Izidorius Jonaitis

Seventh and nineth President of the Australian Lithuanian Community, Sydney, 1959 - 1960, 1963-1964

Izidorius Jonaitis was born on 3 May 1909 in Paežeriai Šeduva, into a large farming family of five brothers and two sisters. With the support of his elder brother, he completed his primary and secondary education in Radviliškis and Šiauliai before enrolling at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering and architecture.

From an early age, Izidorius was deeply inspired by the ideals of scouting. His enthusiasm continued during his university years, culminating in the founding of the scout corporation “Vytis” at Vytautas Magnus University, of which he served as president in 1931–1932.

After completing his engineering studies, he also graduated from the Military School and served for a time in the Lithuanian Air Force, where he learned to fly. Later, he worked professionally as an architect and construction contractor, and for a period he was employed in the Ministry of Education in Vilnius within the engineering department.

In 1944, Jonaitis was forced to leave Lithuania due to the war. He moved to Austria, and from 1945 to 1949 lived in a displaced persons camp in Ravensburg, Germany. There he taught at the Lithuanian Gymnasium and conducted construction courses for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA).

On 31 May 1949, Izidorius and his wife Whilemina arrived in Australia aboard the Skaugum. He first worked for the New South Wales Railways in Sydenham and, from 1951 to 1971, served in the New South Wales State Architect’s Office, where he helped design hospitals and other public buildings.

Jonaitis remained deeply committed to community life. He served twice as Chairman of the Regional Board of the Lithuanian Community of Australia, dedicating great effort to restoring unity and harmony within the organisation. He was also a long-time member of the Advisory Editorial Board of “Mūsų Pastogė,” an avid chess player, and an active scout leader. Through his initiative, the “Vytis” academic circle of scouts was established in Sydney.

One of his most enduring contributions was the organisation of the first Australian Lithuanian Days in 1960 — a milestone cultural event that strengthened the bonds of the Lithuanian diaspora in Australia.

Izidorius Jonaitis passed away on 7 June 1995, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to Lithuanian culture and community life.

Stepas Kovalskis - a true aristocrat of spirit

 

Fifth President of the National Council, Sydney 1957 – 25 October 1958

Stepas Kovalskis was born on 28 May 1905 in Bern, Switzerland. After graduating from Ukmergė State Gymnasium in 1925, he studied law at the Faculty of Law, Vytautas Magnus University, in Kaunas. During his studies, he was an active member of the Lithuanian student organisation L.S.T. Korp! "Neo Lithuania."

Upon completing his legal studies, Kovalskis began his career as a bailiff in Kaunas and later worked as a notary in Molėtai, Panevėžys, and Šakiai.

In October 1944, the turmoil of war forced him to leave his homeland. He lived in various German cities—Dresden, Ravensburg, Ulm, Schwäbisch Gmünd, and Stuttgart—before emigrating to Australia in 1949 with his wife, Gražina, and their children. They arrived aboard the ship Nelly in November 1949.

Initially, the family settled in Sydney, later moving to Canberra, where Stepas spent the last seven years of his life.

Stepas left an enduring mark on the Australian Lithuanian community. A man of great administrative talent and exceptional intellect, he served as President of the National Council from 1956 to 1958. Under his leadership, the National Board revitalized the community by launching new cultural initiatives. One of his most significant achievements was the establishment of the Council of Culture and its inclusion in the Community Statute. He is remembered as the founder and chief architect of the Council’s activities and as one of the most devoted supporters of the first Lithuanian Art Days in Australia.

Kovalskis was known for his forward-thinking vision in both social and cultural spheres. His guiding principle was: “Everything needs to be planned at least ten years ahead.”

Those who knew him admired not only his intellect and deep erudition but also his integrity, tolerance, and genuine kindness. As Izidorius Jonaitis, a long-time colleague, once said: “He was a true aristocrat of spirit.”

His untimely passing was a great loss not only to the Lithuanian community in Australia but also to Lithuanians around the world. He left behind the example of a noble personality and a creative Lithuanian who deeply believed in the immortality of the nation. His life was guided by respect for others and love for his fellow human beings.

More than 150 friends and relatives gathered to pay their final respects when Stepas passed away on 5 November 1964. His funeral took place in northern Sydney, where an open casket allowed mourners to bid him farewell. His ashes rest in the Lithuanian section of Rookwood Cemetery, inscribed with the words: “Respect for others was your strength.”

His beloved wife, Gražina, passed away on 21 April 1995 and rests beside him.

References

Mūsų Pastogė 9 Nov 1964 p1
Mūsų Pastogė16 Nov 1964
National Archive of Australia
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