When I was a kid and Richard and Erica did not have children yet, our families used to spend hot summer Sundays on a flat rock on the shore of Tournene Lake (across the hyway from Bear Lake) smoking perch in a homade smoker, which was a barrel with a duct with a wood fire in it at the bottom. We caught the fish from the rock ledge. Richard and Erica could never remember to bring their bathing suits and my parents asked me to look in the other direction while they went in the water and came out. You can still see the flat ledge on the lakeshore on your way to Kirkland Lake from Virginiatown. This is one of my favorite memories of my Godparents.
ERIKA GUTMANIS,
2021
Gutmanis, Erika -Loving mother and grandmother passed away peacefully in the arms of her son Peter on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at the age of 86. Predeceased by her husband Richards, she is survived by her sons Peter and Arthur (Kate) and grandsons Rod, Sam and Tyler. Long time resident of Virginiatown, Erika immigrated to Canada from her native Latvia in the 1940’s to avoid the war in the hopes of finding a new life. She will always be remembered as a great conversationalist who loved her family, the outdoors, her garden, baking and having tea with her friends. She will be missed. Special thanks to the staff at Extendicare for their special care and all the residents who showed Erika much kindness and allowed her to maintain the best quality of life possible. Cremation has taken place as per Erika’s wishes, and a small memorial service will take place at 10:30 am Saturday, September 11, 2010 from the “Teck-Hughes” Chapel of the Monette & French Funeral Home. (450 Government Road West, Kirkland Lake, ON., P2N 3L1). Donations in Erika’s memory may be made to Extendicare (155 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, ON., P2N 3P4) or to the charity of your choice.Offer Condolence for the family of Erika Gutmanis