Victor Heifetz

December 20, 2025

Victor “Vitya” Heifetz passed away this past Thursday, December 18th, 2025 in Richmond Hill, Ontario. He lived a full life spanning two continents; born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1952 to parents Laser and Eleonora Heifetz, immigrating to Canada in the early ‘90s with the help of his aunt Joy and other relatives. He graduated with a Masters degree in electrical engineering from the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, continuing a fulsome career in computer science.

Vitya was an avid mountaineer and swimmer throughout his life, acknowledged as a Master of Sports in the U.S.S.R He was a lover of nature and an outdoorsman, with a strong sense of internal direction and a passion for exploration of Canada’s national parks. He taught this passion to his children, passing down his knowledge of foraging and survival skills. His kindness and humility spread beyond the  home, opening his doors to strangers in need. He maintained life-long friends across the globe who he held dear in his heart.

He is survived by his wife Raissa, his sister Ira and the extended family in New York, daughters Alina and Joy, and granddaughters Ettie and Silvie. A wonderful husband and father, loved and respected by all his friends and family for his extraordinarily kindness, anecdotes, and sarcasm. He will be missed.

Donations may be made to the Baycrest Foundation, {https://baycrestfoundation.org/make-a-general-donation/}.