(Deceased October 31, 2016 funeral November 04, 2016)

Some of you are aware that I spent five years at an University but I was not able to carry on with Graduate studies due to circumstances that involved raising a family and the need to eat and live.

I was very fortunate to be admitted a little known but highly recommended place of higher learning, the University of A & W, Castlegar Campus located on Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, B.C..

it was there that I met a faculty that superseded all that I had ever experienced up to and including that era. This included meeting Bill Stoochnoff:

• Unchallenged Governor,

• Avid Debator

These Philosophical Statements will equal those of Socretes:

• “No one knows for sure about Heaven and that is very good in my opinion. If someone ever came back and confirmed how good it is, would anyone want to stay here on Earth? So it makes sense that this does not take place, otherwise everyone would leave Earth right away and there is just not enough room in Heaven for all of us at this time.”
• “Education is great but one cannot get much nourishment from Education alone but hard work can produce gardens that will keep you healthy and the income necessary to survive instead of just talking about it. But therein is the problem, one has to work that is a common sickness that does not seem too exciting for so many”
• “I grow an abundance of extra apples, nuts and produce that I cannot give away as no one even wants to harvest all this and for the taking and help me out. So I don’t believe that there is an actual problem with local hunger as much as there may be no willingness to trade harvest and work for a food return. I cannot even give my produce away.”

Bill has been honored with a hallowed position at the University of A & W, Castlegar Campus:

• Accepted and acted as Governor at classes that started at 0630 and usually ended at 0800 hours

• Held a chair located at the Northeast end of Table 3 that no one dared to occupy
  • This has now been taken immediately over by Count Alexei Rebinoff upon Bill’s passing
  • Does this mean an over zealous replacement?

• His debate status with Professor Jean Brocelex regarding the Hobb’s particle in the Atom and mutual agreement that was where God resides. We are not sure if Bill can take the credit for naming it “God’s Particle” as it now referred to by those who discuss Quantum Physics

Some of his notoriety is being remembered as:

• The man who always treated so many by bring his nuts to the University. If you were a good person, he shared his nuts with you. It is amazing how many handfuls of his nuts that he sent home with me to pass on to Marilyn. We now have three (3) gallons of nuts saved in Bill’s memory because both Marilyn and I have false teeth and cannot handle Bill’s nuts very efficiently

• Being able to deflect a slap on the face from the Home Economics Dean, Lynn Smith, for rather off color sexist remarks but then Lynn is from Empress Saskatchewan and very adept at handling “Dirty Old Men”. It was actually very much acceptable at at a high level “Educational College”

• His debates with the “Count” Alex Rebin regarding religion were really very educational and usually ended in a stalemate much to the enjoyment of the entire class of about ten (10) of us. As their voices raised with passion regarding who did what in the “Doukhobor Way of Life”, we realized that their understanding of that subject was deep and with conviction

Bill was always interested in what I was doing and would ask me to provide information on:

• Saskatchewan:
  • He had never been East past Calgary and knew that he had relatives there and hungered to visit them
  • We talked about the former Doukhobor Villages and I reassured him that they can still be located by all the horse radish still growing around them

• Whatshan:
  • He was intrigued on why I was always contributing so much with so many to this project
  • This year, he asked if I would take him there
  • I had a one on one opportunity to hear all about his healthy understanding of giving without expectation of a reward
  • He approved the Banya that was under construction
  • We ate lunch together and had a beer to celebrate our friendship

I need to add much more but I think all of you have now got the message that Bill will always remain as a large part of my positive memory of a man who deserved the title of Governor.

Most of the Academia are present here today.

We will miss Bill at the U of A & W!

Written by Elmer Verigin , November 04, 2016

It was May 1963 as I looked up from my newly acquired desk at the Engineering Office at Columbia Cellulose Co. Ltd., (CCCL) at their Sulphite Pulp Mill located at Prince Rupert, B.C., to survey this new arrival.

“So where are you from?” I started the conversation.

He smiled to what became his habitual drawl, “Caaalgarryee!”

“Married?”

“Yup!”

“We need to have the wives meet then as soon as possible as Marilyn is already afflicted with ‘cabin fever’ with all this rain,” I suggested.

“Elaine asked me if was going to stop raining when I left for work this morning,” he returned. She was not smiling when I suggested that “we can expect 96 inches this year”, he responded. “Yes good idea!”

That was the beginning of a fifty-three (53) year friendship.

We were the first of many other Engineers that the CCCL Recruiting Committee selected from across Western Canada. However destiny arranges these events, a Mechanical Engineer named Robert (Bob) Miller and another Civil Engineer named James (Jim) Holloway, all became part of a close friendship in the two (2) years we all worked at CCCL. It was more than just a bondage that was created at work but our social life that followed the workplace, seemed so natural together.

Most times “The Fearless Foursome” (TFF), as we self-named ourselves, became associated with the following:

1. Fishing
2. Curling
3. Poker
4. Social Evenings (everyone visited everyone else as there was little else to do as it rained steady)
5. Crab Trapping
6. Clam Digging
7. Watching Friday Nights at Moccasin Square Gardens (there were three (3) hotels at one end of the main street (3rd Avenue) that perpetually had RCMP vehicles picking up inebriated patrons from 8:00 P.M. on Fridays)
8. Bridge and other card games
9. Other:
   1. The birth of a child
   2. Catching a fish (a 40 to 60 pound Spring Salmon was not unusual)
   3. It did not rain today, ……….yet
   4. My wife got accidentally pregnant, again
10. Those who follow this chronicle, must realize that in 1963 through to 1965, Prince Rupert was essentially isolated and even now, Highway 16 is the only access from Prince George some five hundred (500) miles to the East. Flying in was subject to weather which included ninety-six (96) inches a year of rain clouds. Ferry and Boat service was the only sure way to access this coastal city. The residents (some 12,000) became Natural “social animals” and there were parties to celebrate just about any excuse of which there were many such as:
11. Photo taken at Whatshan Lake Retreat, see blog entry THE FEARLESS FOURSOME (February, 2016) a reunion of TFF, February 09, 2016. Left to right: Jim Holloway, Bob Miller, Elmer Verigin and our buddy, Ron Ross.

So it was in this environment that my friendship grew with Ron and our wives, Marilyn and Elaine, were also compatible. This ensured a lasting friendship that has matured since Prince Rupert.So, my methodology in this writing will be to capture Ron in the events that I best knew him and that would be of which his children and current friends may not be aware and may even have difficulty believing.

The road from Prince Rupert to the Pulp Mill was twelve (12) miles long that was laid out by a drunk Surveyor as there was no distance more than a hundred (100) yards that was straight. Work started at 0830 hours and our carpool was usually picking up the last guy at 0815 or later. Needless to say that we were on time only when Ron drove. One of our coworkers knew the Morse Code and tried to warn us with his tail lights that we had just passed a radar trap. We failed our first lesson on the Morse Code when we passed him much to the benefit of the Constable who later wrote out our ticket with a smile.

