Gundar Eric Viesturs, 70, born October 7, 1946, died peacefully in his home, while holding his daughters’ hands, in St Petersburg, FL on August 18, 2017.
Gundar lived in St. Petersburg, FL, but was at home in many places. He is survived by his adult daughters, Heidi Viesturs, of Excelsior, MN and Erica Newkirk, of Syracuse, NY; Morris Francis, whom he considered a brother; Dana Carroll and Harmony Field who are also his family; devoted friend and confidant Lorraine Harper; and, numerous friends both old and new.
Gundar was born in Weilburg, Germany, and in 1949 he immigrated as a displaced person to the US with his parents Eric and Inga, his aunt Aida, and his beloved Grandfather. He grew up in New England, and spent his formative years in Wilton, CT where he gained his lifelong reputation as a great dancer, a rebel with a kind heart, and the most fun person to host, or invite, to a party (especially a Halloween party). He was drafted into the US Army in 1966, and served honorably until the end of 1968.
Gundar never let his work define him, although he excelled wearing any given hat he chose (and he loved his hats) — inventor, manager, salesman, techie, mechanic, and many more. He lived to embrace the day, flirt with the ladies, and make sure his daughters knew they were loved. He had a life-long passion for anything with a motor — cars, boats, or motorcycles — and there was never an engine he could not fix.
Gundar was famous for his clam linguini, his love of fine wine, good liquor, and cheap beer; and his drive to catch an ever bigger fish. He could be a curmudgeon, especially when he would forget to eat, yet he would never lose his playful smile.
Many of us have lost their best friend, but even more of us have gained a clever and caring angel.
A military memorial service will occur at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. Service is coordinated by Veterans Funeral Care at 15381 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater fl, 33760, 727.524.9202.
What a beautiful tribute to a great man. He’ll will surely be missed by many. Our thoughts and love are with you now.
Erica and Heidi I am so very sorry for your loss. This was a very nice tribute to your dad. Take comfort in knowing that your dad is happy and at rest knowing that his girls are back in each others lives.
A lovely and accurate tribute to a great character. I will miss Gundar’s sense of humor and his amazing lust for living life fully. He gave me courage with his kind words when I was 13 years old and self-conscious. He continued to give me that unconditional love throughout the years. I am forever grateful for having him in my life. Via con dios, beautiful Gundar!
I am sorry, so sorry for our loss! I often think of that wicked smile and the twinkle in his eyes! Now he is flirting with the angels… Go Gundar Go!
Heidi. What a wonderful tribute to Gundar. I smile everytime I think of all the great dinners we had together. He will be missed. Sending love to all of you.
So sorry for your loss. Though I remember him well, especially hating when he came to pick you up from play dates, I wish I had known him better. Love you so much. Such a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. Sending love to everyone he touched and the whole family.
Emily, Jon and Sammy
Gundar was a great friend, and his loss is felt deeply by those of us who had the pleasure to know him.
Gundar and I shared many adventures, and, briefly a home. From road trips through Cape Cod, wine tasting in Napa, Halloween parties in Marin County, avoiding a DUI in Santa Barbara, enjoying bottles of Cristal everywhere, and searching for dog noses in Provincetown there is no one who enjoyed life or lived it fuller than Gundar.
One thing that was constant is his love for Heidi and Erica.
When asked to describe Gundar, I would always say “He had an unlimited expense account and he exceeded it.”