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Oswald STRAUSS

May 5, 2012

STRAUSS, Oswald (Ozzie), age 97, died in Victoria on May 5, 2012 as a result of an accident. His family was at his side when he passed away. Born on May 12, 1914 in Kemeri, Latvia, Oswald moved to Riga to complete his education. As a marine engineer he served in World War II and later in the British Merchant Navy, sailing between Liverpool and ports throughout western Europe and in the Mediterranean. He immigrated to Vancouver, Canada and worked on the steamship Prince George, Canadian National Rail's cruise ship to Alaska. He became a Canadian citizen on December 20, 1956. Oswald later transferred his skills to land operations and settled in Port Alberni, working as a steam engineer at the MacMillan Bloedel pulp and paper mill until his retirement. He was an enthusiastic and skilled tennis player, and enjoyed hiking and camping along the west coast of North America. On his retirement, Oswald moved to White Rock, travelled widely and continued his love of the ocean through his sailboat, moored at Crescent Beach Marina. He successfully completed the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron boating course at the age of 74, and sailed around the south coast into his 80's. Oswald was husband to Velta and Clementine (Tina), and beloved friend and companion to Maria; all deceased. He is survived by his daughters Irene, Ingrid (Russ), and Aneita; and grandchildren Jared, Kyla, Brynn, and Kieran. Thank you to Maria's daughter Flavianne and other family members for their help and support during Oswald's retirement years. Thanks also to Berwick House and Victoria General Hospital staff for their encouragement, compassion and support.