Ron was a faithful employee and would go back to work on weekends to check on crews working his projects over-time. Not to waste his valuable private time, he would improve on his travelling time and in one instance, he was unable to stop his drift on one rainy curve and rolled his 1965 Volvo 122S (with 5,000 mileage), end over end, after bouncing off a rock embankment, winding back on the road. His passing account of the incident was that “it was embarrassing trying to disengage the seat belt when the car is on its roof.”

One day the Engineering Office at CCCL was buzzing with the rumor that the Shrimp Boats were abound with their catch that could be purchased for 10 cents a pound. Ron and I liked shrimp and so we were led by Ron Wright, onto the docks at Point Edwards, pails in hand, as the Fishermen dumped these ugly looking things that looked like grotesque infant toys. These two naive Prairie Boys started to wonder “how do we gut these things” but never let on to The Pro, Ron Wright. It was only when we got home to meet the enquiring looks of Elaine and Marilyn that we had to call Ron and ask “so what do we do with them?”Ron was obviously enjoying this and was very light with his advice that went something like this:

• “just boil a pot of water,
• drop them in.
• When they rise to the top,
• they are ready,
• Pull them out”So being Engineers, following instructions was definitely in our training and so we ended up with these strange things that did not all resemble the prepared Shrimp that we had become accustomed to and craved back home. They still had all these “Porcupine Quill-like” stuff sticking out along with two eyes that were not blinking at this point.”How do we shell them?” I looked at Ron and he looked at me as our wives watched in disgust that once again we were in trouble. “Well, let us call Wright and I am sure there is a technique to all this”, I suggested.So I dialed the number and, it was almost as if Ron was expecting the call, so when I asked the question, “so how do we clean them?” I asked.Calmly, which I am sure must have really been difficult, Ron outlined the procedure, “just take the Shrimp in one hand and poke the eye out with the other. You are now removing the ‘pin’ that holds the head to the body, and now you have the ‘meat’ “, Ron stopped. Then I heard the receiver drop on the other side with uncontrolled laughter as the now loose receiver kept banging against the wall.After the first one or two Shrimp, we figured it out but Wright was still laughing as we entered the office the next morning. Yes, the fresh Shrimp did taste good.

Clam digging rumor was taken on one Saturday, by TFF as we all headed for the beaches with shovels, rakes and gunny sacks. So they said t5hat watch for “geysers” shooting up through the sand and there would be a clam. “Hey, this is a snap”, Ron muttered as we started seeing signs of clams everywhere. we did not stop until we had a full gunny sack and headed, jubilantly, with our booty as the successful hunters to our waiting wives who were not that impressed. We sat around and drank beer while the girls started looking at cook books as to how to deal with this things. Trail and error resulted in clam chowder, stabbed palms as we fought to open the blessed things and of course more beer.

We did not realize that Ron was a Song Writer until the CCCL honored the staff with a company party. Ron advised TFF that we had to be ready to perform on stage when called upon. We were handed the words to “I’ve Been From Main to Prince Rupert” and were instructed to follow his Ukulele as he strummed and led us in song:”….Well I’ve been from Maine to Prince Rupert Well And Rupert is the best now you hear. That’s where the annual rainfall  is 96 inches a year…..”

There were at least fifteen verses that depicted life in Prince Rupert but not all the words are fitting to be quoted here and besides, Ron has the copyright.

 

Yes, the unlikely foursome made history and won the Grand Aggregate in the Marine Bonspiel at Prince Rupert in 1965.

• Ron played Second on our Curling Rink that was skipped by Bob. Bob had spent5 four years curling in Winnipeg with the many Curlers that had represented Manitoba as well as some that had won the World Championships. So Bob was fussy about his rink “hitting the broom” and being 1/4″ off was considered a miss. It became a challenge for Bob to keep his cool when Ron’s left-handed delivery just seemed a bit awkward. Bob’s persistence paid off and the two times a week in regular curling and bonspiels in Kitimat and Smithers found us at the Marine in Prince Rupert.

TFF enjoyed our camaraderie and favored the Legion in Prince Rupert where would sip a few pints and at times, perhaps a few more than we should. One night as we were leaving Jim decided that he could leapfrog on Ron’s hood and vault himself onto the roof to slide down the back of Ron’s Valiant. This became a sport that the rest of TFF had to try while the RCMP watched, a bit surprised. Just as Ron was picking up speed for the hood, a constable stopped him and asked “whose car is this?” Without any hesitation Ron answered, “Mine!”  “Do you mind these guys using your car as entertainment?” he carried on. Hell no, they are my friends,” as Ron completed his routine.

 

Competition to break the one and a half (1 1/2 ) hour record in driving Highway 16 the hundred (100) miles from Prince Rupert to Terrace on the dated Highway had become a well-known challenge. Even the new Architect in town, Inselberg started bragging how he had broken the 1 1/2 hour record. Ron with TFF went fishing one weekend in Lake Else River and we did one hour and twenty minutes. No, we did not stop to relieve ourselves but the odor in that Volvo was not fit for the squeamish.

Ron left his CCCL job for Cominco in Trail in the spring of 1965 and I followed shortly thereafter to join a Construction Contracting Company in Trail with my two brothers. We enjoyed our friendship until Mickey Thomas, found Ron and offered him a position that he could not refuse and moved to Surrey, B.C.

I was honored when Ron accepted my offer in the formation of an Engineering Firm EMCO Engineering Ltd. The idea was to have Electrical, Civil and Mechanical Engineers represented with :

Ron as Electrical

Les Kitchin as Mechanical

Elmer as Civil

Harry Soloveoff as Design and Drafting

The idea was good but I soon realized that my contribution was difficult as I was also President of a Construction Contracting Company and when tenders were advertised, a conflict of interest was definitely a factor. I also could not contribute my designs due to time constraints. There were other challenges to the partnership that resulted in Ron going on alone to establish a very successful Electrical Design / Engineering under the name EMCO with offices in Castlegar, B.C. Ron invited partners and eventually sold the business to Ready Engineering that still operate in Castlegar.

