exposing their inner beauty and poetry in his paintings, sculpture and photography. For the past 39 years he was also a professor of Fine Arts at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, NY. Valdis took great joy in returning often to Latvia where he fought for their independence. As an American citizen he never forgot his homeland. He worked with the Latvian resistance to free Latvia from Russian rule. He was founder and president of the Latvian Renaissance Association. He was a major sponsor and ardent supporter of the Imanta orphanage in Riga and on several occasions brought children in need of medical attention to the United States. Recognized for his contribution to Latvia, in November 2000 he was proud to receive the Order of the Three Stars which is the Latvian Medal of Honor. He was loved deeply by all who knew him, and all who felt the light of his love know they are lucky to have been blessed by his presence. He is survived by his three daughters, Avia Kupris Hawkesworth, Maija Kupris and Aara Kupris Menzi; his granddaughter, Sienna; former wife, Bronnie; and his siblings, Imants Kupris, Ilze Kupris Taylor, Juris Kupris and Paul Kupris. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at the Friends Meeting House, 15th St. and Rutherford Place in New York City on Saturday, June 12, at 10 a.m. Donations may be made to the Imanta Orphanage in Riga, Latvia by sending a check made payable to Aara Kupris Menzi, Trustee. Mail checks to her at 459 W. 24th Street, New York, NY 10011.