Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Maris Kundzins Obituary

Maris KUNDZINS Maris Kundzins, beloved father, partner, brother, cousin, and friend died suddenly on December 13, 2010 in Riga, Latvia. Born in Riga on May 20, 1942, he was the first of three children of Ella and Alfs Kundzins. The family immigrated to the United States in 1949, settling in Longview, WA. After high school Maris moved to San Francisco where he was drafted in 1964. Stationed in the Gilbert Islands and in Japan, he remained in Tokyo after being discharged. In Japan he collaborated with the sound artist Hiroshi Yoshimura and met and married Ikuko Fujiyama, the mother of his son, Alfs Mario Kundzins. The family returned to Washington in 1970 and while the marriage didn't last, Maris, Ikuko, and her second husband, Shig Takahashi, remained bonded by their love for their son Mario. Maris was deeply involved in the Seattle art scene. His creative interests were many but primarily focused on language in visual and sound forms. In later years, he reconnected with his Latvian heritage, translating his grandfather's books and completing the family genealogy. In 1990 he returned to Latvia for a year to teach English and in 2009 he renovated an apartment in Riga so he could spend part of each year there. One of his greatest gifts was the gift of friendship. He maintained friendships from all stages of his life and gave his many friends the gifts of time and caring and always wished the best for everyone. He was also a loving and devoted partner to Sheila and they had many adventures together including building a snow cave (their first home!) and trips to Latvia, Berlin, Geneva, South Dakota, North Carolina, New Orleans, Rwanda, and their last adventure, rafting down the Grand Canyon. Maris is survived by his son, Alfs Mario Kundzins; life-partner, Sheila Hosner; sisters Baiba Mikalson and Dace Nordstrom and their husbands; nieces and nephews; cousins; and many friends, all of whom will miss him greatly but will carry his memory and gentleness forward in their lives. A memorial to celebrate his life will be held on February 6, 2010 at the Oddfellows Hall in Ballard. Call 253-272-0135 for more information. Please sign Maris' on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Feb. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Maris Kundzins

23 Entries

Christie Cluff

February 14, 2011

To Maris' loved ones ~
I didn't know Maris, but it's clear, after reading these guest book entries, that he was a warm, caring and cherished friend to many. My brother, David Schmillen, read Maris' obituary from his home on Orcas Island, WA., and sent it to me as David and I were good friends with Sheila, her brother Doug and their mother, Eunice, who was my sweet mother's dear friend. To all of you who loved Maris and miss him I am so sorry for your loss, even though I feel somehow connected again with Sheila, after many years. May your memories bring you peace.

From Sheila's old friend
Christie (Schmillen) Cluff

Ollie Royer

February 11, 2011

I remember Maris on our Grand Canyon trip. Most of the conversation in the evening was somewhat shallow, possibly booze influenced and often about other river trips. Maris started a deep conversation about goals, and we all dug down and contributed. That may have been the only deep group conversation. Thank you, Maris, deep and wonderful

Douglas Kershaw

February 9, 2011

We extend our deepest sympathy to Maris' family. He was a great friend and person and teacher of life since we met each other in Japan in 1965.

Alexandra O'Conner

February 9, 2011

My Maris - your gentle face and manner were part of my life for a good many years, and it's hard for me to accept the fact that you're not on this earth anymore. Your love and your life were both beautiful things to witness.

Judith Bader

February 8, 2011

I just want to light a candle for Maris tonight. It was a wonderful memorial: a coming together of many people who were touched by his open spirit, his creative mind and listening heart. I feel privileged that Jack, Viva and I were a part of his life for so many years. Lotuses to all.

Jack Baker

February 8, 2011

Maris my dear friend you will be with Judith, Viva and I all of our days. Your kindness, creative presence and intelligence are inspiration to us. You knew things that most spend a lifetime seeking to learn. It was a huge gift to us all on Sunday to be together in your memory. Your wonderful essence filled the room with joy.

