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It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Alex A. Pereverzoff of Castlegar, BC on April 22, 2014, at eighty-six years of age.


Alex was born on July 23, 1927 in Kylemore, Saskatchewan to Alex and Mabel Pereverzoff. He was the second of four children. From a young age, Alex worked on the family farm, attending school in Kylemore and Wadena. He was one of the first young Doukhobors to attend university, and studied at the universities in Saskatoon and Victoria, finally obtaining a degree in teaching from UBC.


In 1948, Alex moved to British Columbia and married Nancy Samarodin in 1950. They raised four children – Neil, Linda, Bonnie and Douglas – and lived in Slocan Park and Crescent Valley before finally settling in Raspberry Village near Castlegar.


He had a long and fruitful teaching career. He started in the two-room schoolhouse in Slocan Park, and served as a teacher and principal for 35 years, before retiring as the principal of Brent Kennedy Elementary in South Slocan in 1985. One of his proudest achievements was introducing the Russian language program into the Nelson school district in the 1980’s.


Alex was very active in his local community. He helped establish the Raspberry Irrigation District, served as an alternate Director for Regional District of Central Kootenay Area “J,” and as a member of the Board of Governors of Selkirk College.


Alex was also a dedicated Doukhobor and lifetime member of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ organization. He sang in choirs and served on many committees throughout the years. After retiring, he helped organize the Kootenay Men’s Group, and enjoyed volunteering in the men’s woodworking shop, building boxes, stools and caskets. He was well-known as a seniors’ counselor and funeral officiate in the area.


A beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Alex loved spending time with his family, fishing and golfing, playing fastball, attending summer picnics and traveling.


Alex was predeceased by an infant son, his daughter Linda in 2010, his brother Mac and sister Anne, and both his parents.


He leaves behind his loving wife Nancy, children Neil (and partner Natasha), Bonnie (and husband James Warner) and Douglas (and partner Alex DeMartini). Nine grandchildren: Cameron, Kimberley, Krysha and Curtis Pereverzoff; Jeremy (and wife Jen) and Jasmine Drazdoff; Kassandra Warner; Alexandra and Kylie Pereverzoff. Five great-grandchildren: Taylor Pereverzoff-La Hue, Eli Overennay, and Kayla, Annika and Wesley Drazdoff. Also his loving sister Verna Negraeff (and husband Lorne) and many nieces, nephews and friends.


The Pereverzoff family would like to extend special thanks to: Verna and Lorne Negraeff for their love and support during Alex’s passing; John J. Verigin, Laura and the rest of their family for their kind wishes and words of wisdom; all the friends and neighbours who called or came to the house with food, flowers and messages of condolence; relatives who travelled long distances; the Kootenay psalmists and the singers; and the ladies who prepared and served a delicious lunch. Very special thanks to Peter Zaytsoff for conducting the service with such dignity and sensitivity. Thanks also to Bill Strilaeff and staff at the Castlegar Funeral Home; to Dr. Ellen Smart for lovingly caring for Alex over many years; and the home care nurses and the staff of Talarico Place for their compassionate care.


The family sincerely thanks all those who made donations in Alex’s memory. May he rest in peace.



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