Obituary of Ilmar Heinsoo

1923-2012 HEINSOO, Ilmar. Ilmar passed away peacefully on Friday, September 7, 2012 at Ehatare Nursing Home, Toronto, nearly thirteen years after suffering a debilitating stroke. Beloved husband of the late Margot and cherished father of the late Katrin, he is survived by his son Thomas (Kristiina) , grandsons Benjamin Brand, Jakob and Mihkel Heinsoo, and by his brother Olav in Sweden. Born on June 24, 1923 in Valgejoe, Estonia, Ilmar was educated in Tallinn. Like many of his young compatriots, he joined Finnish forces as an officer in an ultimately futile attempt to free his homeland from the tyranny of the Soviet Union. He fled to Sweden and eventually settled in England, where he graduated from the University of London with a degree in Economics. He fell in love with a fellow émigré named Margot and they married on her birthday in 1950. The newlyweds immigrated to Canada, and Ilmar founded Heinsoo Insurance Brokers Ltd. in Toronto in 1951. Ilmar was proficient in Estonian, English, Finnish, German and Swedish. His gift for languages and strong work ethic enabled him to establish a successful business that continues to this day under the direction of his son Thomas. Ilmar was a passionate champion of Estonian independence. He was also active in many community organizations in Toronto, enjoying a lively social life with Margot. In 1971 he was appointed Hon. Consul General of Estonia in Canada, a position he held for nearly 30 years. Ilmar's staunch advocacy of Canada's official non-recognition policy of the illegal occupation of the Baltic States won him the respect of many. He had good friends in Canadian municipal, provincial and federal political circles. His lifelong efforts to restore an independent, democratic Estonia were recognized in 1996 when he was awarded an Estonian Presidential Medal. The freedom and peace that Canadians enjoy were never taken for granted by Ilmar. He was glad to be of service to his adopted country when that opportunity arose. His kind heart, dry wit, integrity and optimism were well known. He had a talent for finding common ground between opposing parties and points of view. A true gentleman, Ilmar was a diplomat in every sense of the word. An avid photographer and sportsman, he especially enjoyed tennis and skiing. He was never happier than when floating in a canoe at sunset or enjoying a sauna at the cottage in Haliburton. His greatest joy in life was his family. We will miss him dearly. Special thanks to Loretta Spencer for her many years of kindness in caring for Ilmar, as well as to the staff and volunteers at Ehatare Nursing Home for their excellent care. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 14 at 11a.m. at St. Andrew's Estonian Lutheran Church (Jarvis/Carlton), Toronto. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Chair of Estonian Studies at the University of Toronto. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Murray E. Newbigging Funeral Home. Online condolences are welcomed at www.newbiggingfuneralhome.com