Respected Lithuanian-American Arvydas Barzdukas Dies at 89

Arvydas Barzdukas, a prominent figure in the Lithuanian-American community, has passed away. Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, in 1934, Barzdukas was displaced by World War II and later settled in the United States. He pursued a career in architecture, earning a bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve University and practicing for over five decades. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

“

However, he left perhaps the most significant mark through his public and Lithuanian activities. From his youth, he actively participated in Ateitininkai activities – he was a member of the board of the Student Ateitininkai Union, worked for ten years on the board of the Ateitininkai Federation, organized camps, and oversaw their programs and education.

Barzdukas also served two years in the U.S. Army and was actively involved in American sports organizations. He dedicated five years to the USA Swimming board of directors and spent thirty years on swimming rules and regulations committees, even serving as a qualified national-level judge for major competitions, including the 1996 Olympic trials.

“

Barzdukas was one of the most active figures in the Lithuanian-American Community (JAV LB). He served as a member and secretary of the JAV LB Council, a member of the JAV LB National Board, a member of the Public Affairs Council, a member of the JAV LB Bylaws and Rules Committee, chairman of the Southeastern District, and a member of the Washington Lithuanian Community Board.

However, Barzdukas left his most significant mark through his public and Lithuanian-focused activities. From a young age, he was involved with the Ateitininkai movement, holding leadership positions and organizing youth camps. He was a key figure in the Lithuanian-American Community (JAV LB), serving on its council, board, and various committees. He also drafted bylaws that were adopted by both the global and U.S. Lithuanian communities.

“

He prepared the rules of procedure for meetings in Lithuanian, which were used by both the World Lithuanian Community and the Lithuanian-American Community, and was also one of the editors of the JAV LB bylaws.

His initiative in 1989 led to the establishment of the JAV LB Public Affairs Office in Washington D.C., which became a crucial voice for the community in the U.S. capital, advocating for Lithuania's freedom. Barzdukas also contributed his professional expertise to the maintenance and renovation projects of the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington and supported various Lithuanian organizations and children's welfare initiatives in Lithuania. He was a regular contributor to Lithuanian newspapers, writing articles and letters.

“

The office of the Public Affairs Council of the JAV LB, established in Washington in 1989 on A. Barzdukas's initiative, became an important voice for the Lithuanian community in the U.S. capital and significantly contributed to presenting Lithuania's freedom aspirations to U.S. politicians and administration representatives. This was the first institutional step by the Lithuanian-American Community to systematically represent Lithuania's interests in Washington.