Peter Ozolins, of Roanoke, Virginia died in a tractor-trailer collision on October 2, 2019. He was 64 years old.
Peter was a dedicated husband, father, uncle, friend, architect, professor, traveler, avid reader, and linguist. He lived in six countries and spoke five languages. Peter was an attentive student throughout his life, always eager to learn about the people and places he encountered.
Together with Mary, his wife and “co-pilot” of 35 years, Peter designed and built a loving home, developed a homestead on their farm, and raised two daughters, Tiana and Marija. Mary and Peter grew up together in Minneapolis, Minnesota and later lived in Madagascar, Tanzania, and Kenya, where they were married, before settling in beautiful Southwest Virginia. Their daughters will continue to be inspired by Peter’s boundless curiosity and enthusiasm as they each pursue education, travel, and living in new places.
Peter operated his own architecture firm, Peter Ozolins Architect, for nearly twenty years before joining Hughes Associates in Roanoke in 2017. He received his PhD in Environmental Design and Planning from Virginia Tech. His work focused on sustainable and institutional design, including universities, hospitals, and other facilities, which he designed throughout the world. Many of his buildings adorn Blacksburg and the surrounding areas and are characterized by thoughtful, light-filled spaces.
Peter, a converted animal lover, could often be found with his dog Pepper perched on his lap. He was an irrepressible jokester with a quick wit and an easy smile. He and Mary were most easily located by the sounds of their laughter.
Peter’s parents, Karlis and Sulamit, were refugees from Latvia and passed away many years ago. Peter was also preceded in death by daughter, Julia Agnes Ozolins; sister-in-law, Minda Bakken; brother-in-law, Leo Lisovskis; and mother-in-law, Ginger Bakken.
Peter dearly loved his sister and brother, Dina Lisovskis and Andrew (Laura); brothers-in-law, Mark, John (Liza), and Baheru (Ayalnesh); nieces and nephews, Imants (Vanessa, Maija), Karlis (Marlena), Megan (Tyler), Nick, Mateo, Meklit, and Abel; father-in-law Dr. Norman Bakken; son-in-law, Erik Stier; best friend from junior high, Joe Moses (Janet, Katie, Michael, Patrick); many cousins in Latvia, and all the wonderful friends involved in a “Boys Work Day” monthly productive gathering, book group, and from time living overseas, where friends become one’s family. He will be greatly missed by all of these loved ones and many more.
In memory of Peter, the family asks that donations be made to the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley, I-81 Corridor Safety Project (
http://shenandoahalliance.org/donate).
A memorial service and celebration of Peter’s life was held on Friday, October 11, at College Lutheran Church in Salem, Virginia.