February 1, 1928 –
November 26, 2010
It is with extreme sadness and great sorrow that Michael N. Davidoff, beloved husband, father, grandfather and long time resident of Tarry’s, B.C. passed away suddenly at Kootenay Boundary Hospital in Trail, BC on the evening of Friday November 26, 2010 at the age of 82.
Michael was born on February 1, 1928 in Pincher Station, Alberta to the parents of Nikolai and Polly Davidoff.
The family with one daughter and six sons, Michael was the third eldest. From an early age, he and his brothers helped with farming chores, which included tending to cattle, working the land and harvesting with thresh machines and horse and wagon teams.
In August of 1941, when Michael was 13 years old, he lost his mother. Shortly thereafter, he quit school.
Between the ages of 15 to 19, Michael participated in various Southern Alberta’s rodeos, which he was highly skilled at and was an expert at calf wrestling, roping, bronco and bull riding, winning in many events.
From an early age, Michael has endured a lot and was forced to become an adult quickly. That was when he left home to begin work and joined the Teamsters Union Local 213. This was the start of his construction career which spanned over many years as a truck driver, working in gold mines, forestry, building many road, hydro dam and pipeline projects thoughout the province of BC.
On April 21, 1956 he married the love of his life, Mary Poohachoff in a traditional Doukhobour Wedding in Slocan Park and Thrums, BC. They lived in various areas before settling down in Tarry’s, BC where they made their home and raised four children, Leona, Gary, Beverly and Lenny.
With the love of farming that was embedded in Michael, he and Mary began farming and worked together as a team. He was proud to be a farmer and rancher.
At that time, Michael purchased extra property with a vision of subdividing and giving each of his children a piece of property so they could live close by. Today that vision of his has come true. Michael also beamed with pride knowing that because of his hard work his family and many neighbours were able to have water services that he almost single handedly installed by himself. To this day, some 50 years later, his well has never run dry.
The last 7-1/2 years, Michael has been having dialysis treatments three times a week with Mary always by his side.
Left to mourn are his loving wife Mary, of 54 years, his loving daughters Leona (Fred) Sherbinin, Beverly (Bob) Makaroff, Lenny (Joe) Boulin, his grandchildren Tammy and Kristy Sherbinin, Dale, Jenna and Ricky Makaroff, Shauna and Kayla Boulin, Great Granddaughter Courtney Hoodicoff, and great grandson Kalob Hoodicoff. His brothers Alex (Marion) Danvers, Vasilie Davidoff, and sister Paula Davidson. His mother in-law Florence Poohachoff and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Nikolai and Polly Davidoff, brothers Paul, Nick and Fred, son-in-law Gary Makortoff, grandson Kevin Makaroff and only son Gary Maxwell Davidoff.
He will be forever loved and fondly remembered
May He Rest in Peace in God’s Heavenly Kingdom
Funeral services were held at the Brilliant Cultural Centre on Wednesday December 1, 2010 with burial at Park Memorial Cemetary.
On behalf of the late Michael N. Davidoff the family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Zhang, Dr. Merritt, Dr. Laroche and the staff at the renal unit.
We would also like to thank Mr. Bill Strilaeff and staff at the Castlegar Funeral Chapel for their excellent service. Thank you to Ileene Voykin, Florence Swetlikoff and the psalmists for their angelic voices. Mr. Harry Zeabin for officiating the service and his family for the beautiful casket, Beatrice Verigin and the USCC Kootenay Ladies Catering Group for the lovely meal, Peter and Marg Perepolkin of Biznet for printing the lovely folders and Jennifer Voykin for doing the bookings.
Thanks also to all those who phoned, sent messages of condolences, sent food, flowers, cards and donations. Thank you to all the friends, relatives and guests who took time off to travel from out of town and work to attend the services.
May God bless you all for your thoughtful and generous support at this time of sorrow.
Your support is greatly appreciated and will always be remembered.