I am hoping to raise funds to help cover the funeral expenses of my wife Beatrise’s dad and my father in law, Edmunds Tropis, who sadly took his own life aged just 50 years old.

As he was living in Germany, the costs have really spiralled as they include bringing the immediate family from Latvia and the Czech Republic to him in Germany, arranging things there and then, finally, bringing his remains back home to Latvia to be laid to rest.

Despite him living and working for many years in Germany, unfortunately, there is no financial assistance available to our family to partly cover the bereavement costs, as none of us are German residents/citizens.

The financial burden, coupled with such an unexpected loss, has placed a huge strain on our family, so, while it is not easy to ask for help, we would appreciate any support that people felt they were able to give.  

He welcomed me into his family from our first meeting and really tried to get around our language barrier, which is something I will always be grateful to him for. Many of you may have only met him briefly or never, so I would like to share a little bit more about him.

From a young age, music was one of his passions. In fact, he was one of the founding members of one of the first and most influential Latvian alternative/punk rock bands ‘Zig Zag’. Playing the bass guitar, he helped to create their unique sound, recorded two albums and toured extensively for a number of years.

His technical engineering skills together with his love for music enabled him to work for Radio SWH, the first commercial radio station in Latvia, which at the time was in many ways revolutionary and continues to be one of the most listened to stations in Latvia.

His many talents led to him being known as having ‘golden hands’ amongst his family and friends. He was always selfless and willing to help out anyone who needed it. His DIY skills ranged from renovating houses and fixing computers to painting and making clothes and toys for his two daughters.

Over the years, financial hardship and severe health issues took a toll on his artistic spirit and sensitive soul, as he struggled increasingly with depression. The support he was always so willing to give to others, he himself was unable to look for.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind people that help is always there and to never be too shy or afraid to ask for it. 

Thank you all for your support and well wishes in this difficult time.

With love,

Patrick, Beatrise and Diana