Pete P. Kabatoff was born on June 28th, 1927 in the community of Ootischenia, to Pete S. and Helen N. Kabatoff. Pat was a little brother to sister Tannis (Zoobkoff) and later would become a big brother to Eleanor (Repin), Ann (Zaytsoff), and his aunt Vera (Zaitsoff) who lived in the Kabatoff household and was considered more a sibling than an aunt.
On October 14th, 1949, Pat married Anna Lazareff of Grand Forks. They shared 59 years of marriage. Together, Pat and Anna raised three children – sons Walter and Jack and daughter Verna.
Pat’s career focused on carpentry – private and commercial buildings. Employers included P&G Building Supply, Creighton Construction, Oglow Brothers, and Mike Semenoff. Pat was a member of Local 2300 of the Carpenters Union for 48 years.
Being a master carpenter he was called upon often in the Ootischenia community in building many of the homes. When the Ootischenia Hall was purchased, Pat, along with John Obetkoff and others, played a big role in moving it to where it is now located.
Upon retirement from carpentry, Kabatoff Sand & Gravel was born. This was a long time dream of Pat’s. He spent countless hours managing the day to day operations.
On the homefront, the young Kabatoff family spent holidays traveling. Their special destinations included Radium Hot Springs, Doukhobor events in Saskatchewan, and the Calgary Stampede. Favourite pastimes involved spending time with their grandchildren, gardening and travel. Pat and Anna travelled to many destinations together – including Russia, Cuba, Mexico and the United States.
On Sunday, October 27th, 2013, Pat passed away peacefully at the Castleview Care Centre at the age of 86.
Pete leaves behind to mourn his passing – his son Walter, and wife Chris, and their children Clayton, Jesse and Aleea (husband Andy); son Jack and his children Jennilee (partner Travis), Amanda (fiance Randy), Ashley, and Cody; daughter Verna and husband Dan Shlakoff and their son Tony; sister Eleanor Repin; sister Ann Zaytsoff; aunt Vera Zaitsoff; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.
He was reunited with his parents Pete and Helen Kabatoff; sister Tannis Zoobkoff; nieces Nettie Poohachoff and Gladys Zoobkoff; and his beloved Anna.
Special thanks to: Dr. Merrit, the staff at Castleview Care Centre, Peter Zaytsoff, Bill Strilaeff and staff at Castlegar Funeral Chapel, the U.S.S.C. Kootenay Men’s Group, the Psalmists, the Gravediggers, U.S.C.C Kootenay Ladies Catering Committee, Marcia Strelaeff , and all who helped as our father went to re-unite with our mother Anna.
May you rest in peace in God’s Heavenly Kingdom.