Gustav Laats

Known as “Gus” or Gustav, he was born September 26, 1936 in Irboska, Estonia to Lenontine and Jacob Laats. He lived a full and adventurous life traveling, enjoying foods, drinks and the company of his many friends and family around the world. He was a devoted husband to Nina for 45-years, loving father of myself and my brother Michael and generous grandfather of Gus and Soledad.

I am forever grateful for my dad. The father I remember was warm, full of life, desire for adventure, passion for the outdoors, nature, wildlife and he was generous in many ways to so many people. We all know he could also be challenging too; yet who isn’t at times?!

Gustav grew up and lived a full life in occupied Estonia and defected from the USSR when he was in his 30’s. He “jumped” from Estonia, to Finland, to Sweden, then Denmark and settled in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Here he met Nina and was taught English by Andreas Papandreou who later became Prime Minister of Greece!

Gus and Nina got married in the Philippines in 1972, where he was welcomed into the Marcelo, Zurbito, Buencamino, and Gozum Families for all the years to come. Upon returning to Toronto, they embarked on a cross-continent adventure, driving across Canada and the US to the small town in Northern BC called Kitimat.

Kitimat was home for +20-years, Alcan employed them both, they started their family and Gustav lived a life appreciating time boating, fishing, skiing, camping, snow blowing, taking photographs and good times with all of their amazing friends in the Filipino community, neighbours and work friends. My father was also a proud Freemason and cherished this brotherhood.

Upon retirement they moved to Nanaimo, BC and lived many more years together. Enjoying the company of their many good friends in Nanaimo, others that would come to visit from around the world and our family visits with their grandkids “slip & sliding” and my adorable hubby (Mike) enduring my dad’s homemade beverages and “sauna time”.

When Nina passed away in 2017, Gus was at a loss. We must thank close friends and extended family from Estonia that visited and helped him downsize the home as well as providing companionship as he continued to travel to Europe and Chile in the recent years.

Gustav ensured a horrible battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. I pray he is now at peace; reconnecting in the afterlife with so many great people he loved and lost through the years.

We love you dad. We’ll always remember and be thankful we had you in our lives.