Alfred was that shy guy that hailed from Blaine Lake and came to the Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth Choir (SDYC) Practice in 1959. It worked out that we caught the same bus from choir and Alfred felt comfortable with me. The conversation was not quite over when we got to his stop and flowed over as we stood in front of his grandfather’s place where he boarded. I then caught a bus to my stop off on Ewart Avenue.

So the friendship was cultured and eventually included Keith Tarasoff and Mitch Tarasoff. Alfred invited us to visit his parents on their farm in Blaine Lake. His parents were very hospitable and those visits were sure to add a few pounds as well as genuine love that they showered upon their son and his friends.

We sang many songs together on outings such as these. It was fitting that we sang a quartet as part of the program that the SDYC developed in our tours throughout Saskatchewan.
Alfred went into Education and taught throughout Saskatchewan but kept his home base in Saskatoon. He married Betty Shiskin, a SCDYC member. This seemed to be typical of many of the Choir members who enjoy married life till today.

Marilyn and I left Saskatchewan in 1963 to pursue my career in Engineering and Building Construction. Although the friendship continued, opportunities to enjoy each other’s company became challenging. When Marilyn and I came to Saskatchewan, we had to split the two weeks available with large families in the Eastern part of Saskatchewan with those in and around Langham. There was little time available for friends when two day return trips back to British Columbia needed to be factored in to the time.

The Kabatoffs did come and visit the Verigins in British Columbia once and there were group gatherings in Saskatchewan that were attended by the old gang from SDYC. There were occasions when we would go to dinner together.

Once Alfred and I did get together at his house after his unfortunate accident and retirement was his only alternative. That was quality time for the two hours we spent together. I asked Alfred about his continuing use of crutches et al and why not get another operation to fix it. Alfred was uncomfortable and had lost his trust in the medical fraternity. He just was not able to make another try.

In 2014 we called the Kabatoffs for a possible dinner date but they were busy and so our last opportunity was lost as Alfred passed away shortly thereafter.

This note is to fondly remember a friend.

Elmer’s writings dated January 06, 2015