Erik Juris Leons Vilnis

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Erik Juris Leons Vilnis on December 27th, 2022. Predeceased by his father, Robert Vilnis, and mother, Lucija Driksna. Born in Sweden, Erik immigrated to Canada a young ambitious man at the age of 20. He moved to to Montreal with the help of his sister Vija Jerumanis and husband Stan who were residing in Sherbrooke at the time.

Erik grew up with a great passion for architecture which led to his studies at McGill University in Montreal. Upon graduation, Erik first used his talents towards converting warehouses to condos, which was very innovative for the time, then restoring older homes, and soon was tasked with redeveloping a large scale mixed used community there. His success as an architect even landed him an opportunity to consult on a project for the World Trade Center. It is in Montreal that he had his only child, Daina with Suzette King in 1981.

Soon after, he left Montreal in pursuit of warmer weather and stumbled upon Victoria, a city filled with Victorian architecture and rich in culture. He fell in love and never left. He continued to call Victoria home until his passing. He used his talents to create several beautiful homes on the island, most notably his last project and current home, which he designed and built from the ground up. It is here that he married Donna Medgyesi surrounded by family and friends on August 4, 2013.

He was a tremendous man who left a huge impression on the world, and on everyone he met. He was passionate, determined, and intelligent. He was a success at most everything he did, but his greatest success was acquiring such an amazing group of friends. His friends were a huge part of his final weeks of life, often filling his hospital room with visitors.

Erik was a creative chef, lover of the outdoors, hiking enthusiast, and avid traveller. He spent his summers taking his daughter on adventures both locally and abroad, sharing his love of travel with her at every opportunity. He lived, he loved, and he could make just about anyone laugh. His life was full. He meant so much to so many.

He will be forever missed by family members Daina & Harold Hickson, and grandson Cole. His sister and family, Vija and Stan Jerumanis, Donna Medgyesi and family, and countless dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held in his honor in the spring. Further details to follow.