Ron’s Rotary achievements:

1. Castlegar Swimming Pool
   1. Chaired the Projects Committe
2. Castlegar Skateboard Park
   1. Chaired the Projects Committee
3. Castlegar Seniors Patio
4. Founded Castlegar Morning Club
5. Millennium Park Celgar Pavilion
6. Rotary District Governor 1997 / 98
7. Rotary International Achievements
   1. Tegucigalpa Market Children
   2. HELP Honduras Society (Registered CRA Charity)
   3. Group Study Exchange Co-Chair and Chair
   4. Ron and Elaine hosting twenty-one (21) Youth Exchange (YE) Students from the following countries:
      1. Finland
      2. Poland (2)
      3. Germany
      4. Mexico (2)
      5. New Zealand
      6. South Africa (a Zulu)
      7. Japan (4)
      8. Phillipines
      9. Ron still smiles with memories of these students who still keep in touch with Ron and Elaine. Many have invited them to their weddings and / or have visited them in their home countries. Others have visited in return.
   5. Established the Conger Memorial Scholarship for YE Students with economic difficulties
   6. District Representative for eight (8) years on Pacific Northwest for President Elect Training Program
      1. Program Chair foe three (3) years
      2. Audio Visual Chair for three (3) years
   7. District Committee Chair of
      1. World Community Service,
      2. Membership
      3. Rotary Foundation
      4. Group Study Exchange
   8. Awards from the Rotary Foundation
      1. Distinguished Service Award
      2. Citation for Meritorious Service
   9. Donald McCrae Peace Award foe 2012 (annual award to one Ro9tarian in Canada)
   10. Past President of Castlegar Rotar6y Club
   11. Past President of Castlegar Sunrise 2000 Rotar6y Club
   12. Paul Harris FellowAs I write this chronicle about my life-long friend, it almost appears that Sir Winston Churchill would be easier to interview. There is no question that Ron’s philosophy on life meets the Rotary Four Way Tests:

“Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to All Concerned?

Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

There is no question in my mind that he has surpassed all the tests that anyone can make in this regard.There is another saying that Rotary attests to which goes like this:”We are sent to this Earth and rented space. Check from time to time if your Rent has been Paid….”It is my opinion that Ron has a significant credit for his rent payments.

Ron and I had lunch together June 30, 2016. It was just like times of yore as Ron handled his Chemo Treatments well. I commented that it was commendable that he did not complain about his struggles. His answer to me was “I never took any courses on ‘self pity’ and so there is no room in my discussions in this area.”

Jim Holloway suggested that we get together again and Ron invited us to his summer home on Christina Lake. This started with Jim being there on August 01, 2016 and Marilyn and I followed on August 02, 2016. We all stayed together till Thursday, August 04, 2016. Jim and Ron went Kayaking down the River from Grand Forks to Gilpin while I became the Shuffle Driver. It can be termed “a time of our lives”.

“Wednesday, September 27, 2016…….Gord, Elmer, Jim, Bob and Bill

Elaine and I met with Dr. Malpass Wed AM, and examined the facts which were: 1) The newest chemical seemed to be taking a severe toll on my ability to function, 2) the time to recover from the various side effects was longer than the other chemicals, 3) the side effects were more severe, 4) there was no improvement of the various cancer markers, and in fact they were getting much worse.

We decided it was time to pull back, get healthier, adopt some policies to extend my life, and look forward to each day as it rolls around.

Ron…..”

“…..Hello to all of you

Ron died this evening Sept 28^th.  He was suffering badly, and was in great pain.

It seems hard to believe I don’t have him in my life any longer.

No flowers.

Perhaps I can set up a donation in his name for Help Honduras.  He would really like that.

More with regards to plans later.

Elaine…..”

This blog process involved interviews with Ron Ross over a period of time.

• June 02, 2016, I started this without interview
• Ron and I had lunch June 30, 2016 with where he provided some input
• Ron provided a list of Rotary Projects July 01, 2016
• EWV made emendments to the original Ron Ross Story October 06, 2016
• EWV entered the final draft into this blog October 06, 2016

 

This is an extraordinary compilation led by Ute Scheub and contributed by Haiko Pielow, Hans-Peter Schmidt. & Kathleen Draper.

The notation on the front cover:

“….How the World’s Most Fertile Soil Can Help Reverse Climate Change and Reduce World Hunger…”

The back cover provides the enticement to read the contents of this book:

“…..More than 2,500 years ago, the original inhabitants of the Amazon Basin made terra preta, or “black earth,” the world’s most fertile soil. They created this potent substance by taking regular soil and adding biochar–charcoal made from organic wastes. This ancient cultivation method has the potential to solve two of our greatest problems; climate change and hunger crisis.

This sound instruction manual proves anyone can make terra preta and includes inspiring examples from around the world. Passionate and practical, this book offers indispensable advice to all those who feel strongly about creating a better world from the ground up….”

I plunged into this book and, although I am an Applied Scientist, I found examples after examples of basic information that I lacked and did not even comprehend was taking place around me.

Page 6 is one of these:

“….In the topmost 30 centimeters (1 foot) of 1 square meter (11 square feet) of healthy soil there is an incredible abundance of living creatures:

• an estimated 1 trillion bacteria,
• 500 billion flagellates,
• 100 billion rhizopods,
• 10 billion actinomycetes,
• 1 billion fungi,
• 1 million algae,
• 1 million paramecia
• 50,000 furculae,
• 25,000 rotifers,
• 10,000 polychaetes,
• 300 polypods,
• 150 insects,
• 100 dipteran larvae,
• 100 beetles and larvae,
• 80 earthworm,
• and 50 each of spiders, snails and wood lice.

Microorganisms are the oldest form of life on Earth; incredible numbers also live on our bodies–10 times the number of our body’s cells. We are inundated with them, but without them we could not live. They occupy all our surfaces, they protect the skin from pathogens, and they live in our intestines and control our digestion. We are constantly accommodating new microorganisms and dispensing others. They ensure that infectious organisms don’t develop, and even pathogens have their function. When life expires, they create the prerequisites of a new beginning……”

“…..Researchers….have projected that up to now only 5 to 10 percent of all soil organisms are even known, With such limited knowledge, it is impossible to clearly know and recognize their diverse reciprocal effects, coexistences, and symbiotic relationships. The use of metabolic wastes is one of the secrets of living, fertile soil…”

One does not have to be technically educated to appreciate the message in this edition of many books on the subject. As a person born and raised in Saskatchewan, I now find that most farmers cannot drink water from wells on their lands because of pollution from fertilizers and various sprays that control weeds and various infestations. Only sixty years ago I enjoyed that water. What happened since?

The book took me on journeys where it is possible to make your own terra preta as well as biochar and reverse the process of climate change in a positive fashion.

A must read!

Elmer Verigin September 03, 2016

 

We spent a busy time at Whatshan which started with Work Party #4 that involved completing the foundation and hand mixing concrete July 5 through 07 on the new project, BANYA / VOLUNTEER SERVICES BUILDING.

We then volunteered for the Whatshan Jam that the younger members organized from July 08 through 10, 2016. This was a beautiful occasion attended by 220 persons from all walks of life but all were interested in what was happening at the Whatshan Lake Retreat. Along with great Musicians, many gathered to “jam” around a campfire after their presentations on stage in the evening.

It was great to have the extended Markin Family that formed a “Spirit Circle” with many others, to celebrate Flo Markin’s presence in spirit this year. It was great to meet so many young people that were there for their first time. Welcome!

We returned to Castlegar July 11, 2016 so that Marilyn could complete preparations for a summer picnic for all our senior neighbors at Grandview that was held July 14, 2016. The Committee of dedicated fellow seniors did well to make about forty enjoy all the great “pot luck” dishes that was more than what we could all eat. The highlight was when Bob Dyke introduced his wife. Larissa, who had just recently emigrated from Ukraine. What a beautiful person!

