Edgar Liik

Just three days shy of his 96th birthday, Edgar Liik passed away suddenly due to complications from congestive heart failure. He is pre-deceased by Edna, his loving wife of 66 years, and eldest son Allan. Edgar was the cherished father of Maret and Michael (Leslie Cairns) and beloved Vanaisa to Markus, Kristian and Morgen. He will be greatly missed by his relatives and many friends spanning several generations.
Edgar was a pillar of the Toronto Estonian community, most notably as the long-time head of the Hiidlaste Selts, an association that sought to keep the traditions and social bonds of his home region alive. It was his way of ensuring that he stayed connected to his childhood homeland which he was forced to flee at age nineteen when the Soviet Union invaded. After meeting and marrying Edna in Sweden, the young couple eventually settled in Toronto where they raised their family. Some of the family’s fondest memories are of idyllic summers spent at their beloved cottage on Lake Simcoe.
Edgar was first and foremost a family man, generous with his time and always emphasizing to his children the importance of community involvement and the pursuit of higher education. While his own academic aspirations were curtailed due to circumstances, Edgar’s keen intelligence, gregarious nature and authentic interest in others drew many to him. His sharp wit, eloquence and poetic turn-of-phrase made him a much sought-after public speaker at countless events.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Ehatare Retirement Home for making Edgar’s later years there so enjoyable. Due to COVID-19, a private (immediate family only) service will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at York Cemetery and Funeral Centre. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Estonian Foundation of Canada toward the Toronto Estonian Consulate. When we can gather in person once again, a celebration of Edgar’s life will be held.