Modris Guntars Kucs, 80, a resident of Waynesboro, VA, passed away Wednesday December 23, 2020 at his home.

A son of the late Arvids and Elza (Stabulnieks) Kucs, he was born August 26, 1940 in the city of Aluksne, Latvia in Europe.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Elaine Kucs of Waynesboro, VA.

He emigrated with his parents from Europe to the United States in March of 1950, settled in Lyndhurst, VA, and became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. in 1963.

Mr. Kucs earned his B.A. degree in English from the University of Virginia in 1963 and an M.A. in English from Ohio State University in Athens, OH in 1973. His career in teaching high school students took him from Milford, DE to Virginia Beach, VA; Chopticon , MD and Wilson Memorial High School, Fishersville, VA.

Later, he worked on surveying crews for John McNair & Associates, and Clark and Sheffer.

From 1990 until 2009, he worked at the Village Garden Center in Fishersville. During this time, he was a member of the Virginia Defense Force (1991-2005), retiring with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Mr. Kucs' hobbies included reading and stamp collecting; also speaking his native Latvian, along with English, German, Spanish, and Russian. He was a World War II and American Civil War buff. He also had a great love for animals.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday January 7, 2021 in Augusta Memorial Park, officiated by Fr. Rolo Castillo.

Memorial remembrances may be made to the Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington DC, 20037; the Wildlife Center of Virginia, P.O. Box 1557, Waynesboro, VA 22980; or to a charity of your choice.