It is with great sadness that the family of Walter G. Markin announces his passing after a strong and valiant battle with cancer. Walter died at his family home in Ootischenia on June 26, 2012, blessed with 69 years of life.
He was predeceased by his parents George and Polly (Overennay) Markin; his sister-in-law Marion (Voykin) Sapriken; and his brother-in-law Mike Potapoff. Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years Katherine (Voykin); his daughter Lara & partner Jason Danney of Castlegar; his son Wayne & grandchildren Ryley & Brady of Airdrie, Alberta; his parents-in-law Peter and Lucy Voykin of Castlegar; his sister Katherine Potapoff of Ootischenia; his sister Natasha Nicli & husband Renato of Cranbrook; his sister-in-law & brother-in-law Natasha & Floyd Verigin of Perry Siding; his brother-in-law Andy Sapriken of Glade as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & other extended family and friends.
Walter enjoyed gardening, singing, fishing, camping, a variety of sports, socializing with his friends & his pets, & having steam baths in his “banya”. Walter was a union carpenter & throughout his life worked on many construction jobs - both locally & throughout B.C and Manitoba.
He was a lifelong active member of the Doukhobor organization - the USCC. For the past years he dedicated himself to looking after and upgrading the Ootischenia Cemetery grounds & buildings.
Funeral arrangements were under the personal, compassionate care of Bill Strilaeff of the Castlegar Funeral Home. A Doukhobor funeral & luncheon took place July 3, 2012 at the Brilliant Cultural Centre under the able, loving guidance of Walter’s friend Peter Zaytsoff of Ootischenia. Interment was at the Ootischenia Cemetery. May God grant our beloved Walter eternal rest in His Heavenly Kingdom.
If family & friends should desire, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to: Ootischenia Cemetery or Iskra or John J. Verigin Memorial Fund or Castlegar Chapter of the Canadian Red Cross.