I was looking for something else and came across this picture of four dangerous young Doukhobor Youth “searching”.

We came to know each other as a result of the Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth (SDY).

From left to right: Keith Taraoff, Alfred Kabatoff, Michael Ozeroff and Elmer Verigin

Keith and Michael grew up on farms near Langham, Saskatchewan while Alfred came from a farm near Blaine Lake. Elmer was an “Easterner” came from a farm near Pelly.

We all sang and socialized in the SDY which was a gathering place for Doukhobor Youth from across Saskatchewan.

At this time I boarded with Keith’s family in Saskatoon and Alfred boarded with his grandparents while the three of us attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Mitch was a farmer then near Langham and drove in to Saskatoon to be our choir director.

This time in the Spring of 1960, Alfred invited us to meet his parents on their farm in Blaine Lake. I am not sure if Alfred’s parents were impressed with his friends but his friends sure enjoyed the hospitality and food that Alfred’s mother had prepared for the “Hoistyee Daraheeya” and ate as only four young men could.

For whatever reason, the four of us liked to sing a happy Doukhobor Folk Song “Paslednee Chas Razlohee”, loosely translated “My Last Hours on Earth” that a young heart broken maiden was singing to her girl friends about her beloved who had chosen to love another and would not even appear at her funeral. The youth of today are missing something……………look at the choices of song that are available for all to enjoy!!!

As you can imagine we would have been a great quartet in singing as well as in play. We managed to entice a few young girls to socialize with us. We thought we were dashing but the opinion may not have been mutual to the girls.

We had many memorable times together and today I am sad to report that Keith and Alfred left Mitch and I to remember those times when we were young and the World was waiting for our contribution.

From my perspective, we earned our place on Earth with the many people we associated and participated in all that we achieved.

Elmer Verigin , August 06, 2017.

Yes, I have written about Saskatchewan several times but each time I enjoy different events which all contribute to my appreciation of people there and my journey with them.

The appointed time for the trip was Heritage Days in Veregin July 15 and 16, 2017 but as usual, my schedule includes the Whatshan Jam the weekend before. Oh yes, there was need to ensure that Baunya was operational before the Jam as people would be coming and the notoriety of a Baunya at Whatshan was already inspiring curious people………….will this be for real?

So some of us got onto this on July 01. It was great to se see Larry Jmaieff and Sharon show up for the first time but Larry had already contributed with a donation of a “Chop Saw’, arranged for a Compactor from a friend and provided transport for much needed cedar panelling from Salmo.

I could say similar actions about many volunteers that worked on this project but Larry was the first besides JJ Verigin that came to us from Grand Forks.

We were very successful with all the others, to achieve “substantial completion”. Even my cousin Allan Markin and his wife Patrcia with friends survived the inaugural Baunya along with cousin Lloyd Morozoff on July 14, 2017. The screaming with joy as the cold shower between the benches was activated when others least expected.

Well all that activity, contributed and accentuated my lower back and leg as my “girl friend” Sciatica became a persistent partner that even Kurtis Verigin, our volunteer Massage Master could only temporarily tame before Marilyn and I started on our 64th trip to Saskatchewan that Wednesday, July 12, 2017. Getting in and out of the car almost required a crane to achieve success without too much pain.

Our first stop was the National Doukhobor Heritage Village at Veregin, and we witnessed all the hectic preparations taking place by faithful volunteers and then carried on to Benito, Manitoba to see sister Mary Khadekin. It was great to see again, the last remaining sibling in my family. Her usual remedy for all is “have a shower!”

I did.

The next afternoon became an interesting sequence of events that surpassed my previous challenge to construct 29 International Pavilions at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. Peter Perepolkin from Shoreacres and I were to deliver two (2) 8′ x 4′ mounted posters that would high-lite Veregin from 1929 through to 2017. I will go through the events so that all can understand how complicated things can get:

1. Peter was bringing the printed posters with him to Yorkton and had reserved a rented vehicle in Yorkton upon arrival. The vehicle was not available!
2. The two Alumaboard panels that would receive the posters were shipped from Calgary (there was no closer supply) but never arrived in Veregin. Peter found them in a freight warehouse in Yorkton
3. I was able to establish cell phone contact with Peter and we now needed a pickup to bring Peter, the panels and his posters to Veregin that afternoon so that the completed posters would be available to display for the centennial celebrations that weekend
4. Phil Perepolkin, Curator at the NDHV came to the rescue with the loan of his pickup and off I went to Yorkton
5. I forgot which motel Peter was in and so the solution was to call him. Of course, that is when my cell phone lost power and left me visually checking motels. On the third try, I saw him standing patiently, in front of one.
6. We arrive in Veregin and were relegated to the equipment shed. After finding enough support material we neglected to estimate the dust in the air and soon realized the static conditions and process to adhere the poster to Alumaboard was perfect for all the dust to interfere
7. We looked for another location and requested a move to the dining hall that was already all set for lunch the next day. Thanks Phil for allowing us to set up there
8. Yes the beautiful frames that we made locally, were found to be 3/4″ too small both ways, to fit the completed poster. Okay we will proceed without frames
9. Thanks to the persistence of Peter and Phil, the posters were completed and one temporarily mounted in the Dining Hall. The other was taken to the New Horizons the next day.
10. The frames would be completed in the future
11. I was a wreck physically and literally an impedance rather than an assistance at this time
12. After all that, I had to take Peter back to Yorkton and returned to the Duck Mountain Motel in Kamsack at 1115 hours to find that all my Saskatchewan friends in bed. Of course they were concerned and looking for me but I was only able to answer their texting about 1000 hours when my phone got recharged in my car.

