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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Peter N. Voykin on April 7,2017. Peter was born June 15,1931 in Ootischenia to parents Nick and Mary(nee Zarchikoff). He had 1 sister Nettie and 2 brothers Harry and John. Peter along with his dad and 2 brothers worked as plasterers and stuccoers for the majority of his life.

The Voykin family moved to Pass Creek in 1937, where Peter attended both English and Russian school.

In 1950, Peter married the love of his life, Lucy Strelaeff. They raised their 3 daughters- Katherine, Marion and Natasha in Pass Creek, where they made their family home for many years.

He was a lifetime member of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ, an organization to which he dedicated a lot of his time and energy.

Peter was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice. He and Lucy, participated in numerous Doukhobor choirs, many of which he also directed for 40+ years.

Peter had a deep love for the motherland of his forbearers and travelled numerous times to Russia, along with many other countries. Lucy usually accompanied him, as well as their “kindred spirits” friends John J Verigin Sr and his wife Laura.

Peter and Lucy moved in 2002 to Stellar Place in Castlegar, a community which they were active in. In the fall of 2016, Peter and Lucy moved to residential care at Talarico Place where, on April 7,2017 Peter passed away with his loved ones by his side.

Peter leaves behind his wife of 66 years- Lucy; his daughter Katherine Markin; his daughter and son-in-law Natasha and Floyd Verigin, son-in-law Andy Sapriken; 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and his brother John and sister-in-law Elizabeth Voykin. He was predeceased by his parents; his in-laws William and Polly Strelaeff; a daughter Verna in infancy; a daughter Marion Sapriken; son-in-law Walter Markin; his sister Nettie and her husband Mike Sookachoff and a brother Harry and his wife Vera Voykin.

Peter’s family is very grateful to ALL the staff at Talarico Place for the loving care they provided for him throughout his stay there. Thank you to Bill Strilaeff and staff at the Castlegar Funeral Home. Thank you to the Kootenay Psalmists; USCC Kootenay Ladies Catering Group, Pass Creek Cemetery workers and ALL the staff at the Brilliant Cultural Center. A Special thank you to Michael Davidoff for so ably conducting Peter’s funeral. John J Verigin, Nina Decaire, Laura Verigin and family, and Alex Atamanenko, thank you for sharing your memories of dad at his funeral.

Our family’s deepest gratitude goes out to everyone for all the kindness shown to us after our loss. May God grant Dad eternal peace in his heavenly kingdom.



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