September 5, 1939 - May 16, 2021
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Peter Rezansoff on May 16, 2021. Peter was born in the village of Krestova in BC's interior, to Peter and Nellie Rezansoff. There he was raised to lead a life based on traditional Doukhobor principles.
Growing up during economically hard times, Peter learned from a young age the value of working hard and the art of being resourceful. He learned the skill of carpentry from his father, and throughout his life could build and fix anything that was required around the family home.
Helping his mother in their large family gardens nurtured his love of growing fruits and vegetables. As a young teenager he worked in the Okanagan picking fruit in the orchards.
In 1966 Peter moved his family to the West Coast where he pursued his education at BCIT in the Construction Management program, while raising a young family of three daughters.
Peter began his employment as a Superintendent at Stanzl Construction in 1971 and then moved on to Narod Construction in 1981.
In 1983, during Canada's biggest recession, Peter co-founded Intertech Construction Ltd. He took great pride in the growth of the company and reshaping the city skylines in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, Calgary and Edmonton. Peter was a skilled negotiator and a man of his word, sealing agreements with a handshake.
He mentored multiple generations in the construction industry with his knowledge and technical competence. He was a respected leader, admired by his industry colleagues, employees and the entire business community. From humble beginnings, ITC Construction Group is well known for its collaboration, drive and performance and is recognized as one of the most successful high rise residential builders in Western Canada. Peter served as Chairman of the ITC Board of Directors. He will truly be missed by the ITC family.
Peter's success as a businessman did not overshadow his love of the Doukhobor community and his connection to his roots. He used his knowledge and influences to support and promote his many initiatives such as the Doukhobor Cultural Association (DCA), the Whatshan Retreat Society, the Tolstoy Café Bakery at Yasnaya Polyana in Russia, the Mir Centre for Peace at Selkirk College, the Lower Mainland Doukhobor Benevolent Society and the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) in addition to ITC's many social build initiatives.
Peter was a devoted family man, the patriarch of the family. He was a good listener and had the ability to make each person feel like they were the most important one at that moment. He gave guidance and advice and had a special relationship with all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Peter loved singing Russian songs and had a wonderful voice. He was a self-taught musician, having bought his first accordion at the age of 16. His favorite times would be large family gatherings, especially at his Christina Lake home, singing and playing the accordion, surrounded by the people he loved.
Golfing and fishing were other activities he enjoyed, even more so when it was with his grandsons.
Peter was genuine and bigger than life, often referred to as having a quiet but impactful presence. He was an authentic leader who cared for all people and never compromised his values. His leaving so unexpectedly leaves a large void in so many hearts and is an enormous loss to the family, as well as the business and Doukhobor communities.
He touched so many lives, more than he probably even knew. From humble beginnings to great successes, Peter certainly lived an accomplished and honourable life. He was admired, loved and respected by his family and by all those who came to know him. We are blessed to have shared Peter in our lives.
Peter was predeceased by his parents Peter & Nellie, brother-in-law Bill Voykin and nephew Johnny Voykin.
Peter leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Elsie; children, Lorraine and husband Howard, Nina and husband Grant, Natasha and husband Harold; grandchildren, Misha and wife Candice together with great-grandchildren, Luca and Liv, Andrei and wife Mariana, Matvei and partner Romã, Mandi, Nicholas and partner Paula, Mariah and partner Jesse; sisters, Vera Podmoroff, Anne Voykin, Katie Podmorow and husband Harry; brother, Walter Rezansoff and wife Winnie; brother-in-law, Harvey Chernoff and wife Kim, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
A family service was held on May 22, 2021 at the Castlegar Funeral Chapel with interment at the Krestova Cemetery. A celebration of life will be planned in Vancouver at a later date.
The family would like to thank everyone who sent flowers and cards, emails and phone calls offering condolences, as well as those who brought food to the house; JJ Verigin for his kind words at the graveside service, as well as Harvey Chernoff, Elmer Verigin and Tony McGill for sharing their heartfelt thoughts; Bill Strilaeff and staff at Castlegar Funeral Chapel for their excellent and caring guidance and service; Fred Makortoff for his assistance and direction at the burial, and the Krestova grave diggers who prepared Peter's final resting place. Thank you all for your love, presence and support.
Peter will be missed and fondly remembered.
May the Gracious Lord accept Peter into His Heavenly Kingdom.