February 11, 1938 - April 22, 2020
Peter Sookaveiff was born in Crescent Valley on February 11th, 1938 to the family of William and Mary Sookaveiff. He was the third and youngest of three children.
After losing his father at the age of 14, Peter and his mother were left to make ends meet working in orchards and farms at a time when social services did not exist. As a young adult, Peter moved to the Lower Mainland where he became a certified journeyman carpenter and lifelong member of the Carpenter's Union. Over time Peter excelled at his trade, and he was a well-respected and sought-after superintendent on many large industrial construction projects in the West Kootenays.
In 1967, Peter married Doris Relkoff, in Castlegar, BC. They settled and raised their family of two boys on the homestead in Crescent Valley.
Throughout his life, Peter involved himself in various community organizations, and was a passionate advocate for peace and social justice issues. He was an active member of the Kootenay Region United Nations Association, and he was a lifelong active member of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ. Peter also loved singing and participated in several choirs, two of which included tours and performances at Expo 86 in Vancouver and the United Nations in New York.
In 2009, Peter was diagnosed with cancer. His strong spirit, passion for gardening, and focus on healthy living ensured he would enjoy a quality of life for many more years. Eleven years later, on Wednesday April 22nd, 2020, Peter passed away peacefully at his home in Castlegar, surrounded by his family.
Peter was predeceased by his parents William and Mary Sookaveiff, in-laws Peter and Elsie Relkoff, and his sister Alice and brother-in-law Fred Antifeau of Westbank.
To cherish his many memories, Peter leaves behind his wife Doris, son David (Nikki) of Kelowna, son Gord (Jennifer) of North Vancouver, beloved grandchildren Dharia, Peter, Jordan, and Rachel, and brother Bill (Mary) Sookaveiff of Kelowna, sister-in-law Mae (Walter) Popoff of Castlegar, and sister-in-law Laverne (Sam) Semenoff of Grand Forks, plus numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
Peter's family wishes to extend their thanks to: Dr. Gleave and the urology team at Vancouver General Hospital, Dr. Malpass and the oncology team at Kootenay Lake Hospital, Dr. Lorne Swetlikoff of Vancouver Naturopathic Clinic, and the Castlegar Home Support team whose compassion and care helped him live out his last days in the comfort of his home. Thank you as well to Bill Streilaeff and staff at the Castlegar Funeral Chapel, and Peter Zaytsoff for their exemplary services and extraordinary guidance during these unprecedented global circumstances.
A heartfelt thank you to all the family, friends, and residents of Stellar Place, who sent flowers, food, gifts of remembrance, and words of condolence. This tremendous outpouring of support was very much appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter's memory are being accepted by the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) care of the ISKRA Fund or the Verigin Memorial Park Fund.
Peter was a spiritual man and a passionate gardener. It was a fitting tribute that he would come to pass on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. We will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace. Blessings to all.