July 29,1955
– April 4, 2013
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eli Soukeroff on April 4, 2013 at Kootenay Lake Hospital, with his loving family by his side. Eli was Born July 29, 1955 to Pete and Molly Soukeroff of Winlaw, he was the eldest of his siblings. Eli attended Winlaw Elementary School & WE Graham Secondary in Slocan, BC.
He was known for his skill in operating the Log Loader while working for the Slocan Mill from 1973-2011.
As a young boy he started playing Baseball on the Winlaw Cubs team. Pitching was what came natural to him. That was the beginning of a lifetime love and passion for Fastball. Eli was a fixture of Fastball in the Kootenays for many years & pitched well into his 50’s. He will be remembered for his time with the Valley Combines, Banjos, Cobras, and Trail Tire. Everyone in the Fastball world knew him. He also loved the outdoors, it was hard to catch up with him, if he wasn’t playing ball he was hunting, fishing, mushroom or berry picking. His pride and joy were his 4 grandchildren and he loved his family with all his heart.
Left to mourn is his loving wife of 37 years, Gail. Daughters, Karen (Cam) Sookro, grandsons, Blair and Bryce. Tracy (Kevin) Koorbatoff, granddaughters, Savannah and Olivia, Parents, Pete and Molly Soukeroff, Sister, Nadine (Andy) Evin, Brothers, Craig (Sandra) Soukeroff, Dale (Tracy) Soukeroff, father-in-law John Gevatkoff, numerous nieces, nephews, friends and a large extended family. Eli was predeceased by his sisters Eleanor & Sandra Soukeroff, grandparents, Pete & Ann Soukeroff and Mike & Nada Shkuratoff, & mother-in-law Vivian Gevatkoff.
The families would like to thank Dr. Murray and the Kootenay Lake Hospital 3rd floor nursing staff, & Dr. Scotland and the Trail Hospital staff for their compassionate care.
Thank you to all who sent flowers, cards, food & kind words of sympathy and prayers.
Many thanks to Sid Malakoff for officiating the service, & Bill Strilaeff for your guidance and compassion. Heartfelt gratitude to Violet Popoff, all the cooks, servers, singers, grave-diggers and guest speakers. A traditional Doukhobor service was held at Winlaw Hall on April 11, 2013, with Interment at Perry Siding Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Castlegar Funeral Chapel.
You will be deeply missed by all. May you rest in peace.
“When I get to where I’m going, don’t cry for me down here”