Oswald Riisma was born in Märjamaa, Estonia on May 19, 1920 and lived to be 100 years old, passing away peacefully at his home in Boca Raton, Florida on July 15, 2020.
Oswald was an entrepreneur in both Toronto, Canada and subsequently in Florida, USA.
He arrived in Canada in 1951 and started working as assistant cook and waiter at a Badminton and Racquet Club in Toronto.
He then purchased and operated his own restaurant in the business district of downtown Toronto.
Following that he purchased both a restaurant and a Country Style Doughnuts in the city’s west end. Oswald was also an active member of the Estonian Theatre Group.
In 1969 he moved to Florida and became the owner and operator of the 16 unit Saltaire Apts. in the tourist beach district of Ft. Lauderdale.
Later in 1977 he became the owner and manager of the 26 unit Aqua Mar Apts on the Intracoastal Waterway in Pompano Beach. In 1989 he built the 17 unit Seville Gardens Condominium in Boca Raton.
Oswald served as president of the Estonian National Association of South Florida and was an active member and officer of the Estonian Lutheran Church.
Oswald is remembered by his son Rick for his hard work and strong discipline.
He remembers his father waking up early, sometimes too early, either during the week or Saturday morning, doing maintenance and landscaping work on the grounds at Aqua Mar Apts.
Oswald stressed the importance of working outside.
He had a good vision for business and strong willpower stressing the importance of maintaining good property in South Florida.
Oswald had a kind heart and much respect and love for his family and others.
He was a very proud person with a daily routine of physical fitness in being an original and lifetime member of Vic Tanny’s Gym.
He was well known as a sharp dresser and a true gentleman.
He is lovingly remembered and mourned by his wife Maire, his son Richard (Michelle) and his daughter Veronica (Jon); grandchildren Marilyn, Kinsley and step-grandson Thomas.
Also fondly remembered by his extended family in Estonia of his nephew Tiit, his nephew Rein (Ivi), his niece Marika, his great nephews Timo, Joel, Hanno, Silver, Hannus, Andres and his great nieces Kirke, Kaija and Kristiina.
Also remembered by his dear cousin Arved Maiste and his daughters Lisa and Anita.
Rest in peace dear Ossi.
