Mike Zoobkoff
August 11, 1928 - May 1, 2008
Mike Zoobkoff, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on the evening of May 1, 2008 after a brief illness in the Kootenay Boundary Hospital in Trail, BC.
Mike was born on August 11, 1928 to Mike and Polly Zoobkoff in a village in Ootischenia. He left the village at a young age to begin work and joined the Teamsters Union Local 213. This was the start of a construction career that spanned 43 years, building many road, dam and pipeline projects throughout the province of BC.
On April 1, 1957 he married Mary Gretchen of Shoreacres, BC. They lived in Blueberry Creek, BC for 46 years, where they raised three children, Nina, Dan and Allen. Mike’s interests were wide and varied. Sports, fishing, fly-tying, photography and aviation are just a few. He had a great love of travel which took him to places like Mexico, Hawaii and Portugal and across Canada and the USA, but his most cherished hobby was choral singing and he was a proud member of the Kootenay Men’s Choir and Tri-Choir.
He was a gentle man with a great sense of humour who enjoyed taking his grandchildren on fishing trips, swimming, visits to the mall and watching them play hockey and baseball.
He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife of 51 years, Mary, daughter Nina (Briane) Verigin o Winlaw, son Dan (Penny) Zoobkoff of Shoreacres, son Allen (Nina) Zoobkoff of Castlegar and grandchildren, Amanda, Ryan, Katrina Verigin, Eric and Trenton Zoobkoff and Allison and Carly Zoobkoff. His sister, Nellie Samsonoff of Shoreacres and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Polly, sister Pauline Ray and brother, Bill Zoobkoff.
Funeral services were held at the Brilliant Cultural Centre on May 7 & 8th with burial at the Ootischenia Cemetery.
His family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the Psalmists and singers, the cooks, gravediggers, and all the family and friends that supported us with prayers, words of comfort, food, baking, flowers and cards, Leonard Voykin who officiated the service, Bill Strilieff and staff of the
Castlegar Funeral Chapel, the nurses and staff of Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital and Talarico Place, you are all so greatly appreciated.
May he rest in peace in God’s Heavenly Kingdom and find his place in God’s Choir.