So Marilyn was then able to initiate preparations for our Saskatchewan 2016 Vacation that started at 1100 hours, on Friday, July 15, 2016. Yes Elmer drove while Marilyn caught a “few deserved winks”.

The Crowsnest Pass was a new experience that the Verigins saw for the first time in their sixty first trip through………..tornado clouds! We had witnessed this unique cloud formation on television but it was frightening to be in the midst of this suddenly. There was the typical layering and the low lying ominous black cloud that threatened to form its devastating column. The formation moved quickly to the East to Taber and well ahead of us. The Lethbridge radio informed us of the tornado warning and we wondered about following so closely.

We encountered heavy rains and decided that Medicine Hat was about all we could handle for the first day. To our surprise we found that our dome light could not be shut off and the dash showed an engine icon along with a temperature icon which indicated issues that could only be handled by a Ford Dealership.

We started at 0700 hours as we were invited to a dinner in Canora scheduled at the Sonia Tarasoff farm for 5:00 P.M. We knew that many of our friends would be there and it was an event that we did not want to miss nor be late. Let’s see how our 2010 Focus reacts and we can drop in the Ford Dealership in Swift Current where we received great attention last year when we had a minor accident.

Marilyn caught a “few more winks” as I monitored the icons on my dash that would periodically come on but not flash that would warn of eminent motor issues. The temperature gauge would go off for a few kilometers and when it went back on again it indicated a regular operating engine. Hmmmmmmmmmmm, well we should be good to Swift Current which was dead ahead.

It was Saturday but the “skeleton” crew at the Ford dealership in Swift Current gave preference to a “Visitor” from British Columbia (I mentioned the fact that Marilyn and I were actually displaced Saskachwonians) and the Technician placed Focus on his scope immediately.

The dome light was an easy fix but a faulty temperature sensor would require a part to be ordered from Edmonton that would require us staying until Tuesday. Not acceptable! We have to be in Canora at 5:00 P.M.!

So they “haywired” an interim fix which should be able to work until we are back in Trail and spent $345.73 to be on the road again after a 2 1/2 hour delay. “It should work” was the parting words and after a few kilometers the icons came right back. For the same reason as the one why we could not wait till Tuesday, we carried on as the apparent issue was a sensor and not the actual thermostat.

We were now under pressure to get to Canora and the dinner flashed through my mind as I expected Kaleena (Cranberry) tarts which are my favorite after Saskatoons. Good thing we were on a 110 km/hr divided highway. Of course I did not speed.

The ripening yellow Canola fields provided such positive promise of good yields for farmers. Yes I know that an experienced farmer only measures the yield once it is the bin but the frequent rainfall, obviously, was bring optimism to heartlands of the prairies.

The ever present winds swayed the wheat crops to duplicate the waves on an ocean that  seemed endless as the large open field disappeared into the horizons. Yes, I mused to myself, “you can take the kid off the farm but it was more difficult to take the farm out of the kid.”

Well the texting with Dorthy Ozeroff was well under way. “What is your estimated ETA?” Yes they were paving the road between Swift Current and Moose Jaw so that had to be factored in to the estimates.

We just about got lost on the roads North of Canora and another text got us orientated and we rushed in at 5:30 P.M. to a group of about 16 people that included:

1. Mitch and Dorthy Ozeroffs
2. Sonia Tarasoff
3. Irene Chernoff
4. Jack and Jan Tarasoffs from Calgary
5. Fred and Eileen Konkins
6. Lucille and Mellvina Dergousoffs from the dated Canora Choir
7. Sonia’s daughter Corina Farbacher, her daughter Nicole and son Max
8. Anthea Radford, Corina’s friend from Saskatoon
9. Gloria Stushnoff

It was great to see everyone and yes, I did get Kaleena Peresshkee!

No gathering of this sort would be complete unless we sang some traditional Russian songs. Wow, our friends maybe aging but their voices remain strong.

This may be our last visit to this home that Keith and Sonia renovated from the original Dergousoff homestead. I was born across the pond from here back in 1940. My mother often talked about this house as it was a popular visiting place for Peter (Chistaikov) Verigin, Leader of the CCUB. She was referring to the noise and obvious enjoyment that everyone was having there. With Keith’s passing last February, Sonia has no choice but to reluctantly sell the property and relocate to her house in Saskatoon. We wish her well!

Marilyn and I bid our adieus as we would see all at the Heritage day again Sunday, in Veregin, and off we continued to Benito, Manitoba to see our sister Mary Khadekin.

After questioning whether we may be hungry (the first question always asked on the prairies), my sister spoils me rotten as she always has my favorite Scotch and sufficient ice cubes. What a way to relax after a long journey!

An early wakening that Sunday as Molenniya was scheduled for 0930 hours to start Heritage Day in Veregin. A combined effort by Eileen Konkin and Lydia Cherkas made the traditional prayer service very interesting. The assembled voices from former choirs made the singing beautiful in the 99 year old “Dome” originally constructed under the direction of Peter Lordly Verigin. If the walls could talk, I am sure they would agree that tradition was achieved again in 2016.

Everyone was encouraged to rush over and get in line for the Bleenee that volunteers had prepared starting early that morning. There was an abundance of melted butter, Saskatoon Berry Syrup, fresh Strawberries, whipped cream and regular syrups to garnish a stack of four pan-sized  Bleenee, folded in half, the traditional way. There were fruit juices and coffee along with the friendly smiles. Oh yes, there was the rushing huggers from friends and relatives.

The Veregin Village Museum uses this event as their major fund-raiser. Bread baked in the Petch is also sold along with 50-50 draws and raffle tickets.

After all the visiting reached a crescendo, the entertainment program started at 1:00 P.M. The program included the Saskatchewan Doukhobor Choir along with musical presentations and a lady duet stole the event with a harmonized rendition of many popular songs ending with a Ukrainian version of Chorneyee Brovee.

Laughing is the best medicine they say, two ladies disguised as “Katrina”

and “Tonya of the Mudderland”

(note Tonya’s shoe style) had us all in stitches as they portrayed farm ladies with heavy Slavic accents. They call themselves “cousins”. Tonya even kissed me as she came off the stage. I should get her real name?

I “surveyed” this building that is being currently used as an Assembly Room but had also served as a Curling Rink at one time. It was first built by the Christian Communities of Universal Brotherhood (CCUB) in the 1920s. I was advised by some that its original use was as an Assembly Plant by the CCUB to assemble premade parts from various Machinery Manufacturers that would ship and have the CCUB assemble them into operating Binders, Mowers, Cultivators and other implements. The final product would then be sold and distributed by the CCUB to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. I also heard that someone has pictures of the assembled equipment all lined up on a railing siding ready for shipment. I decided right then and there, that I needed to document a story on this subject as well as the business operation of the CCUB.

