We are sad to announce the passing of Alec Soobotin, of Blueberry Creek, at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 11, 2016, blessed with 88 years of life.
Alec was born on November 26, 1927, in Mikado (Near Yorkton) Saskatchewan, to Paul and Luscha Soobotin. Alec had 1 younger sister, Patsy, and 3 older brothers, Paul, Nick and John.
At the age of 2, Alec and his family moved to the Paulson Area near Christina Lake. At the age of 5, they moved to Drewry on Kootenay Lake, and at the age of 7 to Crescent Valley.
At the age of 14, in grade 7, he quit school and started working. He began in Nelson in a Chinese restaurant, then picked fruit in the Okanagan, and worked on the Brilliant and Waneta dams. In 1951, Alec started at Canadian Pacific Railway and retired from there in 1989 as a railroad engineer at the age of 62.
In 1950, Alec met Nettie Anastasia Astafooroff in Grand Forks. After 3 dates, they were married. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage, 2 children, Alan and Gloria, and 6 grandchildren, Brittney, Krista, Justin, Chas, Shane and Roxanne. Alec was predeceased by all his siblings, his parents, his son, and his wife. He is survived by his daughter and grandchildren.
During his retirement years, Alec and Nettie spent quality time together, travelling and enjoying the outdoors. We will miss his card games. Never once, at whatever age, did he “let” his opponent win.
Until we meet again…
Funeral Services were officiated by Peter Salikin at Castlegar Funeral Chapel on Friday, February 19. 2016 followed by interment in the Shoreacres Cemetery.