The Kootenay Mens Choir has had the privilege of a variety of Choir Directors. We enjoyed Leonard Voykin as he directed our choir, he also entertained us.

Every practice, he would bring at least one joke and loved telling them. He would start laughing part way through the joke and had everyone laughing so that the punch line was missed on many occasion but the experience was worthy of mention.

Leonard was one of the first friends I made and was one of the “Passcretians” or “Loohoeshiyee”. He was very proud of being a Doukhobor and especially to be a “Loohoeski”.

Philip John Hadikin, a Professor in Russian and English at Woosong University in Daejeon, South Korea, posted a video on Face book this past week which was a beautiful tribute to Leonard. This video was of an event that took place at the Pass Creek Hall on June 27, 1998. This captured Leonard in his finest hour. He was playing a guitar with several enthusiasts as well as his daughter. He was singing Russian folk songs and entertained in a fashion that I never knew Leonard was able.

As Philip coined the message, “in memory of my friend and neighbor Leonard Voykin”. I enjoyed it and I am sure those of you who will access Facebook, will also be impressed.

Today our choir will sing

1. Menootee Zeesnee Troodnayoo, Our Life’s Troubled Moments, followed by
2. Eee Sam Zha a Oosznal, My Own Awakening

Our condolences to the Voykin Family and our confidence that Leonard has entered into a new “life” that bring him laughter and joy into eternity.

A request from the Kootenay Mens Choir to honor leonard at his funeral February 03, 2017.

• Written by Elmer Verigin February 02, 2017
• February 03, 2017, read at his funeral by Elmer Verigin