I already had a map of Verigin that was surveyed by The Western Fire Underwriters Association in 1923 and revised in July 1929. I noted that the name on the Plan was VERIGIN. At some point in time the legal name was established as VEREGIN. (That may need further investigation). This plan clearly showed the full development of the lands owned by CCUB which were all located South of the Canadian National Railway along with the occupants on the North side on various lots in the downtown area. That would be my starting point.

We had an invitation to Murray and Tim Verigin’s farm for Shishliki. The farm was 4 1/2 miles NW of Veregin that took us past the cemetery where most of my relatives have found their final “home”. Sister Mary along with my cousin Merelyn Hilt (Verigin) stopped there to pay our respects. The ladies allowed me to sing a Russian solo about the Postman on his last route.

At the farm, we got to meet another group of friends and relatives that included:

1. Tim and Murray Verigin (nephews)
2. Merelyn (Verigin) Hilt (1st cousin)
3. Randy (nephew) and Barbara Trofemenkoff
4. Danny (cousin) and Adeline Horkoff
5. Mary Khadekin (sister)
6. Kenneth Khadekin (nephew)
7. Marrianne Bylow (Niece)
8. Brad Kramer (Employee of neighbor Jason Morozoff)
9. Stephen Perepolkin (Friend of Tim and Murray)
10. Harold Holoboff (Friend of Tim and Murray)

The Shishliki were frying and the “spirits” flowing. It was nice to see everyone, the presence of deceased Cousin Peter Verigin along with his wife, Peter’s parents and son David that all lived at that homestead was felt as well.

What can I say about the Saskatchewan hospitality…..it comes from the heart and is natural.

Tim handled the chicken and Stephen the Lamb.

Monday morning had me on the way to Pelly to see who might still be around at the Penguin Café. On my way there I stopped at the Doukhobor cemetery, 3 miles East of Pelly along Highway 49. I needed to pay reverence to former Pelly Choir who were instrumental in encouraging me to sing Russian songs. Yes, I sang the song about the Last Route of the Postman again as it fitted my memories of the Slastukin, Strukoff, Rezansoff and many other dedicated families.

Nick Nahorove and John MacLise were there along with many I did not know. Conversation brought me up to date on last year’s fire that destroyed the Pelly Museum which was also my school for grades 4 through 12. There was no insurance and a tax levy of $80 a household was set to clean up the site which included dealing with asbestos that coated the wood furnace and heating system. It was sad to miss all those that used to laugh their way through coffee and talk about what the Lions Club had been doing in the community. Perhaps not so much now.

On my way to visit our former farm 3 1/2 miles NE of Pelly, I noted a lot of people at the George Strukoff fram so I drove in. Family and friends were busy looking after the yard in preparation for an Auction Sale in August as George was terminally ill with rectal cancer.

The trip to the farm noted that the former driveway had no access from the road. It is something that seemed part of what is taking place on most former homesteads that were created for every 1/4 section (160 acres). Every family had to start from nothing to build their dreams:

• House
• Barn
• Chicken Coop
• Cattle Shelter
• Equipment storage and Repair Shop
• There was usually a tree-lined driveway to each farm

With the large wide equipment these days and width being an issue, those driveways have grown in, the buildings have deteriorated or were destroyed. The 1/4 section dreams are now a minimum economic 10 sections (6,400 acres). Canola was just about 80% choice of the crops that I could see with very few farmers living on the farm. Large shining galvanized steel bins hug the roadsways for ease of access in all kinds of weather.

On Tuesday, July 19, 2016, I travelled alone to Veregin to attend coffee at the Drop-in Centre. Just outside of Benito, I hit a road marker (paving was in process) and had a flat tire. Ouch!

I had been invited by Lawrence Kazakoff who said that they met at 0600 hours, but I ended up waiting until 0645. He gave me a royal tour. He expressed pride in their achievement since the older generation that had originated the idea in the former Jamaga Store with the adjacent community hall (Palace Gardens as it was called then). All had been decimated and the buildings fell into disrepair.

But now completed renovations included:

1. Roof repair
2. Washrooms renovation
3. Kitchen renovations
4. They were waiting for the front windows to be delivered so that the front end could be renovated

Lawrence brewed the coffee and soon the following arrived:

1. Barry Reibin (left rear)
2. Jack Chernoff (right rear)
3. Lawrence Kazakoff (right front)
4. Jason Morozoff (left before picture taken)
5. Alex Cherewyk (left rear)

I returned to Benito and that afternoon we went to Kamsack with sister Mary and visited:

1. George Strukoff at Kamsack Hospital (George passed away July 22, 2016)
   1. Saw his sister Mary and her husband
   2. Saw his twin brother Alex and his wife
   3. Virginia his wife
2. Pete Popoff (married to my Dad’s sister Anne Verigin) at the Care Centre at 104 years young
3. Mike Verigin (1st cousin) at Eagleston (Mike passed away August 07, 2016 of congestive heart failure at the aqe of 86), see tribute in my blog
4. Fannie Slastukin (married to Fred, 2nd cousin to my Dad) at Eaglestone
   1. Met her daughter Margaret who was visiting her
5. Florence (Verigin) Trofemenkoff at her farm 1/2 mile N of Veregin

Wednesday, July 20, 2016 Marilyn and I had a lunch appointment with Lydia and Peter Cherkas in Kamsack. It was so great to visit with these people who we knew for a long time. A highlight was when we had an impromptu visit from author G.D. Bennecke who wrote two books:

• Promised Land Book One Love and Hate
• Promised Land Book Two Home and Family

The unique thing about this man is that his ancestors were also sent to Urkust at the same time as the Doukhobors. He is a cousin to a former classmate of mine Leonard Benneke. I will need to read and see what he has to say in print.

We continued with a visit to the Kamsack Museum so that Marilyn could purchase his books. Peter and Lydia, both Board Directors were proud to show us around.

We had promised Dan and Adeline Horkoff that we would drop in to their farm near the former White Sand School. We were very fortunate as we also able to visit with Dan’s 2 sisters and their partners. The treat was chatting with their daughter Lindsay, who is partners in a E-cigarette distributing company in USA.

Those present were as follows:

1. Dan(Nephew) and Adeline Horkoff
2. Daughter Lindsay Westlake
3. Bev (sister)
4. Carol (sister)
5. Partner Blaine Walsh

Thursday, July 21, 2017 found me travelling the various back roads again but this time I drove to Canora as I wanted to walk over to the farm where I was born. This was just across the pond from Tarasoffs. Both farms were once owned by Dergousoffs.

I walked up to the well pump and smiled as I was told that brother Lawrence was coming home from Pheonix School with brother Russel, at the time of my birth, and explained my birth to him as I was “pulled” out of the well that my father had been excavating at that time. Maybe that is why I was always “wet behind the ears”. I also had a nice visit with Sonia Tarsoff and went on my way.

