Valdis Kaulins passed away peacefully September 17, 2024 at his home in Markham. He was born to Latvian parents in a displaced persons camp in Geesthacht, Germany in 1945. A few years later, he, along with his parents, Jānis and Elīna, and brother Andis, immigrated to Canada and lived on a small farm in Pembroke for 5 years. They eventually settled in Cabbage town, Toronto where Valdis became a rising basketball star for the East York Collegiate Goliaths and part of a flourishing Latvian community from which lifelong friendships formed. He spent many wonderful summers in Sidrabene's Latvian church camp where his sense of community grew.
A graduate of Waterloo Lutheran University (Wilfrid Laurier), he became a teacher at various schools, most notably Charles Gordon Senior Public School. He met the love of his life, Silvija Dzelme at a Toronto Latvian Song and Dance festival in 1981 and became a father in 1985.
Valdis was a cherished member of the Latvian community. He first traveled to Latvia in the 1970s and continued to do so throughout his life. He became very close with his Latvian relatives there and his love for his cultural roots ran deep. He became the Chair of the Sidrabene Latvian Recreation & Retreat Center and held the position for 28 years. He was also a long-standing member (25 years) of St Andrew’s Ev. Latvian Lutheran Church Council actively promoting participation and fund raising. He was passionate about preserving Latvian heritage and invited musical and dance groups from Latvia to Toronto which led to more special friendships within the community he cherished. He was also an active member of the Pensioners group at the Latvian Cultural Center in Toronto.
Valdis was one of a kind and will be missed dearly. His natural charisma, easy going nature, sense of humor and wit, could bring out a friend in anyone. He was genuine and would literally give the shirt off his back which he has actually done. His kind heart and love of Latvian music and culture will never be forgotten. Nor will his love of ball room dancing.
He is survived by his wife, Silvija, daughter Karlina and extended family in Canada, the U.S and Latvia.
Visitation is to take place on Saturday, October 5th from 1 pm - 2 pm and memorial service from 2 pm - 3 pm at York Cemetery and Funeral Centre 160 Beecroft Rd, Toronto, ON M2N 5Z5. Reception (Celebration of Life) will follow at the Latvian Cultural Center 4 Credit Union Dr, North York, ON M4A 2N8.
Valdis Kaulins’ family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made towards supporting future Latvian groups performing in Sidrabene and the Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Canada. This was a cause dear to Valdis' heart. Cheques should be made out to: “St. Andrew’s Ev. Luth. Latvian Congr.” and designated in V. Kaulins memory. Donations can be also made via e-transfer to: admin@standrewslatvian.org or by using the “donate” button on the St. Andrew’s website, www.standrewslatvian.org