Obituary of Valfrid Herbert Vontso

Dr. Valfrid Herbert Vontso, born in Tallinn, Estonia, October 22, 1910 died at the Turnbull Nursing Home, Saint John, New Brunswick on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 after a brief stay at the Saint John Regional Hospital. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 72 years, Elfriede Vontso on 29 July, 2007, whom he joined at the Turnbull Home in March, 2007. Dr. Valfrid Vontso was the only son of Louise and Gustav Vontso, predeceased in Estonia. He graduated in Medicine from Tartu University, Estonia and specialized in Internal Medicine. In 1935 he married Elfriede Vontso. With his wife and two young daughters he had to flee his homeland during the Russian invasion of Estonia in 1943. He led his family through the war fronts in Europe to safety in West Germany. He was able to work for UNRRA (United Nations Refugee Rehabilitation Association) and on behalf of the British Occupying Forces supervised health care for the refugee camps set up during the post World War II period. He moved to Australia, where he and his wife (a pharmacist) assisted with health care for refugees. Unable to return to Estonia, still occupied by Russians, he chose to emigrate to Canada. Recruited by Sister Veronica of Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. Vontso emigrated to Saint John, New Brunswick in 1954. After serving an internship year at St. St. Joseph’s, he achieved his Canadian qualifications and joined the Saint John Tuberculosis Hospital in East Saint John and attained a Fellowship in the American College of Chest Physicians, retiring in 1975 as Assistant Director of the Saint John Tuberculosis Hospital. He was a member of the Saint John Medical Society, honored for his years of service. After retirement he served a couple of years as the Medical Health Officer in Saint John and for the Saint John Department of health. Dr. Vontso excelled in a number of activities. In his university days he played the piano with ease and enjoyed playing in a jazz combo. He was a speed skater ranked at the Estonian national level. In Europe he umpired professional soccer and himself won in competitive ping-pong. Proficiency in languages allowed him to adapt to new environments quickly and successfully. He learned English ‘on his feet’ when he needed to converse and then was asked to teach English to other Europeans immigrating to Australia on the ship from Italy. Music, sports and reading gave him much pleasure. During his Saint John years he supported the symphony and was an avid fan of local hockey and baseball. He joined the Canadian Militia in Saint John and participated in training camps held in Gagetown. In his late senior years, he gave his devoted support to his dearly loved wife, a resident at the Loch Lomond Villa for five years. He is remembered for facing life’s challenges with positive energy, firm resolve, hard work, persistence, a sense of duty, caring and love for his wife and family. Survived by two daughters, Kersti (Bill) Covert of Saint John and Helvi (Tom) of Jackson, MS., six grandchildren, Drs. Liara, Cristina and Sabrina (Dan Woo) Covert, Keltie, Devin, Eden Thomas, and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by granddaughter, Karine “Kari” Alyssa Covert; two brother-in-laws, Herbert Vanase and Arnold Meister; and sister-in-law Olly Vanase. Special thanks to all the nurses, LPN’s and care givers who provided compassionate service and care. Grateful thanks to Drs. Winston Lee, Bill Irving, James Ashfield, Greg Clark, Mark Endfield and Mahesh Raju who were there for his special needs and his family. The family invite friends to join them at Brenans Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row (634-7424) between 10:30 and 11:00 am to proceed to Fernhill Cemetery for prayers at the grave site at 11:30 am Saturday, September 8, 2007 with Pastor Tom Graham of Hope Lutheran Church officiating. Afterwards there will be a lunch reception at 20 Horton Road, Rothesay.