I had heard that Jason Morozoff was in the process of moving his “Retreat” back from the eroding Whitesand River bank that was undermining the building. I was surprised that river was too high to allow passage along the concrete ford in the road just before the site.

I decided to go back to the Morozoff farm where Jason’s brother, Mathew started raising 21 sheep. Here is an example of a successful Developer from Calgary wanting to “get his hands dirty”. His grandfather Alex, would be very happy that the farm had animals again.

I drove the back way to Benito past the sites of the former CCUB Doukhobor Villages. It was easy to see where the villages were located as the transplanted maple trees were used as wind breaks and the horse radish continues to mark the gardens.

I returned to Benito soon after Marilyn and Mary got back from Swan River. Marilyn is addicted to shopping in that town for some reason. We enjoyed quite time with Sister Mary and we entertained ourselves by weeding her garden.

Friday morning, July 22, 2016, we started on our way to Langham to our next “marshalling place” at Dorothy and Michael Ozeroffs. Sonia Pryslak had called us to advise that my old school chum and university room-mate Tony and his wife Louise were visiting her from Winnipeg and wanted to see us. Fred and Eileen Konkin had also called to invite us to their farm in Pelly. So we convinced all to meet us at Pelly for coffee at the Links Restaurant. It was a wonderful chance to visit and bring us all up to date. there just did not seem enough time to conduct thorough visits with all these beautiful people.

The four hour journey along Highway 16 took us by all those places that I used to pass in the years when I travelled to Saskatoon to the University of Saskatchewan from Pelly and then from Benito. Each community brought out fond and nostalgic memories. Yes the flour mill grinding stones still stood as sentinels on the North side of the highway just outside of Buchanan, marking a time when they were busy grinding flour in the Doukhobor community flour mill. The community of Peswigin is highlighted in my blog with that name and I giggled remembering the now retired Dr. William Chernoff and his speech in the Pub asking to meet the President of the Chamber of Commerce because we were “naughty” on their entrance sign.

Saskatoon always seems larger than the last time we were there as Circle Drive streamlines us around the U of S as it takes us back to Highway 16 and on to Langham. I recall designing Circle Drive in our lab project for Highway Engineering at the U of S with Russell Kowch from Norquay. Another smile!

Welcomes are always warm at the Ozeroffs as they had a treat with their daughter Tanya, husband Dale and children Josh and Tammy all ready for dinner. A delightful experience with young people. Dale brought us up to date on what was happening to Saskatoon from the administrative perspective.

Saturday morning, July 23, 2016 had Marilyn go visit her aging Aunt Ann (Dergousoff) Verishine and her cousin. Kathleen. Mitch and I had a mission to check on their son’s, Darrell family dog Charlie. There was much thunder and lighting the night before which was not Charlie’s favorite pass time and so the family had left the garage door open for Charlie to hide while they spent a few days at the lake.

Charlie was just fine and he wagged his tail as Mitch threw him some biscuit treats. The grandeur of the modern farm was there to behold with all the shining steel bins, equipment and a spotless farm yard that is an example of Darrell’s adherence to all details and pride as a farmer.

That afternoon we attended a yearly community Shishliki barb-b-q at Henreitta School.

This Marilyn’s public school in the year’s grades 1 through 8. There were many people there that were known to Marilyn such as:

1. Leonard (cousin) and Connie Verishine
2. Harvey (cousin) and Diane Verishine
3. Lance (Harvey’s son) Verishine
4. Jade (nephew) and Marni Verishine and family
5. Alex and Elaine (cousin) Derkachenko
6. Ryan Nemineschin (head barb-b-qer)
7. about 60 others

A slightly different recipe but still a delightful occasion and good visiting.

Sunday, July 24, 2016 involved a group project of pitting sour cherries. Dorthy got her two grandchildren organized along with Marilyn and they handled some 9 ice cream pails in preparation for future pies. Mitch and I had a baseball game to watch and a tot of Scotch.

That afternoon we were invited to Darrell’s family farm for barb-b-q dinner It was great to enjoy the farm atmosphere and experience the hospitality:

On Monday, July 25, 2016 we went to the Pakrovka cemetery to visit the resting place of Marilyn’s father and mother as well as many relatives. There we sang two hymns and paid reverence to all that lie there. To the East is the remains of the Doukhobor communal village Pakrovka after which the cemetery got its name. A beautiful setting on the brow of the hill that sloped to the North Saskatchewan River.

We were invited for Dinner to the farm of Leonard and Connie Verishine. We took this opportunity to visit Jade and Marnie Verishine which are directly across from the farm of Jeff and Tracey Verishine, (Jade’s brother) and both Matilyn’s nephews. Jade was away at work but we had a great visit with Marie and sons Levi and Jacob.

We took a slow drive to Loenard’s farm a mile to the West but just had stop so that Marilyn could look for arrowheads. Historically, this was the area where the First Nations would camp and it may be where battles took place as there were many arrow heads found over the years.

The main entrée was Northern Pike that Connie caught and was expertly filleted so that it was like eating Pickerel. Wow what cooks they have here on the prairies! Connie is part of that tradition. There was even apple pie from their own orchard.

Many pictures hang on the wall that record roundup days when Leonard, his bother Harvey, their sons would lasso the young heifers for branding. A formidable bunch that would lower John Wayne to amateur level.

We still time to drop in on Jeff and Tracey and son Alix as they continue to renovate the former homestead of grandfather Alex Verishine (Marilyn’s home). They showed us their plans to construct a retirement home as soon as their house in Saskatoon sells. Already the expensive gas and power services are installed and about 10 acres of mowed grass is prepared for this construction.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016 we travelled into Saskatoon to visit Sonia Tarasoff at her retirement home. We followed  Mitch and Dorthy to ensure we did not get lost. We enjoyed great conversation and visit while Sonia explained how the Doukhobors in Blaine Lake and Saskatoon areas were in the process of developing a CD to assist in conducting a Doukhobor Prayer Service. Ryan Androsoff is applying his knowledge and resources to complete same.

That afternoon we visited with Donna (Tarasoff) Hunchak at her apartment. We were joined later by Ruth (Tarasoff) and John Sirota. Both Ruth and Donna became like sisters to me when I boarded for 1 1/2 years at the Tarasoff house on 401 Avenue H. Their brother Keith was my room-mate and that was a memory that will make anyone smile.

I took my car to the Merlin Motors in Saskatoon to see if we could resolve the temperature sensor issue. Yes a part was necessary from Edmonton and I could have it all installed Wednesday A.M. This was a treat as I met Tim Morrow, Business Development Manager with responsibility for Nelson Ford in Nelson, B.C. as well as Saskatoon. It was a small world as he knew Roger Woodhouse (my son-in-law Rick’s brother) Tim was from “small town” Saskatchewan so it was a pleasant hour that we chatted.