So that was an Oiyayoi all right!

I had made a promise to some of my Brirish Columbia Choir members that I would meet them at the Ramada Inn in Yorkton at 0800 hours, Saturday, so that we could tour the railroad constructed by Doukhobors from Yorkton to Canora (29 miles) back in 1910.

My friend Lawrence Popoff was waiting for me at 0645, Saturday morning so that we could do all this together.

It was great as about 20 choir members were front and center of the Ramada Inn in Yorkton and eager to tour which included Ebeneezer that used to be a stopping place on the former Fort Pelly Trail and then became a commercial part of the Doukhobor project of buildings that included grain elevator and business district. The railway was completed between seeding and harvest so that a mile of trackbed was delivered every day and a half. An amazing feat when one considers no backhoes but horses, oxen, scrapers and about a 1,000 men. The railway is still in use today.

(picture at Ebeneezer here)

This interesting project can be explored in detail in Jonathan Kalmakoff’s Doukhobor Genealogy and my Veregin Story 2017 Appendix.

We carried on to Canora and were able to see some of the remaining buildings that were also part of the original Doukhobor enterprises.

We all took a picture with the Ukrainian Lady statue and her traditional welcome with a loaf of bread (Lasha) on entry to Canora.

This was followed by stopping at the Co-Op store to buy “Hlep Smakum” (Poppy-Seed Roll).

The gang though I was “pulling their legs” but quickly bought out the supply. Delicious! I am sure there will be test baking in British Columbia at some time.

We were able to arrive at the NDHV at 1015 hours in time to inspect their bread baking process after singing “Daraheeya Meinootee” (Precious Moments) to attract the cooks to meet us.

We were ready for the delicious lunch at 1100 of choices:

• Qwass
• Borch
• Bread
• Tarts (Kaleenya, Sasktoon Berry or Strawberry)
• Berry Juice
• Coffee

(Post continues 1540 hours July 29, 2017

It was great to watch all the volunteers as they fed the 280 Registrants that included a large tented addition to the large Assembly Building.

Then it was mobilizing all to the air conditioned buses for a tour of all the Doukhobor Villages in the South Colony that were built by the 3,500 Immigrants starting 1899. Unfortunately, not all the Registrants realized the scope of this tour and so cars and vans followed the buses as Jonathan Kalmakoff identified and quantified the sizes of these villages as we approached them. Using technology, all of us were able to hear Jonathan on FM Radio.

Yes there were sites that were special as that of Peter Verigin (Hospoidnee) burial place in a grove of shrubs just off the former Otradnye Village which was the center of the all villages from an administrative aspect.

Nadjoda Cemetery had a special impact as the burial place for Lebedev was identified. This was our brave reluctant enlisted Doukhobor who led other young men like him to place their bayonetted rifles into the parade ground on that Easter Sunday and declare that they would not bear arms anymore. A significant event as they were severely punished by their commander but defiantly maintained their resolve.

The Choir from British Columbia broke into in a hymn “Speetya Arle Baywetee” (Sleep on Brave Angels)

The tour ended at the site of the original Flour Mill, Brick Factory, Elevator which was the former Doukhobor Industrial Park and then to disembark at the National Doukhobor Heritage Village (NDHV).

(Post continues 1200 hours July 30, 2017)

The evening was celebrated starting a Shishliki Dinner (traditional for Veregin) and vegetarian for those that had preference, followed by performances from the British Columbia and Saskatchewan Choirs. A great time for all those in attendance. It seemed like would not be enough but we had two mysterious ladies that knew everything about life and divulged it all to an appreciative audience.

It was back to the Duck Mountain Inn at Kamsack and another attempt at getting the “gang” together but it was late and the “oldies” needed their rest and so a limited social prevailed as we all needed to be up bright and early for the Sobrania on Sunday.

The walls of the 100 year old “Dom” rang with Russian Psalms again and we all could feel the Quantum Physics of yore entwining with today and all were smiling with rapture to the thrill of the moment. All the material wealth of the World would not compare with the spirituality of the genuine love that was there for all of us to enjoy. This photo was taken on the East side of the “Dom” just after the Sobraniya.

The Blinsi Brunch with all the syrups and topped with fruit and the volunteers again delivering hospitality with their smiles and love. Well, you just had to be there!

Then the singing started again with all choirs participating. We had greetings from the MP Wagantall as well as the MLA, Cheveldayoff, Minister of Sports and Culture in Saskatchewan. Yes time has advanced so now a Doukhobor descendent from Blaine Lake brings greetings from the government in power. A powerful voice in the ruling government.

I had an opportunity to promote Veregin Strory 2017 which is scheduled for publishing in October. It outlines the establishment of Veregin from Doukhobor roots and takes it through the trials and tribulations of the Foreclosures of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood (CCUB).