Barry Garelick

February 6, 2011

I met Maris at a sandwich shop in San Francisco in 1973. We hit it off immediately and stayed in contact with each other. My relationship with him was primarily through letters and (later) emails and Facebook. But he was always encouraging and interested in whatever I was doing--he inspired me to experiment with whatever I was working on, and to share it with him. I can see that everyone he knew or came in contact with had a unique relationship with him. He was like a blank slate--he became to us what we defined him to be, which ultimately was a picture of ourselves projected onto him. He showed us ourselves in a nice way, and in the end we saw him for who he was: Maris, a person full of love and life.

Debora Gianola

February 5, 2011

I've known Maris since 1982, and though I would see him only intermittently, he always had something lovely to say about someone. He had an innate understanding of the beauty of those he was in relationship with and even if some matter would pull his loved ones into a more separate space, he always honored and respected choices. I loved him, for he loved; and one did not have to spend years with him to know that--it emanated from him and those sensitive to love resonated with him.

Isabel Soley

February 3, 2011

I worked with Maris for 5 years at DSHS-DDD. He was a very unselfish person, that made everyone who met him, feel they were all part of something larger than life. I admired his zest for life and his energy. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Paul Kronbergs

February 3, 2011

Maris' Grandfather Karlis was my Grandmother Rita's Brother. We never got to know each other very well since he grew up on the West Coast while I was on the East. A few years ago we made contact and it was great hearing from him at least every Christmas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his Son Mario and Partner Sheila.

February 3, 2011

Since June of 1973 I first met Maris when he was working with the Wisdom Marionettes, till the last e-mail I received from him at the end of November he was always enthusiastic about the art he had seen, made or was planning. His zest for life was infectious as was his kindness to everyone. You will be sorely missed. Vieglas Smiltis.

Uldis Ohaksa

Michael Buford

February 3, 2011

It was a real pleasure to have spent time with Maris on the Grand Canyon. I might have only known him for a short period, however I could not think of a better way to come to know him and enjoy his company. I can always remember Maris as one who was kind, insightful, gentle, and calm even in the chaos of tired, hungry, rafters with no campsite. He was a tremendous listener, and his words came with a deep sincerity that very few possess. Maris, wherever you are now, know that you are loved, missed, and cherished greatly by all of us who had the fortune of knowing you, no matter how brief that time was.

February 3, 2011

I only knew Maris for a short time but he was a truly wonderful person & I know he will be sorely missed by everyone that came in contact with him.

Marlin Ruge

Robin Gabbert

February 3, 2011

Working with Maris at DSHS in Seattle was a real joy. He was always diligent, intelligent, sensible, friendly, enthusiastic and gentlemanly. He treated every person as someone special. Maris also played a great game of ping-pong in the building's basement during lunch hours.

I cannot even begin to imagine the depth of loss for those close to Maris. Condolences to all who knew and loved him, especially his family, his son, and his partner, Sheila. (At work Maris sometimes spoke about his son and Sheila and his love for both would bring a smile like sunshine to his face.)

Maris will be missed but his wonderful qualities will be a continuing inspiration to many other lives.

Todd Wilday

February 3, 2011

Maris was a gentle, loving spirit whose unrelenting positvity infected me and many others here at the Division of Developmental Disabilities. I feel blessed to have shared quality time with him- most of which were spent on the tennis court. My condolence to his family and loved ones.

Cynthia Avanzino

February 2, 2011

Although I didn't know Maris, it is obvious he was a cherished partner, family member and friend to many. I know he will be missed and I extend my sincere sympathy to his special partner, Sheila. I know there are many special memories to cherish.

Susan Muller

February 2, 2011

I feel very blessed to have known this person, he was really one of a kind.

Scott Martin

February 2, 2011

Maris's gentle nature and kind, generous spirit brightened the world. Phoebe and I send our love to his family and many friends.

February 2, 2011

We extend our deepest sympathy to Maris' family. Janis & Toni Praudins and Family

February 2, 2011

What a pleasure it was to know Maris these past years. His conversation was intelligent, inclusive and open; his manner warm and caring.

Sincerest condolences to his Partner, Sheila Hosner, and his son, Mario.

Maris contributed real quality to life, and I will miss him, too.

Kathy Anderson

Linera Lucas

February 2, 2011

I am so sorry that Maris is dead. He was a wonderful person, and I miss him.

wendy fortney

February 2, 2011

I will truly miss Maris. He was a kind and helpful person. He was always cheerful and had a smile for everyone.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results