Obituary of Ivars Vikelis

Ivars Vikelis died on July 23, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 11, 1937 to Eduards and Erna Vikelis in Riga, Latvia. In 1944 Ivars, his parents and his sister Inese left Latvia for Germany, then in 1950 they immigrated to the United States. They settled in Bellevue, Washington, and then moved to Seattle. He graduated in 1956 from Queen Anne High School. Ivars worked at Shell Oil, Libbys, and then retired from HW Baker Linen Company after 30 years of service. He met Cecelia, a widow with 4 sons, at the German Club in Seattle and married her in 1969. Ivars joined Cecelia and the boys in Edmonds and lived there for 17 years before moving to Lynnwood. They lived in Lynnwood for 14 years then retired to Arlington, Washington. Ivars was known for his gardens, those pesky moles and his beautiful Dahlias, traveling, making Latvian pickles, and enjoying his grandkids, family and friends. He truly enjoyed entertaining in his home. Everyone was always made to feel welcome. Ivars was preceded in death by his parents and his 18 year-old grandson Ryan, who lost his battle with Muscular Dystrophy on October 14, 2008.Ivars is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Cecelia; his sister Inese and his nephew Erik; sons Richard (Carol), Robs (Carla), Phil (Janelle), and Mike; his grandkids Kyle, Alex, R.J., Monika, Andrea, and Amanda; his goddaughters Rita and Benita; as well as numerous relatives in Canada, Latvia, and the United States.Services will be held at the Latvian Lutheran Church, 11710 3rd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125 on August 7, 2009 at 4:00pm. There will be a recn immediately following.In lieu of flowers we ask that you make donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation or the Latvian Church in Ivars name.Wed like to thank Dr. Dong and his wonde staff at Northwest Hospital for all their care and support.