The volunteers working on this publication will utilize the grant provided by Allan Markin whose grand parents, all came through Veregin, initially prior to settling in Alberta. all proceeds will become part of the NDHV fund raising efforts to continue their good work.

The farewells were difficult with many as we never know if that may be the last time. Marilyn and I joined Lawrence and Kathy Popoff to have dinner in Yorkton with many of the British Columbia participants. Yes the review of the celebration was very positive as for many, it was their first time visiting Doukhobors in Saskatchewan.

Marilyn and I returned to sister Mary’s “haven” in Benito to try and recover from my ailments. A sister’s TLC is like no other!

I realized that the stress on my body that started on July 01, 2017, needed rest and so I did.

We decided that travelling the shortest route home would be best and so Saskatoon and all our friends would need to wait till next time as we waited for my body to heal until travel could continue again.

This last entry was made 1700 hours, Monday July 31, 2017 by Elmer Verigin

Just catching up on my posting transcriptions……….

Trillium Room, Whatshan Lake Retreat, February 08, 2016 1106 hours

I am at Whatshan Lake Retreat 645 Whatshan Lake Road. I arrived here with my friend Ron Ross. This time it is all about Ron Ross and his struggle with Cancer.

A year and half ago he underwent a major operation on his Pancreas. A pioneering effort by a Surgeon in Vancouver who believed that a three (3) month sentence for those with Pancreatic Cancer was not acceptable.

After eight (8) hours and multiple Surgeons, Ron was pronounced free of that Cancer but the prognosis for someone who has had Cancer is the same. It can come back!

It did!

Now Ron is taking Chemo Treatment for an aggressive Cancer in his Liver. It is difficult to predict what will happen but his professional advice is that the Chemo will just provide more time but will not be a cure.

So I made contact with our buddies from days of yore………….the time we all met while working in Prince Rupert in 1963 for Columbia Cellulose Co. Ltd, a Sulphite Pulp Mill.

You might say that the Recruiters that hired us from the four Western Provinces made a great choice. We immediately meshed as a team in all ways:

• Work
• Play
• Sports
• Just about everything was done together

This get-together was difficult, as one of us, Robert Miller, had lost contact with me and so Jim Holloway knew where to find him. A few emails later, and it was decided that we need to meet often and enjoy our collective company while we still could.

Everyone looked at their date books and it was determined that we would meet at the Whatshan Lake Retreat February 08 through 10, 2016.

Ron and I have been “warming up” the site, waiting for Bob and Jim to arrive this afternoon from the Airport in Kelowna.

The Whatshan Rental Coordinator, Nona, asked if Ron and I could check in ten (1) Heli Skiers for one night (last) and cook them breakfast at 0600 hours this morning.

So Ron and I undertook this task and were pleasantly rewarded in meeting some great gentlemen from Northern Amaerica:

• 2 Aerospace Engineers
• 2 Civil Engineers
• 1 Chemical Engineer
• Others were professionals in special fields

We cooked up like old times and completely satisfied them before Ron and I sat down to breakfast at 0700 hours.

Cell service was still “patchy” but we were able to get through to Nona that “all went well”.

We drove to the Edgewood Store to buy some supplies:

• Matches
• Sugar
• Playing cards
• More coffee

We found out after that ob closer observation, a sugar bowl was full of sugar, oh well…..

Ron went for a nap at 1500 hours and I made a salad and peeled potatoes to bake on the wood fired grille where we would cook the steaks.

It is now 1710 and we expect Bob and Jim anytime now.

I started the fire in the fire pit so that we could enjoy it later.

Bob and Jim arrived at 1720!

Left to right: Jim Holloway, Robert (Bob) Miller, Elmer Verigin, Ron Ross. Picture taken in front of Retreat fireplace, Whatshan Lake Retreat, February 08, 2016.

The reunion was joyful and we needed a bit of cheer. We noted that everyone had specific drinking preferences. Bob was a 30 year survivor of Cancer and only drank a certain type of beer. The conversation dwelt on these subjects:

• Global warming or ?
• Climate Change
• George Teslin and the AC Current
• Thomas Edison
• Elmer is “horizontal”
• Elmer is 360
• Mini Ice Age 2030
• Mars expedition and Pioneering 2030
  • Muska
  • Space X
  • Electrician (I am not sure why I put this in)
• Civil War in the USA with still no resolution today
• Engineering experiences working at Columbia Cellulose Co. Ltd in Prince Rupert
  • Being able to practice Engineering to the fullest for the first time

Then the meal of steak cooked on a wood fire (like old times), baked potatoes, everything salad and apple or lemon pie dessert.

Just talking with each other was entertainment enough for all of us. No games and a limited amount of alcohol. It seemed that all we needed was each other.

We started next morning with Jim’s (Ron’s son) bacon and eggs.

We went for a walk over the dam and out to Whatshan Campground. Bob was adventurous and continued over the dam and out to the logging road as he had an exercise regime that needed to be followed as part of his Cancer treatment.

Upon return we got into more discussion on previous topics over chips, smoked Oysters and Beer.

We were at the age when having a nap is important and so we checked in about 1400. I am writing this at 1525 and the rest are not back yet. We had set 1600 for pies and coffee. The pies are not even half eaten.

