Arvids was passionate about athletics and obviously enjoyed being around like minded people. His property was a rare jewel that I had the privilege of visiting on several occasions for throwing events. Calling them competitions would be a misnomer. They were more like family get togethers. His life long interest in sport and generosity made it all possible. I don't think I will ever compete in a more beautiful place. I will always remember the amazing big trees and the friends I made there. Thank you Arvids.

Had great respect for Arvids,unasuming but great person.
Many athletes had benefitted from him and his facility.
Myself, I will be ever grateful.

Garry Bachman

Arvids you were such a kind and generous man.  Your hospitality was amazing and your hard work and dedication to the throwers club was incredible! Thank you for sharing your beautiful property- you will be missed by many.  Rest in Peace Arvids- you deserve it.

It has been an honour to throw in Stouffville, a place where I cherished  (and will miss dearly) the comradeliness of everyone from the Throwers Club. Thank you Mr. Zakis for making this happen by sharing your wonderful facility. Your generosity has  contributed to the success of many throwers of all ages. May you rest in peace.     

Mes sincères sympathies.

Arvids war a man of few words but the pride about his beautiful property and the joy of sharing it with the Throwers showed on his face.
He also let us use his field for practices at any time as if it was our own.
We think of him with gratitude and will never forget his generosity.

Max and Renate Woerle, Etobicoke, Ontario

Arvids hardwork, kindness and hospitality to everyone was truely appreciated by all and He will be sorely missed

May He rest in peace                  David and Barbara Morris  ( Toronto. Ont )

Arvids will be remembered for his kindness and sadly missed.
Rest in peace.

Arvids Zakis, founder and patriarch of the Throwers Club and its predecessor the Latvian Track & Field Club (LTFC), will be greatly missed but his memory will live on for his many contributions to our sport. It was 50 years ago in 1962 that Arvids built the throwing circles at his farm in Stouffville and launched LTFC.  In those days he also held jumps and some running events.  In 1998 the Latvian Club became the Throwers Club which has developed into the premier masters throwing club in Canada.

This also brings to a close a remarkable career of 75 years of consecutive throwing.  From the first time he picked up a shot when he was 16, Arvids has competed in throwing every single year since. When he turned 90 we held a special meet in his honour and he completed the full throws pentathlon.  Arvids last competition was a triathlon on September 10, 2011 about one month shy of his 91st birthday.  This spring in May he was still driving his beloved tractor around to cut the grass and clean up debris in our annual cleanup.

Arvids was truly a pioneer for masters athletics in Canada and an enthusiastic supporter especially of masters throwing.  Over the years many people have enjoyed completing in the beauty and tranquility of Stouffville.  He always graciously made his farm available and never asked for anything in return except for people to enjoy themselves. 

It is certainly ironic but perhaps appropriate that our last meet at Stouffville will be this coming Saturday September 15th.  It will be an opportunity to not only enjoy one last meet at this fine facility but as well to celebrate the life, accomplishments and legacy of Arvids.  I am sure that he will be looking down on us.

Our deepest sympathies on behalf of everyone in the Throwers Club

Bill Pearson
Presient

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Mr Arvids Zakis

5 octobre 1920 – 11 septembre 2012

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel

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