JOHN P. kAZAKOFF (deceased)

Everyone was shocked at the news on July 11, 2013………….John had a massive heart attack and passed on!

Marilyn and I were on holidays in Saskatchewan and received the news during the infrequent times that I had access to the internet. It was a difficult message to fathom.

Although we were unable to attend the funeral at the Brilliant Cultural Centre, our thoughts were with the family. In spirit, I sang with the Tri-Choir that I knew would assemble in mass in his honor.  My mind concentrated on all the occasions that I had experienced with John and the exchange of feelings, knowledge and community spirit that was always associated with those events.

In compiling this list, there is no intent to prioritize into special category but only to record what came to my mind in scattered thoughts and many times was repeated as I remembered another part to the stories as they unfolded.

1. John was part of the Pete Kazakoff family that had a relationship with my only brother-in-law John Khadekin. I understood that it was John’s mother that was related somehow and so every time that John and my sister Mary came to British Columbia, they would visit in Nelson, where part of the extended family lived, as well as the Kazakoffs in Castlegar. I would hear stories about them even before I arrived in B.C.
2. I knew John’s brother in the industrial cleaning supplies business and so when he died and John took over, I was able to get to know John in that capacity
3. Being in the Kootenay Mens Choir together with John was an exceptional experience with his booming Alto voice coming from behind me. I just could not get over the fact that John was able to memorize the words to every song and hymn within a few weeks of the selections being made. That really impressed me! He was always a “calming voice” in all the debates that took place amongst the choir members. Whatever he said made sense and influenced the final decisions
4. John kept driving up to Grandview with his friend Mike O’Connor as they were interested in the progress of the assembly of seniors that were constructing accommodation for themselves. There was always an exchange of information and opinion. John was impressed with the project.
5. The Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 sponsors Freedom Quest,  Youth Drug & Alcohol Treatment in the West Kootenays. When the Liaison Director, Ed Konkin passed away, I invited John to replace Ed. After a short period to consider this appointment, John accepted this position with enthusiasm typical of his personality. This became a time when I got to know John and his capabilities best.

• When the Founding Executive Director of Freedom Quest came to John and shared with him her stressful situation that caused her to consider resigning from Freedom Quest, John sat with her and shared tears in counseling and making her decision easier. He was there when the two of them planned the future of the operation. He was also there in guiding the staff through this difficult time.
• John worked with Tamara in the selection of the replacement for Tamara. He was there during the change over.
• When the short term tenure of this new Executive Director required replacement, John was there to complete the settlement of that contract and participate in the selection of the replacement Executive Director. He was a calming influence of the staff during the time in between.
• John was always available when he was needed at Freedom Quest whether it was to sign payroll cheques or assist in any way

1. As a Director in the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999

• John served on a special committee that engaged Manager and Caretaker back in 2010 that brought in a new era in administration at Whatshan Lake Retreat
• He was part of the new budget creation and contract negotiation for the Retreat
• He was there again when negotiations took place on the three (3) year Manager’s renewal  contract or 2013
• In his many years of service, he preformed professionally as Director, responding to request for service and counsel

1. John was incredible with the computer

• No matter where the research was required, John would access information on all subjects
• I could not believe all the places where advertising for non-profit organizations were available. These sources were made available in the several times that Freedom Quest and the DHRS #1999 required them.

1. Meetings at Whatshan Lake Retreat required travel and many times John volunteered his van

• Travel included Lawrence Popoff and I for Administration purposes
• Firstly, John never charged any expenses for his vehicle
• If there was meals involved, John somehow got to the till first and these expenses were never charged to the Society

1. It was during these trips that Lawrence and I got to know John best

• We stayed away from “shop talk” on the Society as a change of subject was always therapeutic
• Lawrence and I would get into spiritual discussion as that is where our reading was taking us
• At first John was silent and listened attentively
• We asked John if he was bothered with the subject and he first indicated a polite interest
• Later, he started asking questions
• Soon we became immersed in spirit travel and life after the body dies
• John now has evidence on that subject but unfortunately he is not able to pass this knowledge back to us as now only he knows the truth

In knowing John, one has to appreciate that he was a big man, not only in stature but in his attitude to the world around him.

I, for one, will miss John.

Elmer Verigin

Written August 17, 2013