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Ieva and John KRAVIS

1937 - 2021

Ieva and John KRAVIS obituary, 1937-2021, Toronto, ON

BORN

1937

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Turner & Porter Funeral Directors

2357 Bloor Street West

Toronto, Ontario

Ieva KRAVIS Obituary

KRAVIS IEVA KRAVIS (née Jansons) Born Riga, Latvia October 6, 1937, Died Toronto February 3, 2021 JOHN KRAVIS Born Daugavpils, Latvia July 20, 1938, Died Toronto February 6, 2021. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our parents. Survived by their children, Marc (Melita), Carl (Ingrida), Paul (Debbie), Mara; grandchildren, Matthew, Reiner, Alexander (Kayla), Jesika, Oliver, Kristofer; and great-granddaughter, Ayvah. Ieva is survived by her brother, Juris Jansons; nephews and nieces; and John; by first and second cousins; and family members from around the world. Ieva She was born in a young fledging country of Latvia before WWII and Soviet Rule, which interrupted for fifty years its aspiration of being an independent nation. Her father Arnolds Jansons was an electrical engineer BSc. University of Latvia and MSc. Budapest, Hungary and MS Stanford, California. Arnolds was employed at VEF. The family fled the oncoming communist onslaught in 1944 only to face Allied bombings of Germany. The post war years were spent in various internationally created Displaced Person Camps to deal with the tens of millions of war refugees. The International Refugee resettlement effort was supported by religious communities around the world like the International Lutheran Refugee program which found a congregation in Indianapolis, Indiana willing to shepherd the Jansons, and others, through the process of becoming Americans. The success of that process is shown by the success of the people who went through it. Father Arnolds retired from a manufacturing facility known as Naval Avionics and was a high-level rocket scientist. Mother Mirdza created a beautiful home and garden. Our family often made that trek from Toronto to visit this little oasis on a lake. Being smart, athletic and competent, Ieva graduated from Shortridge high school and received her BA. in business administration at Indiana University. She worked as a manpower Analyst both in Indiana and in the Ministry of Labour in Toronto. All while raising three rambunctious boys and a girl, Mara, who was born with Downs syndrome. Even so, Mara proved to be able to meet her challenges and challengers so that the family has had a loving and wonderful sister all along. Ieva was a proud sorority sister in "Imeria", an international Latvian Women's Sorority and held numerous distinguished leadership positions. Ieva particularly disliked forced retirement at the age of 65 but occupied herself with reading, attending lectures and being the driving force that kept her family active and thriving. Despite several severe illnesses she kept to what she claimed was the Jansons' family motto "immer geradeaus", always straight ahead. John John's family also fled Latvia in 1944 and made their way to Esslingen in Bavaria. Our father fondly remembers the American soldiers allowing him to ride up top on their tanks. The family immigrated to Toronto in the late 1940s. John's father Janis was a jack of all trades and soon figured out how to buy, renovate and flip homes. His mother, Zenaida, managed their home. John became known as one of the toughest yet most trustworthy kids on River Street. John loved athletics. Star basketball player at Jarvis Collegiate from which he graduated. However, it has been said John perfected the jump shot without ever leaving the ground. We do not know what led John to pursue his academic studies at Indiana University. Perhaps a shot of being on the basketball team. At Indiana University he received his BA and MA in economics, did some teaching, and met his bride of sixty years, Ieva. Worked his way up to become the Director of the Budget for the State of Indiana and when the opportunity arose, the Director of the Budget for Ontario during the '70s and '80s. John was the initial treasurer during the inception and building of the Skydome and could regale you in countless memories of the Blue Jays games. John proudly attended the National Defense College in 1984-85. That is where he and Ieva developed their love of travel. Soon after John opened his own travel office, Kravis Travel, and loved reuniting many of his clients with their loved ones around the world, so much so that he would extend credit where others refused. The long-time joke in our family was that John could manage the millions but not the pennies! His generosity went further devoting much time and effort as a proud member of the Latvian academic fraternity "Latvia". Throughout his entire working career, he helped so many get their first break or start in the real working world. Towards the end of their lives, in failing health, they continued their love for one another and daughter Mara as they strove to maintain independence and dignity. So befitting that they passed away three days apart. Our families wish to thank the incredible nurses, doctors and support staff at the Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals who made their passage into the next world peaceful and pain free. A private family service will be held at Turner and Porter Funeral Home, 2357 Bloor St. West, February 14 with a link for live stream. When conditions permit, a celebration of their lives will be organized. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Living Toronto in honour of Ieva and John's daughter, Mara, who has been supported by the association for many years. Visit www.cltoronto.ca or contact 647-588-9465.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Feb. 13 to Feb. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Ieva KRAVIS

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11 Entries

James Francis Regan

May 18, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Jim Regan

May 2, 2021

I am deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of your parents having been informed only today of this by Carl . They were (2) very special people and certainly will be missed by so many people who loved your parents. They were kind, hard working , filled with humility and generous. My sincere condolences to the entire Kravis family.

Jim Regan

May 2, 2021

To the entire Kravis family I would simply say how saddened I am of the passing of your parents. Both very special , kind and loving people! God Bless all of you and thank you Carl for letting me know of this today.

Patti Loach

March 2, 2021

Ieva and Helen Paddle

Patti Loach

March 2, 2021

Ieva and Helen Paddle (at Killbear Provincial Park?)

Patti

March 2, 2021

Ieva with Helen Paddle

Patti Loach

February 21, 2021

Dear Ieva and John's family,

I was trying to contact Ieva to let her know that my mum - Helen Paddle - died on February 7th of this year when I found your parents' obituary. (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/toronto-on/helen-paddle-10047884)

I can't imagine your sadness at losing both parents, so close together.

My mum always enjoyed the time she spent working with Ieva at Management Board, and I know they continued to meet for lunch dates even after both of them had retired.

Please know that I am thinking of you.

Yours truly,

Patti Loach
Helen Paddle's daughter

Lisa Cavicchia

February 16, 2021

Hi Ingrid: I just heard about John and his wife. I’m so sorry, your family must be devastated over losing these wonderful people. Of course, I didn’t know your mother in law, but I adored John. Andrew and I both send our heartfelt condolences. John has handled our many travel arrangements for more than 20 years. He has gotten us out of many travel pickles over the years and the travel pickles of the many consultants and students that John helped to arrange. He was so kind, and always personally dropped by to say hi and chat about Latvia and the fickle travel industry. I loved reading his story and learning more about his journey. Kindest thoughts and prayers, Lisa and Andrew

Pat Street and John Street

February 15, 2021

Our thoughts and sympathies are with Mara and her family at this sad time. My brother , John Street has enjoyed Mara's friendship for many years and my mother , Edith Street and I had many wonderful phone conversations with Mara. John and his sisters , Carol and myself, Pat , send sincere condolences to Mara and her family for their loss.

Michèle Mann

February 15, 2021

To the Kravis family I wish to extend our deepest sympathies on behalf of Board, Management and Residents of the Southampton community, on the passing of your parents. They must have been a true inspiration to your family during their lifetime as evidenced by their significant accomplishments. Our community are grieving their loss.

Lisa Leib

February 13, 2021

Carl and I would like to express our sincere condolences for the lost of Leva and John. May they forever rest in peace and love. Their memories will be with you all forever. Sincerely Lisa and Carl Leib

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Memorial Events
for Ieva KRAVIS

Feb

14

Service

Turner & Porter Funeral Directors

2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M6S 1P4

Funeral services provided by:

Turner & Porter Funeral Directors

2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M6S 1P4