The post ends her and it was the next day that Jim and Bob left for their plan in Kelowna. After cleaning up, Ron and I left for the drive home.

It was a great experience with old friends and perhaps the last one with Ron.

Transcribed June 14, 2017 1950 hours by EWV (with a tear in my eye) as Ron passed away that Fall

 

I am entering some scattered notes that I was going to transcribe sometime and that is now………………….

Day’s Inn

809 Island Highway South

Nanaimo, B.C. (250) 754 8171

Saturday, November 14, 2015 1000 hours

I am sitting comfortably on a chesterfield in the lobby of this quaint motel on the Southern entrance to Nanaimo. Marilyn is washing clothes with Leah while Allan and I take separate breaks with our thoughts.

This impromptu holiday was not really a plan for Marilyn and I but events came together so that it appeared that linking them together made sense and less travel.

We started with Whatshan on Thursday, November 05, 2010, at the beginning of a Fall Work Party that eventually involved about 35 people at its peak. Many “dangerous trees” were identified as potential “wind fall” in high winds. Most were birches with dying tops. These trees became the object of “bucking” into firewood, splitting and piling in the eight cabin wood stoves, fireplace in the Retreat and the odd blocks for the major campfire pit near the Retreat.

Rick Hlookoff’s Logging Company came with his professional Faller, Scott and some sixty (60) trees were fallen. Not all could be processed and more than half would need to wait till the Spring Work Party. It is unbelievable at the “work ethic” of these volunteers as the rain did nothing to slow down the enthusiasm.

Tree debris was burned while two separate mechanical wood splitters and their crews tried to keep up with assembling the wood bolts from all over the level plain West of the Retreat.

Marilyn and I left early Sunday along with Kyle and Tamara, to travel to Victoria in preparation for Royal Roads University November 19, 2015.

This indeed was going to be a monumental occasion as our daughter Tamara overcame so many challenges in her life to now earn a Masters Degree in Leadership. This included challenging the fact that she did not have an undergraduate degree and meeting the entrance requirements anyway.

This of course was achieved while she was raising three (3) young sons and working full time. We need to add the fact that Tamara was a normal teenager who managed to become very much a Youth with many temptations that she had to overcome on her path to become a Youth Drug and Alcohol Counsellor with Freedom Quest and Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. She has already positively influenced the lives of many.

Being present and witnessing her receipt of the Masters Diploma brought tears to my eyes and I thought about the scholarship offer from the University of Saskatchewan for me to study Sanitary Engineering. Perhaps I too, could have been able to add an MEng to my credentials.

Someone in my family made it and according to the noted Cell Biologist, Dr Lipton, you might say that I achieved this though the cells of my daughter. Congratulations, Tamara.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015, Marilyn and I left Tamara, Kyle and their sons to travel North to Nanaimo to visit Marilyn’s brother Allan and his wife Leah would had just moved from Whitehorse YT. We wanted to see them as they settled in their RV on a campground with a beautiful view of the Strait.

Reminiscences of times in Langham, Saskatchewan and all the people that Marilyn and Allan knew took a lot of time. We still managed to travel to Coombs to see the “Goats on the Roof”. The Coombs area is very “touristy” and well worth the short trip from Nanaimo.

Transcribed from notes June 14, 2017 1530 hours by EWV

I found this diary that my daughter Lori purchased June 20, 2010 with a note “For Our Dad & Gramps…….”An Inspiration to Us 2010”

It is set up as a daily diary and has key starting words to encourage the writer to enter. So I will highlight the start and my only entry in italics………

Day: Friday Date: July 02, 2010

Today’s weather, news, events: Rain in morning, cool, scattered clouds in afternoon

Today I feel: Melancholy. It seems like I am wasted spiritually and emotionally

I am grateful for: The love that my family has for me. They have no idea how much I appreciate it. I wish I could do more to reach out to them but I seem to lack time to be with them. Is that an excuse?

Spiritually I: I can’t seem to find that light that should guide me through these wasted emotions that I have at times like this. Maybe I am looking down and I and I should raise my eyes and look over the obstacles in my way.

People in my thoughts today: I did think of Mitch and I do know he is suffering from his muscle disease and joints. How painful and demoralizing it must be for him to live that way.

Magical moments (comfort, peace, and love): MvIntyre (our old neighbor from 6th Street, Castlegar, called in looking at Grandview as one source of retirement home. He remembered my “Dream” and is here on assignment from Calgary. I think he is serious!

Donations of the Heart (acts of kindness, sharing, caring and forgiveness): I went to see my neighbor Lorne Tamelin. He seems depressed his religious organization, USCC, has arranged another event on the same weekend as the Whatshan Lake Music Festival 2010.

For a better tomorrow (Goals, ideas, etc.): I need to do more invoices that I have put off because Marilyn could use the money. I need to document a schedule for Grandview.

This outline by 2003 Journals Unlimited Inc. Bay City, Ml “Write It Down” series is a good format.

It is interesting to note that was the one and only entry from me.

Transcribed 1000 hours, Wednesday, June 07, 2017 by Elmer Verigin

I found these notes…………

There is something about people coming together that is infectious whether it is spiritual or…………? Perhaps it is a natural Quantum Physics that takes nourishment with all this communication that abounds beyond speech.

