Nick (Nicholaivich) Repin passed away peacefully, on July 27, 2016, with family at his side, at the age of 92, at Talarico Place in Castlegar, where he had been a resident since 2012.
Nick Repin was born to the family of Nick and Helen (Sofonoff) Repin, at the Village of Champion Creek, Blagodatnoye, on June 17, 1924. Nick was the second of seven children, his siblings being: older brother Pete and younger Sisters: Polly, Molly, Nellie, Elsie, and Helen. When Nick was thirteen years old, the family moved to Thrums, B.C., where he was raised.
In his younger years Nick worked in the Forest Industry, in the Orchards, and various other jobs that were available. In his later years Nick was employed as a Carpenter, was a member of the Carpenters Union, and worked on Heavy Construction projects such as Seven Mile Dam and Mica Dam, as well as Residential and Commercial construction projects.
During his work in the Orchards of the Okanagan, in the summer of 1948, Nick met Mary Chernoff. After some time they married, on January 15, 1949, and made their home in Thrums. Nick and Mary were blessed with three children: two daughters, Irene and Verna, and a son, Mickey.
Nick had the opportunity to attend formal schooling until grade six, but continued his education through his love of reading. He was proficient in the Russian language and would often read to his children when they were young. Nick worked hard all his life, including planting and tending to their large gardens. The family attributes his longevity to the physical work and good nutrition of their organic homegrown gardens. Nick was a strong believer in his Doukhobour faith.
Nick was predeceased by his:
Mother Helen in 1945; Father Nick in 1992; Brother Pete in 2003 (Helen 2014); Sisters: Polly Zoobkoff in 2006 (Fred 1980), Molly Stoochnoff in 2010 (John 2008), Nellie Berekoff in 2010 (Jim 1978), Elsie Rozinkin in 2012 (Bill 2009), and Helen Podmoroff in 2016 (John 2015).
Nick was the last surviving member of the siblings.
Nick is survived by:
His wife Mary; daughter Irene Sherstobitoff (Joe) and family: Mahrusa (Matt) and family, Natalia (Ivaan) and family, Ausay; daughter Verna Malakoff (Sid) and family: Tracy (Jeff) and family, Tanya (Khaled), Nadya (Rob) and family, Faith; son Mickey; seven great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Nick, you were a good and kind man and you will be missed. May you Rest in Peace.
Funeral services were held on August 2, 2016 at Krestova Hall, followed by interment in the Krestova Cemetery.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to: The staff at Talarico Place and Dr. Merritt, for the care Nick received in his last several years; Castlegar Funeral Chapel; Sid Malakoff for officiating the service; the wonderful Singers at the service; the Krestova Grave Diggers at the cemetery; and the Cooking Staff at the Krestova Hall for the excellent meal; as well as all the people who offered their condolences, prayers, and support during this time. Thank you also to extended family and friends who provided monetary gifts; these will be forwarded as a donation to ISKRA publication in memory of Nick N. Repin.