Gustav Richard Klimach

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gustav Klimach in Victoria, BC, on April 11, 2025 with his family by his side after a short illness.

He will be remembered by his loving wife Inken Roller, sons Andreas and Matthias, and grandchildren Stefan, Christoph, Katrina and Alex.

Gustav was born to his parents, Albert and Emilie Klimach (nee Miks), and as a young child, fled war-torn East Prussia with his mother and siblings in 1945, eventually settling in the seaside village of Haffkrug, in northern West Germany. e married first wife Uta (nee Schroeder) in 1967 and started a family, raising two sons together. Gustav built a successful sales career before turning to his passion of entrepreneurship, developing various properties including the locally renowned Hotel Freischütz in the nearby town of Eutin. A move to Canada followed in 1982, having chosen the island city of Victoria, BC based on a friend's advice. There, he revitalized the Seaview Motel, transforming it into a vibrant, welcoming landmark rich with art and character. It was eventually renamed Seaview Suites and remains the hub of the family business today. Gustav was also active in various professional, social and community organizations throughout his life in Germany and Canada.

He met Inken Roller in 1998, and after a long courtship, they married in a surprise, intimate ceremony on Christmas Eve in 2013. The couple shared a love of travel and built a second home in Istria, Croatia, where they visited every year and created many lasting memories and friendships. Amongst his many passions, his love to be by the sea was one of the most enduring, spending many summers out on the water in a boat of some sort. Gustav lived with purpose and a joie de vivre, relying on his strong conviction that hard work always pays off in the end. You could count on him to lend a hand with a project or errand, and offer insightful advice drawn from his abundant, inspiring life experiences. He will be deeply missed for his generous spirit, colorful storytelling and unwavering love for family and friends.

A service for Gustav will be held at 1:30 PM on April 27, 2025 at St. Stephen Anglican Church in Saanichton, BC.