There is actually booths selling farm produce by obvious self-made entrepreneurs. Perhaps it is their only way to earn a dollar. It is a healthy way to live but one needs to be emotionally settled and not too attracted to the outside world and the excitement that comes with it.

My childhood recollections remind me of the peacefulness that comes from planting, growing and harvesting foods for market and self consumption.

Curiosity of youth would drift into the meditation that comes with observing the draught horses pull the implement or the drone of the tractor you were steering. One had to concentrate on ensuring that the machine was efficiently cultivating or harvesting the maximum width of field or crop. It was important to make full use of the equipment together with the day when the weather would allow.

So meditation needed management so that it did not interfere with the job at hand.

What about the rest of the world? Who else is out there? What are they doing?

So the question is: “are these farmers content and satisfied with what they do?”

Transcribed  1700 hours, Tuesday, June 06, 2017

Elmer Verigin

I spent the morning having breakfast with some of my cronies at the University of A & W, Castlegar Campus. I found them all well and still full of valuable information fit for any educational class. Marilyn was allowed to sit at table #2 and experience the aura.

Some seats have been vacated due to travel arrangements with the “spirit world” but the rest courageously carry on.

Castlegar Sun Fest is on this weekend and I decided to sit on the sidewalk in front of Kootenay Market and enjoy the parade. In order to be able to park the car and get sidewalk space, I used that parking lot and noted the Castlegar Rotary Club was having their usual fund-raiser Pancake Breakfast. It was impossible to walk by all these great Rotarians and so I ate another breakfast and was able to talk to Gerry Lee, a retired Cominco Engineer who came from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. He had graduated a year earlier than me and we had kept contact over the years.

The other entertaining table guest was Wilf Sweeney, a retired Pulp Mill Manger and a graduate Engineer from the University of Toronto. I had participated with both Rotarians for much of my 35 years in Rotary. We covered the many years that Castlegar Rotary had sponsored the Pancake breakfast as they raised money for local projects and especially, Bursaries for local scholarships.

The subject of the Grandview Seniors project was brought up and what will happen with the Supportive Living Project which I had been involved with. Age and subject matter become predictable as everyone is concerned with seniors care as we progress through our lives. Not much that I could tell them as I am not sure what is taking place.

The Sun Fest Parade was due to begin at 1100 hours and so I took my lawn chair out and headed for the sidewalk. Already the spots along Columbia Avenue were few and the crowds were already well situate on either side. There were empty chairs that soon were filled by Jim and Inga Lamont and their family. It didn’t take long for their daughter to start talking about Whatshan Lake Retreat and how she had attended several Weaving and Sewing Retreats, She just could not stop talking about the beauty of Whatshan and how peaceful it was. Well that was an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

I missed the marching bands and the only band was the Maple Leaf Band from Trail but they were all on a flat deck truck compliments of MTI. No Kilties and bagpipes this year. The candies and suckers were being thrown from all the Fire Department vehicles from Castlegar, Robson, Ooteschinia, Tarrys and others. It was nice to see all the youngsters charging after their prizes. Yes, I took a few also.

Then on my way home as Marilyn was to be occupied with our granddaughter’s, Kara, wedding Shower and I thought about mediating for awhile. The phone was ringing with quotations on lodging at Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Yorkton for our choir planned trip to Heritage Days in Veregin July 15 and 16. The plans are shaping up well and I am looking forward to a great Doukhobor cultural exchange between the Saskatchewan and British Columbia brethren.

I just started looking for the words to this hymn that kept humming in my head when Jim Laktin showed up for our customary weekly “Safety Meeting”. Marilyn was not around to read the minutes of the last meeting but we carried on regardless. That radish and green onions was good with the Scottish beverage.

I can’t really find anything wrong with the entire day.

Under construction as of June 04, 2017, 0230 hours. Amended 1530 hours by Elmer

We are all here at another AGM and blessed with your presence. Some of those who attended our dedication ceremony in July of 1999 are with us in spirit but left to us in body, to carry out the message that JJ Verigin gave at that occasion at Whatshan Lake Retreat:

“The Society dedicates this project on behalf of the 7,400 Doukhobors, who were able to migrate to Canada in 1899, to all the peoples in Canada, in appreciation for that gesture of goodwill.”

For eighteen (18) years, we have successfully improved and operated this 204 acre site that started with the Retreat Building and now boasts:

1. Eight (8) cabins of which three (3) are equipped with kitchens
2. Over seventy-four (74) campsites equipped with power and water
3. Over ninety-one (91) RV spots with access to water
4. Over twelve (12) tenting sites
5. A services building that has showers, washrooms, kitchen and patio that services those campsites
6. An acoustically designed stage together with performance area
7. A fire suppression system equipped with a 40,000 gallon water reservoir, fire pumps equipped with four (4) fire hydrants and an emergency electric generator that will service this system

We are currently completing:

1. A Volunteer Services Building that will be equipped with:
   1. Washrooms
   2. Showers
   3. Dressing Room and Bauna
   4. Kitchen
   5. Two patios
   6. RV Sani-dump
   7. Landscaped private area
2. A large wood shed that will protect twelve (12) cords of wood that is being salvaged from the thinning of “dangerous” trees.

