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Gunars Strazdins Obituary
March 11, 1944 - February 3, 2021
Columbia, South Carolina - Strazdins, a retired University of South Carolina Art Professor, passed away at his home Wednesday, February 3rd after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Virginia Strazdins, his son Kurt Strazdins, his sister Lilita Krums, and his nephews Robert and Eric Krums.
Gunars was born in Vilaka, Latvia March 11, 1944. As World War II dragged on his family was forced to flee, and by the war's end they found shelter in the refugee camps of West Germany. Unfortunately, while in the camps his father passed. Not long afterwards, a Latvian family in Lincoln, Nebraska sponsored the Strazdins. By the early 50's Gunars, his sister and his mother Elvira had immigrated to the United States.
Gunars interest in art began by drawing pictures to impress his mother, and after high school he stayed in Lincoln to study art at The University of Nebraska where he obtained his bachelor's degree. He continued his education by earning a scholarship to The University of Colorado. In Boulder he met his future wife Virginia and earned his Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking.
Upon graduation Gunars moved to the Chicago area where he drew political cartoons for the Chicago Tribune, taught high school and showed his work in the local galleries. In the late 60's he accepted a position with the Montana State Art Department. While in Bozeman, Montana he taught, worked on his art, had a son and learned to fly fish. Then in 1975 he moved again. This time to Columbia, South Carolina to accept a position in USC's Art Department where he taught life drawing and eventually photography. He retired from USC in the late 90's. In 1999 The State Museum included Gunars in their exhibition "100 years/100 artists: views of the 20th century in South Carolina art". In the years following his retirement, he continued creating art and discovered a passion for gardening.
Due to concerns surrounding Covid-19 there will be no services. When the weather improves and his amazing garden blooms an informal gathering of friends will be held in his backyard to remember him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gunars Strazdins
Jeff Soard
August 14, 2023
I took several courses from Gunars. While some were intimidated by his high expectations I was inspired to push myself. So when it came time to decide which pieces to include in my BFA Portfolio submission I went to Gunars for guidance. I can't say that I knew him well but he had a positive and lasting effect on my life and career. Thank you Gunars!
Jeff Soard
Student
Deanna Johnson
June 9, 2022
Dear Ginny, My condolences. I just learned that Gunars passed last year. Do you remember Don and me from Montana State University? Grad students and friends at the time. Many happy memories from that time with you.
Don passed Nov 28, 2021 of covid.
Thinking of you with love.
Deanna Johnson
406 949 1455 my cell phone.
LaDonna Dixon
April 10, 2021
I was in several classes with Gunars Strazdins while I pursued my BA in Art Studio. He was always an interesting professor and had a great sense of humor. I’m so very sorry for your loss, Virginia. I remember him speaking fondly of you in class. I’m sorry I just found out of his padding.
My sympathies to you and your entire family
Sincerely,
LaDonna Miles Dixon
Walt Hanclosky
March 5, 2021
Gunned was a wonderful and kind colleague who loved to share his knowledge of photography.
Fred Edgerton
February 28, 2021
I'm so very fortunate to have been one of Gunars students at USC. He was an inspirational teacher, insightful and genuine. His life-drawing classes are among my most cherished experiences at USC. I had very little art experience/training when I arrived at USC, determined to major in Art. Only a desire to pursue what I believed were natural gifts. Later, when I became an Art Teacher, I found myself often echoing the lessons and copying the strategies I learned in his class. Gunars was one of those professors who could push you, challenge you to reach for more. He was typically funny, sometimes goofy, always insightful and genuine. This is a great photo of the Gunars I well remember. Rest well, old friend, you've left a wonderful legacy to those of us blessed to have known you.
Ginny Southworth
February 28, 2021
Only fond memories of working together during my MFA at USC.
Tom Gear
February 26, 2021
Ginny, I recall Gunars' wit & charm
& yours too - good memories. Tom
( in Charleston for last 38-years )
Tom Gear
February 26, 2021
Thinking about you two, Ginny.
I recall Gunars wit & charm - and yours too.
Good memories. Tom
( In Charleston for last 38-years )
Walter Hanclosky Distinguished Prof. Emeritus
February 26, 2021
Gunars started and evolved the photochemical photography program when the department moved to McMaster College. He was a well respected professor by his students and a kind colleague who loved to share his knowledge and craftsmanship with his fellow professors.
Walter Hanclosky, Media Arts Distinguished Prof. Emeritus
February 25, 2021
Gunars designed a photochemical photography program that remains a significant historical contribution to the School of Visual Art & Design (SVAD) at the University of South Carolina (USC). He was a good professor and colleague.
Phil Dunn
February 25, 2021
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of Gunars' passing today. When I came to USC in 1978 Gunars was one of those who welcomed me and my passion for photography. One semester we even team taught two classes (drawing and photography) switching classes halfway through the semester. Gunars introduced me to photoshop and wacom drawing tablets - two things I still use daily. He was great colleague: smart, funny and full of the rarest commodity in higher education - common sense.
Frank Fusco
February 23, 2021
I was fortunate meet Gunars and Ginny after I retired, and all of us became close friends. The many stories I have will be saved for the garden
Celebration. I will truly miss the great times we shared and my dear friend Gunars. I’m adding a photo from when the three of us went to the Home Show at the state fair grounds, it’s Gunars doing his favorite thing, hugging a plant. Pam and I send our sincere condolences. My heart goes out to Ginny, Kurt and the family.
Jean selman
February 23, 2021
A wonderful artist, a helpful professor and a gifted man. He will be remembered by all that had a class under him. He was a devoted husband and father and will be missed.
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