LIIK, EDGAR Just three days shy of his 96th birthday, Edgar Liik passed away suddenly after a brief illness. He was predeceased 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. Edgar was a pillar of the Toronto Estonian community, most notably as the longtime 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 staying connected to his childhood homeland which he was forced to flee at age nineteen. After meeting and marrying Edna Tikker 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 in the community. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Ehatare Retirement Home for making Edgar’s final year there so enjoyable. Due to COVID-19, a private service was held on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at York Cemetery and Funeral Centre. When we can gather in person once again, a celebration of Edgar’s life will be held.