Marilyn was shopping at this time and after we caught up with each other we went to Marilyn’s 1st cousin Elaine (Maloff) and Alex Derkachenko for the night. This was base where we visited from for the next few days

On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, Marilyn joined her two cousins Elaine Derkachenko and Donna Henderson to visit their mother and Marilyn’s Aunt Alice Maloff (Podowinikoff) at the Care Centre. I took the opportunity to have a rest.

We all met at the Diamond Restaurant where we had a just a great Lunch:

1. Alex and Elaine Derkachenko
2. Larry and Donna henerson
3. Marilyn and I

This was Klassic Auction afternoon where Jade and Tracey Verishine, together with their family have an auction. It is just great to see the entire family participate in the many ways that are necessary for a successful auction. Their son Alex has learned the art of Auctioneer and can match the professionals on staff.

Thursday, July 28, 2016, I needed to be at Merlin Motors at 0700 hours to get the temperature senor installed. Everything worked well now and Marilyn and I left for Calgary.

We did not realize how tired both od were and decided to overnight in Strathmore. We tried connecting with Paul and Mildred Shukin so that we could deliver the two Konkin Family LPs he wanted but it appears that they were not in Calgary.

We had an appointment at Pure North at 0900 hours Friday, July 29, 2016 and took advantage of Wendy’s advice to go to the Ookatoks Costco. We decided that we would just go home.

Castlegar looked very good to us when it came to view from the cutoff.

Many of our friends ask why we keep going to Saskatchewan as “there is nothing there.” Well Marilyn and I are convinced that there is enough there that we will likely go back for the 100 year celebration planned at Veregin in 2017.

After many interruptions, Elmer posted this final entry at 1945 hours August 08, 2016

 

 

All those that chose to attend a Spiritual Blessing during a busy Whatshan Jam, July 08, through 10, 2016, formed an ever increasing circle as others arrived with the symbolic bread, salt and water standing over a white doily draped over a table.

The following were the opening words delivered by Elmer Verigin:

“…..At least once a year and always at about this time, we stop to give thanks for all that has been created here at Whatshan.

JJ Verigin spoke on July 16, 1999 before all those who attended here to dedicate this Whatshan Project, to the “Peoples of this Country, Canada” for their enjoyment as a tribute to their kindness to permit 7,700 Doukhobors to escape religious persecution in Russia in 1899.

It was then that a nice lady and her partner appeared on stage and, in tears, acknowledged a large monetary gift from her son.

Many years  have passed along with much dedication from even more volunteers, to witness what is now before us.

It was not the size of donation, or shortness of volunteer hour that needs to be congratulated here but it was always given from the heart whether it was the $25 cash from an Old Age Security Cheque or one hour of Love.

Today we are missing this avid guest in body but she envelopes us in her spiritual love. She is there all around us and her presence abounds within those who will allow her love to enter.

As I wrote these words this morning, she encouraged me to say to her family:

” I promised you that I would be here in spirit as I knew that my tired body would not. Love each other with all your might and do not forget to pass this love to everyone around you.”

I have searched for evidence of God and I sympathize with Biologists and Scientists in their acknowledgement of their definitive evidence that there is a Devine Presence in all matter.

Dr. Lypton, PhD., Cell Biologist is convinced that all 60 trillion cells in your body are in direct contact with the environment…..Quantum Physics.

Physicists have mow accepted that every atom is controlled by the Hobbs Particle or as colloquially referred to as “God’s Particle” by some.

I ask all of you to hold hands now so that we can embrace all this communication that comes from without.

Aunt Flo to me, mother to a few, grandmother to more and relative and friend to all others, will be held amongst us…..”

I ask those that can sing the Lord’s Prayer in Russian to please do as all of us close our eyes and this deeply of Flo……………Ochee Nosh.

I ask JJ Verigin to say a few words……..

Kerry (granddaughter) spoke of her association with her “Gamma”

Patricia Markin (partner to Allan, son) spoke of her respect of her mother-in-law

Lev Markin recounted on the love he received from his great grandmother

Diana Lodon talked about her mother

Lloyd Morozoff, nephew, spoke about his Aunt

Candis (Oglow) spoke lovingly of her grandfather Pete Oglow and his support for Whatshan

We will all close now with singing Precious Moments, Daraheeya Menutee and I will ask my daughter Nona Kucher to lead us.

Thank you all!

Elmer Verigin, posted July 12, 2016 at 0930 hours

To the Reader:

I heard this young lady speak at the USCC Youth Spring Festival May 21, 2016. The moment she said her first words, she held the audience spell bound.

Her message can apply to just about every Religion and or Church as there are difficulties for Youth to understand what the Adult has accepted over the years. Sometimes without questioning in the way Natasha has.

She travelled many paths to come to these conclusions.

One has to read carefully and think about what she says in this speech.

