Nick N. Nevokshonoff was born on December 22nd, 1929 in Krestova BC to the family of Nikolai Koozmich and Helen (Legebokoff) Nevokshonoff. He was the third of six children, one of five sons and a daughter.
Nick lived in Krestova his entire life and outlived all his siblings, reaching the age of 82. He passed away suddenly at Kootenay Lake District Hospital in Nelson on January 27th, 2012 with his loving family by his side. Nick had suffered a severe stroke just two days earlier.
At an early age, Nick started working with his father in horse-logging and various small, local sawmills before hiring on with Waldie Sawmill in Castlegar and later with Celgar Sawmill, where he worked for 33 years. At age 59, due to ill health, Nick ceased working and spent his retirement taking care of his family and his beloved garden.
At the age of 22, Nick married Polly Poznikoff of Krestova on May 20, 1951. They were blessed with 60 wonderful years of marriage and four children.
Nick was a very industrious man. In his younger years he enjoyed carving ladles. Nick loved gardening and nature. One of his favourite activities was to sit on the porch and watch the birds and the deer in his own back yard. Nick was known for his sense of humour. He enjoyed jokes and was either laughing himself or was making someone else laugh.
Nick had a strong belief in the Doukhobor faith and was a dedicated participant in the community. He served as caretaker of the Krestova Prayer Hall for several years. He loved to sing with the Kootenay Psalmists and could always be counted on to recite psalms at prayer meetings and funerals.
Nick was predeceased by his mother Helen Nevokshonoff in 1992, his father Nikolai Koozmich Nevokshonoff in 1998, his brother John in 1979, brother Bill in 1984, brother Charlie in 1991, sister Alice in 2002 and his brother Serl in 2007.
Nick is survived by his devoted wife Polly, son Jim and wife Roni Nevokshonoff, son Norman and wife Annette Nevokshonoff, daughter Patsy and husband Max Chernenkoff, daughter Grace McCluskie; three grandsons: Stephen Nevokshonoff, Adam and wife Penny Chernenkoff, Derrick McCluskie; two granddaughters: Shanna and husband Steve Baslee and Sasha Chernenkoff; three great granddaughters: Ava and Sienna Baslee and Mila Chernenkoff and a cousin Irene Tamelin as well as a large extended family.
On February 2, 2012 a traditional Doukhobor funeral was held for Nick at the Krestova Community Prayer Hall. Internment followed at the Krestova cemetery.
Nick’s family would like to thank Castlegar Funeral Chapel for their expert service, Sid Malakoff for his professional officiating at the service, Leonard Balchewski, the grave-diggers, Harry Zeabin, the cooks that provided an excellent meal, those who brought food to the house and baking to the hall and the many friends and relatives that came to pay their respects. Nick’s family would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. McKechnie and to the staff of Kootenay Lake District Hospital for the excellent care they provided.
Nick’s family will miss him forever. May God accept him into his Heavenly Kingdom.
May he rest in Peace.