It is always sad to hear when someone’s spirit has left his body. For me, in reflection, it is now possible to communicate with that spirit, by Quantum Physics, and share the many events that confirmed the beauty of a friendship that we had enjoyed when the body was whole. This is where Scientists and Christians agree and now unite in exploring the ultimate.

Nick and I became involved in organizing a Contractor’s Association that was necessary when the government of the day, in the early 1970s, passed legislation that we could not offer our services on any building project that was financed with public taxation. When I called Nick to discuss this new threat to our businesses, he, in turn, called many of his fellow local firms in Creston and Cranbrook to attend a meeting of Contractors that was being organized in Trail shortly thereafter.

These small business owners all agreed that something needed to be done and selected five (5) of us to arrange a meeting with the then Labor Minister, Bill King, in Victoria. People say that the ordinary person cannot have any effect on big government. Well this is an example of where three Kootenay delegates along with Nick and I were challenged to disprove that statement. This legislation had to be removed as it was “unfair”.

We met with Labor Minister for over 2 1/2 hours. Bill suggested that this “grass roots opinion” needed an organization to talk to government so that such a situation such as this would not happen again without proper consultation as he was unaware that there were that many small businesses out there that would be negatively affected by his legislation.

I can vouch for the fact that Nick was a convincing debater at that meeting. We followed up by forming the Independent Contractors and Businesses of British Columbia (ICBA) that now has over 2,000 member firms.

Bill King, in turn, was true to his word and caused that Act to be essentially repealed.

When I contacted some of these founding members of ICBA on Friday and informed them of Nick’s passing, here are some of the condolences that were forwarded to me:

“………Thanks for passing this sad information to us. Yes, we all remember Nick well. All you guys from the Kootenays are an unforgettable bunch and the real roots and foundation of the ICBA!!
Its difficult to see all these old-timers leaving us one by one. Please do pass on my condolences to family and friends.
All the best to you both!

Bill Kerkoff…..”

“…..We are very sorry to hear this news. I liked him a lot. Never shy about his principles. A hero to our cause and to the work force of B.C whether union man or non-union employee.

Len Remple….”

“…..I remember him well. It is sad to know he has left our presence.
May he rest in peace.

Please extend my sympathy’s to the family.

Ken Funk…..”

“….Thank you for informing us about Nick’s passing. We are sad to hear about his passing,

Christina and Hermann Koechl……”

“……Thank you Elmer for the information
I know how much Ed , and I also , appreciated NICK
Please give my condolences to his family from
Ed and myself

Myrtle Anne and Ed Rempel……”

Our friendship continued over the years thereafter and when a bunch of us decided to build Whatshan Lake Retreat, Nick called me and asked if we needed any help. So it unfolded that Nick packed up his tools and came to Whatshan and contributed three (3) days of his excellent finish carpentry skills to provide the touch that is part of his special skill. In the end of his contribution, he sat down with me and imparted his satisfaction of assisting in this project and wished it well to service humanity. He advised that, unfortunately, he would not be able to return again. We hugged each other and his pickup full of tools left to return to Creston.

While all this took place, Nick never lost contact with his Doukhobor roots. Those principles of his faith became part of his actions.

Then there was the humorous side of Nick. He was part of a duet with another Creston Contractor, in their interpretation of Huey and Louey, Donald Duck’s nephews. No matter how disparaging a situation would be, a “break” would entail these two in a discussion in “duck language”. Those of you who have not experienced this act have missed perhaps the best entertainment that even Red Skeleton could duplicate.

I believe that I have imparted to all of you that my tribute here today, is to confirm that when Nick made a commitment to something, he became part of a solution. He stood beside you all the time and never wavered when the going got tough. He was still there when it was all resolved satisfactorily.

Thank you Nick. It was a pleasure being on those journeys together.

1. Nell Sookro, Nick’s sister called me on Friday morning, February 19, 2016, to advise on Nick’s passing the previous day.
2. I made email contact with many of Nick and my contemporaries to advise them of this sad event. Their comments are noted within these reflections
Written on February 20, 2016 in my Office at 145 – 4200 Grandview Drive, Castlegar, B.C. 1130 hours by Elmer Verigin