Herman Surkis Obituary

SURKIS, Herman 22 March 1945 - 13 January 2021 Herman Surkis passed away peacefully on January 13, 2021, at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, after a short battle with cancer. Born in Montreal, he worked as a psychotherapist in Ontario, Florida, and Arizona. A talented photographer, he worked as a professional in Toronto from the mid 1960's to the early 1980's, then continued photographing as a semi-professional after retiring to Victoria. Herman loved photography, music, dance, animals, good discussions and travel. With a talent for friendship, Herman leaves behind many friends around the globe. He will be warmly remembered and sorely missed. Due to covid, he did not want a funeral, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Herman Surkis

9 Entries

Rod Hodgson

March 19, 2025

I met Herman in 1971, in North York Ontario. We became quick friends sharing interests in cars, side band radio, photography, & Philosophy. I have a great memory of helping him on a photo shoot Of YES at their Topographic Oceans
concert at Maple Leaf Gardens; I helped by carrying his gear while he worked. I lost contact with him when I moved to Alberta for 6 years, but have often thought of him ever since.
Herman was a good friend who could make me laugh, think, & grow, and he will be remembered fondly!

Udor

May 19, 2021

I have met Herman on Model Mayhem in the very early years. He was a sharp contributor in the forums and an excellent photographer who was also very humble!

We've had so many private discussions and it was not beneath him to ask for advise in photography that he wasn't familiar with, e.g runway photography where we had many discussions about his projects.

I really loved his art photography.

Until a few minutes ago, I did not realize that Herman was gone and now I notice that he didn't comment on my posts and photography and didn't send me messages in a while.

He was the type of a person, I always felt him to be somewhat immortal, always there, always present with his warm spirit.

It's so sad and I wish his friends and family my deepest condolences!

Drew Tommons

May 14, 2021

I am very sad to learn of Herman's passing. I enjoyed many online chats with Herman over recent years, covering all manner of topics, including our mutual love of photography and dance. Recently, I thought he had gone a bit quiet and went to make contact only to find that sadly, I was too late.

His astute wisdom and wry humour were unique characteristics that I enjoyed very much and I valued our online friendship,

I offer my sincere condolences to those who were close to him.

Drew

Jody Paterson

January 25, 2021

I am so sorry to hear this news about Herman. We have had a really great connection on Facebook for many years, wading into all kinds of subjects. We had a similar perspective on many issues in the news and beyond. I will miss his insights, and his astounding photography. Best thoughts to his family and friends at such a sad time.

Dusty Hughes

January 22, 2021

Loved the gentle, creative, caring man. He will be missed my many humans and animals. We did have some fun together which will be cherished.

Amalia Schelhorn

January 20, 2021

Herman was a true animal lover. His allergies prevented him from having a pet cat or dog, but he fed the birds, rescued the odd homeless snake, and photographed wild creatures whenever possible. He cared deeply about environmentalism and protecting habitat for all creatures.
He also loved dance. His first foray into dance photography was in Toronto at the National Ballet of Canada. In Victoria, he not only documented the history of Ballet Victoria, but also bolstered the confidence and helped the careers of many dancers in ballet, contemporary, and flamenco. From psychiatric counselling to political involvement to being there for his friends, Herman made a positive difference in the world. He will be remembered.

Maria Miranda Lawrence

January 20, 2021

Besides his beautiful photography Herman leaves these words he valued and practised in life (posted on his Wordpress, at the end of this tribute) He was a kind person I shall really miss, who loved birds, wildlife and the celebration of Life through the arts. We collaborated and exhibited our work together in four exhibitions. His father was a medical doctor and Herman worked as a psychiatrist before he retired to Victoria, settling in his home on triangle mountain. https://hsurkis.wordpress.com/values/?fbclid=IwAR2pPka1vEr6pmDHiARj_J96KAyLBv0Fo02qaNDBF2yJ0zis2-s6f5E5GFA

Gordon

January 19, 2021

The grief we share for friends who have touched our lives. A truly wonderful man

Sue McCaskill

January 18, 2021

I never met you, but I feel like I knew you. You were a wonderful photographer.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Memorial Events
for Herman Surkis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Herman Surkis

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Herman Surkis Obituary

Memories and Condolences for Herman Surkis

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Memories and Condolences
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Memorial Events
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