What is amazing that all this has been achieved within our means, be it:

• Donations of labor, material and equipment
• Grants
• Donations

At this time the Society has no mortgages nor loans from any financial institution. It has been the policy of the Directors, thus far, to remain independent of such commitments.

The Society has operated with a balanced budget this past year and is planning to do the same this year. The most difficult challenge is to provide Care-taking over the winter months. Absentee Care-taking balances the budget but becomes an issue when the Rental Coordinator is three (3) hours off site. With sacrifices, this has been achieved for two (2) winters but a change appears possible for the winter of 2017-18.

We have now experienced four (4) different Care-Takers since 1999 and it has been difficult to attract responsible people. We are confident that the current people will meet the expectations of the Management Committee for a continuum. Let us work with them to that objective.

With reference to the relationship of Care-Takers and the Directors, let us ensure that instructions pass from Rental Coordinator directly to Care-Taker. If you as a Society Member and / or Director have an observation or a suggestion, the route is to the Rental Coordinator. If it is a policy issue, the RC will refer back to the Management Committee who may in turn need a Director’s opinion. Let us understand that all policies emanate from the membership and are usually passed at a General Meeting. So asking the Care-Takers to look after your RV and / or bring you ice, is not a recommended action as that is beyond their job description.

The CEO will outline plans for a substantial change to the earning capability of the Whatshan Lake Retreat with the possibility of marketing our water. Establishing an independent and fundamental source of income for the DHRS #1999 needs to be the Society policy going forth. Relying on grants and donations is not the recommended method in these times of government policy changes and economy.

Once a definitive Society income is known, then policies can be generated as to where the Society can contribute to continue its social and benevolent purpose. This again, becomes a function of an informed membership to the Directorship.

We have reached a time in our existence when many founding Directors have left us in body and those that remain are in need of retirement and in the process of doing so. The recent Directors and those who are “coming on board”, will guide the Society into the future. There has been some very exciting professionals who are suggesting projects for consideration that are on the “leading edge” of medical technology. I foresee where the DHRS #1999 will become the “incubator” that will establish these ideas into substantial contributions to the health of the public.

Each Director needs to understand that serving for the Society is more like the Rotary Club policy of “Service Above Self”. Your reward is achievements in social movements. Personal monetary benefits and privileges are not expected. You have stewardship of a project that was created by people who had a cause and were able to fulfil that dream. It is your responsibility to improve this and pass it along to others.

There must always be a Whatshan Lake Retreat for eternity!

Elmer Verigin

President

Let us start by saying that Lawrence was born in 1931 to father Wasyl and mother Annie (nee Morozoff) Verigin. At that time the Verigin homestead was five (5) miles straight North of Veregin, Saskatchewan. The  Wasyl Verigin clan started out living together and farmed communally with Uncles John and Sam with families. Uncles George and Alex remained single all their lives.

There are stories about cousins (in order of age) Mildred, Michael, Lawrence Russel, Peter and Sam, all laying on their backs in the Living Room, with makeshift nipples on whatever bottles may have been available. “SEESYA”,  the cry went out and the young mothers rushed to the rescue.  Yes the cousins got to know each other well.

The Wasyl, John and Sam families soon separated from the homestead and started their individual farming operations.

I remember Lawrence as the serious oldest brother who was comfortable directing his brother Russel. I heard that they were given the responsibility to care for sister Mary in her baby carriage in Canora. There was a slope to the large pond located near there and it seemed like a great sport to launch the carriage down the hill to the waiting other brother at the pond. The neighbor, Negrieffs, would call Mom, in hysteria as all she could see is a carriage racing down the hill with a baby in it, on its own and out of control.

Lawrence understood about life and creation. Russel was asking his older brother as they walked from Phoenix School “how did our brother Elmer come to be?” just after the day that I was born. Lawrence rose to the challenge and pointed to our father cleaning the well with his neighbor, “see they pulled him out of that well!”

I guess that is why Russel kept reminding me later that “I was wet behind the ears”.

Lawrence learned farming by operating the implements with teams of four (4) and two (2) horses depending on the application. He learned the rudiments of steel-wheeled tractors as well as operating threshing machines.

He also experienced mixed farming with milking cows, chickens, swine, sheep, geese, turkeys and ducks. That meant shearing sheep, castrating male animals which was the farmer’s method of birth control.

Being a blacksmith, mechanic and being able to fix everything was just another day’s work to a Farmer. Lawrence was able to pick all this well in his stride.

Farming meant building the house to live in, barn, granary, sheds, coops, fence and anything else that was necessary. He adapted to carpentry at an early age.

I recall that Lawrence was also a good cook and was able to bake fantastic lemon pies and perfected an Angel Food Cake which was a wonder with a wood stove. Oh yes, Borsch, stews and just about any food preparation, was well within his scope.

(Picture of three brothers in Veregin here)

Our mother taught us how to prepare wool and spin it into yarn. Lawrence was able to knit stocking and sweaters. Mother would chide him with “you never know that you might marry some girl that will not be so capable so you need to know!”

