I compile this tribute on March 31, 2019, after her funeral March 18, 2019. This is not in disrespect for Natalie, but a matter of being able to do so because of personal health challenges.

I met Natalie and her husband Bill Voykin, sometime in 1969. There was a call out to interested Doukhobor Youth, to discuss the possibility of unification of all Youth in Canada. In this endeavour, a convention was planned in 1970 at the Tarrys Hall in Tarrys, B.C. Natalie and Bill attended that convention. It was at this event the idea of forming groups in areas populated by Doukhobors to eventually convene a Canadian Doukhobor Youth organization.

In Castlegar, about eighteen (18) families started coming together at various homes, to initiation the idea of such a group. The name of this group started as a Doukhobor Discussion Group, then Doukhobor Youth and in time ended with Doukhobor Cultural Association (DCA) as the original youth matured.

Natalie was always an enthusiastic member of the DCA which coincidentally, was equally split with members of the parent groups, the Union of Spritual Communities of Christ (USCC), the Doukhobor Society of Canada (DSC) and members from the Freedomites.

In my dated blog entries, I have already noted the successful activities of the DCA and especially Natalie Voykin. This was only one of Natalie’s “families” as she referred to them.

Please feel free to read:

  1. Miracle at Whatshan Lake, B.C. (construction of the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999, Whatshan Lake Retreat)
  2. Report to the Doukhobor Cultural Association final AGM, September 20, 2013
  3. Some Reflections of the DCA (Doukhobor Cultural Association)
  4. Grandview Seniors Speak from the Ledge (the fats about the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative)
  5. DHRS #1999 President’s Report AGM dated May 22, 2017
  6. Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 Retiring President’s Report dated May 21, 2018
  7. Doukhobor Cultural Association (DCA) Last Supper November 18, 2018
  8. Update on “Grandview Seniors Speak from the Ledge” a Grandview Seniors Story

Should the Reader now be more informed, Natalie participated in all the DCA activities with all the enthusiasm that one body could assemble. Many times, Natalie would emotionally state that being part of the DCA and its activities, was the first time she felt totally included and settled in spirit. Natalie learned how to participate in orderly meetings. DCA elected new executives on a yearly basis so that all members got to serve and apply what the Selkirk College taught the DCA on Roberts Rules of Order.

She was always a friend!

May Natalie rest in Peace in this new dimension that she is enjoying

Posted by Elmer Verigin at 1300 hours, Monday, April 01, 2019