Edgars Z. Elferts

Edgars was born on March 28, 1914 in Ukraine, to Latvian parents, Vilis and Julija. The family resided in Ukraine for a few years, while his father worked in forestry. Upon their return to Latvia, Edgars spent his school years in the capital city of Riga, and later studied chemistry at Riga State Technical School. He was employed at the State Electrotechnical Factory as a technician. At that time the factory manufactured a variety of goods, including Minox, the world's smallest camera. He was involved in making batteries, which became very important for the war effort.

He graduated from Latvia's national military school, as an officer. During WWII Edgars entire focus was on protecting Latvia's sovereignty, and making a patriotic difference. He continued to request assignments on the front lines, in Latvia, fighting for independence against the Russian communists. Severely injured, he recuperated in Germany, in what had been a maternity hospital. At the end of the war, he rejoined relatives in a displaced persons' camp in Bavaria, and for three years was a security guard, as part of the US Army, which oversaw the DP camps.

Sponsored by a local Lutheran church, Edgars was invited to immigrate to the US in 1950, and ultimately settled in Seattle. In 1953 he married Rasma Zemgalis, also a Latvian immigrant. After several positions as a laborer (including farm work in Skagit County and construction), he found satisfying employment at the Boeing Company, where he worked in testing equipment calibration for 22 years, until his retirement in 1979. He was very proud of his contributions at Boeing, and the many awards he earned.

Throughout his years in exile, Edgars continued his strong Latvian patriotism, fighting for his small country's independence from the Soviet Union. He was an avid letter writer, and held leadership positions in various organizations supporting the cause. He was a highly regarded, active member of the Seattle Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Latvian Center. Simultaneously, he flew the US flag with pride, on every appropriate occasion, and diligently followed all the rules associated with displaying the colors of his adopted country. Edgars was fond of rules, and expected others to be similarly respectful.

Over the years Edgars' vast collection of books grew to more than 1,000. His interests ranged from politics and Latvian culture (poetry, folklore, history) to biographies, WWII documentaries and abundant literature. One of his dearest books was the Latvian translation of Jules Verne's "The Castaways". We are grateful to the several members of the Latvian community who devoted substantial time to sort through his books and archives, and find appropriate new homes for them. A special thank you to Janis Rogainis, Inta Wiest, Vaira Christopher, Sarmite Davidson and Inese Graudins.

After retirement, he and Rasma enjoyed trips to Venezuela and Australia, to visit relatives and longtime friends, who had been scattered at wartime. Edgars had a passion for correspondence, and staying in contact with a great many people. When he wrote a letter, he tended to immediately mail it, or drive it to the post office, and then eagerly await a reply. A few years after the fall of the Iron Curtain, in July 1994, Edgars returned to visit his homeland, with his daughter (Maija Eerkes) and son-in-law (Alvin).

He passed away on August 14, after a long life of selfless dedication to his beloved Latvia and to his family, and countless friends around the globe. Edgars was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and both sisters. He is lovingly remembered by Maija and Al, Godson Julijs Elferts, and dear relatives Liene Westberg, Kristine Gilmore, Arturs Elferts, Peteris Karlis Elferts, Silvija Harbour and Erika Watts, Elmars and Cacilia Zemgalis.