The small farm community was under pressure to expand and although the farm of 1950 was usually 320 to 480 acres, whereas farms now are a minimum of 8,000 acres. This forced young men to leave the farmsteads. Lawrence caught a ride with friends going to British Columbia in 1951 and that started the rest of his life.

Lawrence was a hard worker and capable in many ways. One of his first employment opportunities was being a Saw Filer on the Emerald Mine in Salmo, B.C. When they asked “can you sharpen saws?” the answer was “yes”.

The Trail Hospital was about to start construction and was hiring Carpenters as well as all Trades, but so was the Waneta Dam. The rumour was that there would be many overtime hours on the Dam and so his buddy Phil Zaitsoff and him headed for the Waneta Dam Offices. Both were able to convince the Superintendent of their capability and knowledge. The Carpenter’s Union was just in its infancy and so they were hired on the spot.

This steady employment was a dream come true for Lawrence. There was now enough money to buy a car and a 1953 Pontiac was his pride and joy. This also made attracting girls much easier, especially when you are tall dark and handsome. Apparently, with Bill Novakshonoff (Satch), they became the terror in the Kootenays that made many mothers become concerned for their daughters.

One girl named Mable Soloveoff could not resist the temptation and soon they became a couple. Mother did not need to worry as Mable was an adept Seamstress, Rug-Maker, Weaver and talented Artisan and they started a long life together.

Lawrence was always an independent person that started with a farming background.With his friend Phil Zaitsoff, they formed a partnership to build houses after the Waneta Dam Project was over. This was short lived as both men were strong-willed and strong-minded which caused them to separate and begin individual contracting firms. Lawrence incorporated L.W. Verigin Construction Ltd in the mid 1950’s with bother Russel and Book-keeper Mable they started their future self-employment building construction enterprise.

Contracts were undertaken for building construction of Custom Homes and Additions. Russel became the field superintendent and Lawrence immediately drifted into Millwork and Custom Kitchen Designs and construction. It was something to witness, watching Lawrence “carve” a kitchen in someone’s house while they lived there. He became so popular with the female part of the client family because every kitchen was a unique design with many portions of the cabinet fitting perfectly into each kitchen. It was amazing how in the end everyone were still remained friends.

The clientele increased by “word of mouth” advertising until it was necessary to hire employees starting with Phillip Sherstobitoff who remained a loyal Craftsman and friend throughout the years. Others followed but the crews stayed under six (6) until well into the mid 60s.

Lawrence made sure that there was a job for brother Elmer who would come from the farm during school Summer Holidays starting in Grade 10 right through University.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was in 1961 that the three (3) brothers agreed to form a Construction Company that could grow. Brother Elmer would complete his Engineering courses and join the firm as a shareholder. This had to wait until Elmer served two (2) years working with practicing Engineers at a Pulp Mill in Prince Rupert from 1963 through to 1965.

It came about that Lawrence welcomed his two brothers into a new company that was incorporated as Verigin Industries Ltd (ViL) in 1967 just after Obal Sash and Door Company was purchased. Windows, Doors and Cabinets could now be manufactured under a roof at Bear Creek, on the outskirts of Trail, B.C. Lawrence used his skills as Master Craftsman to supervise the manufacturing and Millwork was added to the products that ViL could supply to the industry.

Business improved and the Plant was expanded from the original 6,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet. Lawrence continued to supervise the Plant and Russel supervised the construction division. Elmer was able to bring some design projects and soon design / build contracts became a reality

Lawrence handled this inclusion of his brothers into his original company and the three (3) brothers respected their individual territories of responsibility. It all worked well.

In 1972 a development opportunity presented itself at Elkford, B.C. to build a hotel and shopping center. It is necessary to note how Lawrence was to make the most significant contribution and perhaps influenced my life as well as the family business.

Financing is always a challenge in projects of this nature and so the Financier was that of “last resort”, the Federal Business Development Bank (FDDB). Elkford is at elevation 4,200 feet and so the project was estimated at $1,000,000 and to start in May. It was mid August that we got the call from FBDB to see them in Cranbrook.

There was “good news” and “and news” and I was informed that the loan was approved with Fording Coal Ltd guarantee of $50,000 but the funds available would be $750,000 far short of the million required. I did not know what to do but left for Elkford to sort all this out. An office trailer had been set up in anticipation of a construction start.

“How to do this with the funding available?” I started mulling this in my mind as I drove the pickup. I got to Jaffray and decided to phone brother Lawrence in the Trail Offices as I knew he was waiting for the news. I relayed the offer to Lawrence and offered my opinion that “we should scrap the project, as there is just not enough funds”.

There was hesitation on the other end of the phone until I asked “are you there?”

“Yes,” was the answer. “So we have $750,000 which we never had before. So what is the problem?” he added.

“Lawrence, we are $250,000 short!” I frantically retorted. “Where do we get the rest?”

“Let us start and I am sure you will figger it out.” he responded.

Lawrence just then presented the biggest challenge to his “kid brother” and literally pushed me forward. I am not sure if Lawrence really knew what we were about to move onto but that was what really launched ViL to the next plateau.

The project was successfully completed by May of 1973. The raw entrepreneurs found that success in building construction was possible but operating a facility like this 275 miles from home base was an entirely new dimension, especially with absentee management but that is another story and we will get back to Lawrence.

