Dear Estonian community near and far,

It is with a heavy heart that I share news of former EANC president Mati Kõiva’s passing. Mati Kõiva passed on Monday, May 4, 2020 in Windsor, Connecticut.

Mati Kõiva was a steady and consummate leader in the Estonian American community. He was as an effective representative on the Estonian American National Council for nearly 40 years and led as EANC president from 1996-2006. Mati Kõiva also represented EANC on the Estonian World Council for 12 years and was active on The Nordic Press board (president for four).

Lieutenant Colonel Mati Kõiva’s distinguished service in the US army reserve as well as his dedication in the fight to restore an independent Republic of Estonia and to aid in building the country´s successful future were reflective of his character and leadership style.  EANC continues the missions that Mati believed in so deeply.   

Throughout life, Mati Kõiva found opportunities to strengthen the Estonian community and took on important leadership roles in Estonian American organizations. He was a founding member of the Connecticut Estonian scout troop Vikerlased, and went on to head the Council of Estonian Scouting, USA, for many years, thereby helping develop and carry on a strong Estonian scouting movement here in the United States. While Mati Kõiva’s impact was strongly felt in Connecticut, where he was president of the Connecticut Estonian Society for many years, he was similarly engaged in Maryland and Chicago Estonian communities, and a member of Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In 2012, the EANC recognized Mati Kõiva with the “EANC Outstanding Service Award” and he was on hand to accept the award with family by his side. The award was presented before an audience that included Estonian President Toomas H. Ilves, who offered his congratulations and thanks personally. Mati Kõiva was also known outside of the United States for his service to Estonia. In 1998 the President of the Republic of Estonia awarded him the Order of the White Star, III Class. In Estonia’s Presidential registry Mati Kõiva is listed as “Freedom fighter.”

ERKÜ remembers Mati Kõiva as a steadfast colleague and example of quiet leadership, and we respectfully honor his service to the United States as well as his dedication to building the Estonian American community and helping restore and rebuild the independent Republic of Estonia. His knowledge and support for Estonia throughout the decades has been exemplary, and his contributions will not be forgotten.

EANC extends our heartfelt condolences to Mati’s daughter, Laine Kõiva Kingo of Connecticut, and grandchildren Hendrik and Angelika, to their extended family, and to Mati´s friends, colleagues and compatriots.

Leelo Linask

Executive Director                                                                                                     6 May 2020

A note from Mati´s family:

A memorial will be planned for a later date, once it is safe for groups to gather.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that Mati would be best remembered by donating in his memory to an Estonian American organization of your choosing, or to one of the many Estonian American organizations he championed, including Connecticut Estonian Society, Vaba Eesti Sõna newspaper publisher The Nordic Press, the Estonian American National Council, etc.)

Connecticut Estonian Society

                 c/o C.E.S. Treasurer Margus Laan, 3 Russell Street, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492

The Nordic Press                                                                                                                  publisher of the Estonian-weekly newspaper in the US, Vaba Eesti Sõna:

www.vabaeestisona.com, or The Nordic Press, c/o Treasurer Eve Saar, New York Estonian House, 243 E. 34^th St., New York, NY 10016. Donations can be designated through the EANC.

Eesti Rahvuskomitee Ühendriikides – Estonian American National Council, Inc.       www.estosite.org, or donations c/o EANC Exec. Director, 16 Pepperidge Road, Monroe, CT 06468.