HENRY KASEKAMP

A life well lived. We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Henry Kasekamp on March 15, 2026 at the age of 95. Henry is lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Wirge (Vickie) Kasekamp (née Ross); his children, Thomas Kasekamp (Gail) and Katrin (Kaia) Stahl (Guido) and grandchildren, Markus and Helena Stahl and Peter and William Kasekamp; along with his brother, Ilmar (Siina) Kasekamp and their son, Andres and family. Henry was predeceased by his siblings, Päivo, Lilian and Heino Kasekamp. He was the son of Linda Kasekamp (née Läänemets) and Major-General August Kasekamp. Henry was born in Tallinn, Estonia in 1930. As a teenager during WWII, he escaped the Soviet occupation of Estonia, fleeing in 1944 along with his mother, brother and sister. They finally made their way to Canada in 1949 on board the Gripsholm and disembarked at Pier 21 in Halifax Harbour. Sadly, his father never made the journey, having been arrested by Soviet authorities when Henry was only 10 years of age. He was never to see him again. Adjusting to life in Canada had its challenges but like many children of war, Henry was mature beyond his years and took on the responsibility of helping to support his family. They eventually made their way to Toronto where he began work as a jeweller's apprentice. After several years in the industry, he established his own business, Anvil Jewellery, in 1965. The company grew over time, manufacturing for Canada's largest jewellery retailers as well as creating thousands of pieces for private clientele. Henry worked as a master jeweller until he retired at the age of 85 and was delighted that Anvil was continuing under the stewardship of his family, including his grandchildren who will carry on his legacy. Henry had many interests outside of work. He loved history and was an avid reader and follower of politics and current events. He published his memoirs, 'As I Remember,' in 2013, documenting his childhood and experiences as a young man. He finished making notes on an updated edition, collaborating closely with his grandson until only a few days before he died. Henry had a lifelong passion for classical music, especially for anything composed by his beloved Mozart. He enjoyed playing violin and guitar, and music always filled his home. He also had a passion for sport, most notably long distance cycling. Henry biked daily from his former home in Woodbridge to his downtown office and rode 200km to the cottage every summer. At the age of 82, he completed his final long distance ride to the Shaw Festival at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Henry was a talented painter, a hobby that he took up in mid-life, working painstakingly on some pieces for years before completing them. It seems fitting that his final painting depicts a peaceful, pastoral landscape. He also challenged himself with sudoku puzzles and continued to hone his scrabble skills into the final weeks of his life. Henry loved spending time with friends and family at the cottage in Muskoka. He hand-built the first log cottage in 1959 with his father-in-law and later added two cottages on adjacent properties. He always had some sort of project in the works that kept him busy when he wasn't playing ping pong, kayaking, sailing, or cross country skiing. As a bona fide Estonian, he particularly enjoyed the cottage sauna followed by a dip in the lake and a cold beer. Henry maintained a deep connection to his birth place of Estonia, and visited many times, always referring to it as one of the best places on earth. He supported Estonian causes, including the Toronto Estonian School for many years, donating his handcrafted school rings to each graduating class. He was affectionately known as Papi to his grandchildren. He was so proud of them, always taking a keen interest in their lives and supporting their pursuits, (while also giving them a few history lessons when they visited). Henry married the love of his life, Vickie (Wirge) in 1957. They had a long and loving marriage, celebrating their 68th anniversary last fall. They were each other's confidant, life companion and true love. Henry passed away peacefully at home after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. We are grateful for his longevity and for the extraordinary life he lived. He was a man of principle, always fair and empathetic and loved by many. A funeral service will take place at the Agricola Finnish Lutheran Church on Friday, March 27th at 1:30p.m., 25 Old York Mills Rd., North York followed by a reception at 130 Carlton St. main reception hall. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his honour to the Estonian Foundation of Canada. www.estonianfoundation.ca