by Natasha Jmieff

Hi everyone. My name is Natasha Jmieff, and I’m going to talk to you about my perspective on the Doukhobor life concept. Over the years, I’ve read a lot of history and done a lot of soul-searching—I’ll tell you about some of that in a minute—and I’ve come up with five ideas that I think are at the core of this culture. They’re ideas that Doukhobors have lived by for the last two hundred years, but that doesn’t make them outdated—in fact, it makes them more necessary than ever, and some of them are becoming mainstream and being talked about everywhere.
So, here are the five ideas:
We are all part of God.
We honour the spirit of God in each other.
We are pacifists.
We are communitarians.
Together, we can change the world.
Before I go on to explain these ideas, I want to tell you about my own spiritual journey, and how I came to be standing here on stage today. As glad as I am to have all of you for an audience, in some ways, this speech is meant to reach the people who aren’t here, who aren’t participating—because for years, I was one of them.
In 1975, the year I was born, my parents joined the Slocan Valley Choir—which you’ll see behind me as soon as the curtain opens. I grew up going to choir with them, sitting on a little carpet in the corner of Slocan Park hall with my toys and colouring books, or else playing—and fighting a little—with the other kids outside.
I hated it. I resented so many things about growing up in the USCC, and I used to complain about it. “Mom, my platok is itchy. Why do I have to wear it at all? Dad, why do we always go to prayer meetings on Sundays? Can’t I stay home and watch TV?” I whined a lot. I don’t know how my loving parents put up with me. But I did what they said because I was a kid and, well, I didn’t have a choice.
But underneath the whining and childish resistance, a much deeper resistance—a kind of rebellion—was happening. As I grew up, I distanced myself more and more from the culture, inside.
Although my parents encouraged me to speak Russian at home, most of the time I spoke and thought in English. None of the songs we sang in Sunday school made sense to me, and we never discussed or tried to understand their meanings. What I absorbed from my family and the culture around me was a sense of anxiety, of always being judged—by the people around me and by God. I absorbed a sense of being burdened by duty and obligation to the community and its leaders. Of constant guilt and inadequacy, and a sense of suffering that our people almost rejoiced in, as if suffering made a person righteous.
I know this isn’t what many of you want to hear, but it was my experience. I didn’t want to be a Doukhobor.
At the same time, I was on a spiritual journey. I was looking for something, though I didn’t know what.
When I was eighteen, I moved to Vancouver to go to UBC. I was a shy, sheltered girl from “the valley,” but I thrived at university. I absorbed new ideas, new ways of living, and tried them out in my own life. Whatever inspired me, whatever opened me up, I followed—it didn’t matter which religion or culture it came from.
For a while I tried being an atheist, but it didn’t work for me. My heart had faith—and longed for—a connection with something or someone much larger than me, a presence I couldn’t see, but somehow knew was there—awake, alive, all the time, everywhere.
I really liked Buddhism. A Zen master came to one of my lectures once. He made two hundred of us sit still for ten minutes without talking. We were supposed to watch our breath come in and out and keep our minds still. It felt impossible. But I remembered that moment.
And later, I learned how to meditate with this same teacher—Eshin Godfrey—at the Vancouver Zen Centre. We sat on black cushions on the floor, for half an hour at a time, and got up between sessions to walk slowly around the room and chant in Japanese. The practice was strange to me, and difficult to do, but during the brief time I spent going to Zen Centre, something opened in me. One day, my mind settled down and a beautiful clarity arose. I could hear a robin chirping in a tree outside, and the skytrain rattling by—we were near a station—and everything I thought or worried about disappeared. For a minute there was just clarity, presence and peace.
The Zen master was the happiest person I had ever met—he radiated happiness—and I wanted what he had.
But the spiritual journey moves at its own pace, in its own way. Soon after that beautiful opening, I left Vancouver. I graduated from UBC with a degree in English and, instead of staying in the city, I moved home—back to the valley, back to the heart of this culture I’d been avoiding for years.
I’m going to read you a passage by the native American writer Linda Hogan that explains what drew me back toward Doukhoborism. In her memoir, The Woman Who Watched Over the World, she writes: “My tribal identity has always been chasing after me, to keep its claims on my body and heart. I can’t escape from my culture and be whole and real.”
The spiritual journey is a journey toward wholeness and union—but to arrive at that wholeness, we have to do the work—the work of dissolving and healing whatever keeps us feeling separate, contracted, afraid. It’s not easy. It’s gritty, difficult work to face those parts of ourselves.
But after that moment of clarity at the Zen Centre, that’s exactly what I came back to the Kootenays to do—though I didn’t know it at the time.
For ten or fifteen years, I moved toward Doukhoborism, then away. I sang with my parents’ choir for a year or two—then took up dancing with Sufis. I read books on Doukhobor history—then learned how to invoke the spirits of the four directions. I tried working for Iskra—but found myself in a sweat lodge, crammed in the dark and heat with thirty other people. We were all speaking our prayers out loud to the Great Spirit, and I found myself saying: “Please Great Spirit, heal my culture, heal my people.”
I’d never thought of them as “my people” before: the generations of suffering Doukhobors whose pain, sorrow and trauma I had inherited, and was working to heal in myself.
Dear elders, I’m telling you this story because I want you to understand the world your young people live in. This world is open to them. There are a million faiths, and a million paths to wholeness. The spiritual journey is a very individual one, and I believe that if a person is engaged in it, in whatever way, he or she is a spirit wrestler.
That being said, we all need to belong somewhere. We are individuals, each on our own journey through life, but we all need community—the support of other people—to help us on this journey. Right now, the Doukhobor community, what remains of it, is disintegrating. Once the current generation of elders—you beautiful, hard-working people who have done your best for us—once this generation is gone, the particular spiritual path we call Doukhoborism will end. Unless we—and here I’m speaking to people my age and younger, both those who are here and those who are not—unless we do something to renew it.
I don’t know what, exactly, but I have a few ideas. Maybe others of you do too. Maybe some of you, like me, have left the community, but something tugs at you to come back again. I’m here today because I believe that, despite its flaws and dysfunctions, Doukhobor culture, Doukhobor faith, is worth preserving and renewing.
In a letter he wrote to Peter Verigin “Hospodniy,” novelist Leo Tolstoy called the Doukhobors “people of the 25th century.” In eighteenth and nineteenth century Russia, the ideas Doukhobors lived by were heretical—they didn’t belong. But today, many of these ideas are becoming widespread. All over the world, people are waking up—their spirits are waking up—to the very truths our Doukhobor ancestors lived—and died—for.
This brings me back to the five ideas I mentioned at the beginning. I call them Five Ideas the Doukhobors Had That Could Change the World.
1. The wise, awake, loving and all-embracing presence we call God lives inside each person. Its guidance is available to all of us, all the time—all we need to do is ask, and listen.
In other words: We are all part of God.
2. All human hierarchies, divisions and castes are illusions. So are the religious and national boundaries that people fight and die for. Our ancestors believed in a kind of radical equality—that all people are equal, and all of us equally have access to divine wisdom—if we choose to live by it.
In other words: We honour the spirit of God in each other.
3. When we live by divine wisdom, we create a space for peace in our lives, and we start to see how much harm is done by acts of force or violence. Violence arises from fear and ignorance, and is dissipated by their opposites—love and understanding. When we begin to generate love and understanding inside ourselves, we turn away from violence, and toward peace.
In other words: We are pacifists.
4. If all people are equal, everyone matters. Our ancestors believed it was possible for people to live together in community, sharing their resources and labour so that everyone would benefit. This particular idea goes against the mainstream of consumer culture today, but more and more people are realizing the benefits of making do with less and sharing what they have.
In other words: We are communitarians.
5. If we align ourselves, and our community, with the flow of divine wisdom, and allow that wisdom to work through us, we can accomplish great things. I think of the faith that allowed the Doukhobors to resist forced conscription, to survive prison and exile, to migrate to a new country and pioneer on the prairies and in BC—all the things they were able to accomplish because of their faith, and their unity.
Today, we have different issues to tackle, and different goals, but still:
Working together, we can change the world.
So, let me repeat one more time what the Doukhobor life concept means to me:
We are all part of God.
We honour the spirit of God in each other.
We are pacifists.
We are communitarians.
Together, we can change the world.
Thank you very much for your attention and your time today. And my thanks to the people behind me, my parents and the other choir members, for your dedication to your culture and community for so many years. Bless you all.

The above speech was given as part of the performance of the Slocan Valley Choir at the USCC Union of Youth Festival in May, 2016
copyright Natasha Jmieff, 2016

Natasha
I have a blog and I would be honored if I could post it on my blog along with some appropriate remarks
I just think that it is a great story of a young Doukhobor growing up
Elmer

Hi Elmer,
That would be fine. The more people who have access to its message, the better. 🙂
Copyright remains with me.
Have a great day.
Natasha

Posted by Elmer Verigin June 27, 2016, 1010 hours

I have a video that I am trying to post here but I am having a real challenge performing this task on Windows 10.

Bear with me, I will work it out

Elmer