Ilgvars Steins

STEINS, Ilgvars - With great sadness we announce that Ilgvars passed away surrounded by family in Dawson, Yukon on Friday, November 11, 2011 in his 86th year. Beloved husband of the late Arija (nee Ernstons) Steins. Loving father of John and his wife Paula, Oliver and his wife Anita, and proud and caring grandfather of Lija, Kristina and Aleksandra. Sadly missed by his brother Leopold and his wife Mirdza, niece Aija and her husband Peter, nephew Maris, and many relatives and friends in Canada, Latvia, Australia and the U.S. Predeceased by his dear cousin Dzidra. Ilgvars was born in Riga, Latvia in 1925 devoting his life to art, family and friends. Immigrating to Canada after the war, he graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1958, winning the Lieutenant Governor's Medal for excellence in drawing. His career included positions at the Royal Ontario Museum, CBC Halifax, North York Board of Education and as a botanical illustrator for Agriculture Canada in Ottawa. In 2008, Ilgvars moved to Dawson, Yukon to live with his eldest son John where he continued to pursue his passion for making art. He leaves behind a diverse circle of friends with whom he corresponded faithfully. A memorial will be held in Toronto in the spring of 2012. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ilgvars are asked to consider The Latvian Relief Society of Canada; 4 Credit Union Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M4A 2N8, Tel: 1-647-727-4310. Heartfelt thanks to the doctors, caregivers and home-care staff for their extraordinary care and kindness.