Lawrence built his own house in Montrose for his family of daughter Patricia and son Mark. This construction was organized as after hours and weekends project which tests an individual who is also moving an enterprising organization. Nonetheless a construction  achievement of translating a forward design by his brother-in-law Harry Soloveoff grew on the hillside.

Lawrence had started a tradition of sponsoring yearly Shishliki parties for his crews, families and clients. This event meant that he would marinate the Lamb and paid special attention to the way it was barb-b-qued. He would not allow anyone else to do this function. So it came to pass that Mable complained to Russel and I that she wanted Lawrence to enjoy the guests instead of “working all the time”.

Russel and I did our best but Lawrence just could not stay away and kept up with critical comments to point of when Russel said “just do it!” The result was a confrontation with Mable and we sent her to her husband. Whatever exchanged between them was evident by the way Mable raised her hands in disgust as Lawrence carried on with a beer in his hand and a smile on his face.

The trust and work ethic that Lawrence set initially was continued by the company and many projects were contracted by a handshake. And so it came to be that the Rempel Bros in Abbotsford, invited us to join them in a partnership to tender projects at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. This was at time when “Open Shop” construction was competing against the “closed” policy of the Union Trades organizations that were threatening the Expo project unless it was all to be built “Union”.

Lawrence was all in favour of this new challenge of tendering major projects on the Lower Mainland and encouraged me to do just that.

The short story is that we were successful in receiving contracts to construct all 29 International Pavilions and 10 Restaurants.

Our Partnership of Rempel and Verigin families was Marbella Pacific Construction Ltd. The resulting multi-million agreement was a handshake demonstrating an historic trustworthy relationship of Doukhobors and Mennonites that started in the Ukraine in the 1800’s and continued into Canada.

Lawrence was proud to be part of a group that was able to overcome the negative prediction of the Expo ’86 Project Manager that was “these house-builders from Trail will be the embarrassment to British Columbia and then to the World”. Jim Pattison called me to ask “can you do it?” My answer “of course!”

Yes, it was stressful, especially when that same Project Manager attempted to interfere in the award of a roofing contract to a certified union subtrade. The result was that the famed Project Manger was released by the Expo organization and the “house builder” completed the project successfully and made money.

Lawrence took countless photos of the project and proudly strutted around when the exposition opened to the public.

After Expo ’86, our General Manager suggested we tender Canada wide. This resulted in a one acre sized school for the First Nations in Nelson House. Everything went well except that a Mechanical / Electrical subtrade experienced financial difficulty. Although the sequence of events are difficult to explain in the context of this blog entry, it is better to say that the large margin achieved at Expo was invested in the semi-permafrost of Manitoba.

It was difficult to bring this news to our partners the Rempels who accepted this as “part of doing business”. Lawrence listened to my report attentively and then came back with “are we going to have a shishlik this year?”

You have to love this brother!

I can recall one disagreement which was over the brand of coffee at the Plant and Office of Verigin Industries Ltd. Lawrence preferred MJB but a special was out on Nabob which our Office Manager purchased. I noticed that Lawrence suddenly stopped drinking coffee.

Some research later, I instructed the Office Manager to buy a can of MJB and leave it on the counter to see what would happen. The peaceful protest stopped and Lawrence drank coffee again.

From a personal perspective, I need to explain that I had offers:

• Masters scholarship in Environmental Engineering at the Univertsity of Saskatchewan along with teaching
• Join a Design / Build group to develop Pulp Mills
• Various firms

But I opted to work with my brothers Russel and Lawrence. There is no comparison of financial rewards to family love. We were inseparable! I am the last brother on this Earth and I can attest to the fact that “we loved each other!”

Mark and Patricia decided that a Celebration of Life would be held on May 13, 2017 near their father’s birthday May 09. Lawrence was not a formally practicing Doukhobor and so they are offering a Shishliki Party at their cousin Rick and Lori Woodhouse residence in Genelle, B.C. We fully expect that the unattended skewers will be mysteriously turning and we will all know who will be doing that.

“……..Here is the Event link. Password is Lawrence.
Your event, Lawrence Verigin Celebration of Life, is up and running and ready for action. Go ahead and check it out.

Lawrence Verigin Celebration of Life

Love Patti ……”

The link you can forward or post: https://www.myalternatives.ca/trail/obituaries/2017-verigin-lawrence-william

Blog development:

1. This blog is under construction as of 1430 hours, Tuesday February 14, 2017
2. Next contribution 1835 hours, Tuesday, February 14, 2017.
3. Next contribution and edit February 16, 2017 at 1700 hours
4. Next contribution February 17, 2017 at  0920 hours
5. Continuing contributions from time to time to follow

Elmer Verigin

It is with deep sorrow that I announce the sudden passing of Allan Verishine, formerly of Langham, SK, on Sunday, December 18, 2016. He is survived by wife Leah (McCaw), sons Jeff (Tracey), Jade (Marni), Cory and Merle, sister Marilyn (Elmer), nieces Nona, Lori and Tammy, nephew Kim, grandchildren Amanda, Alexander, Austin, Kennedy, Cade, Levi, Daniel, Aaron, Ellen, Justin and Jacob as well as several cousins.

Al spent his former years in various places west of Langham, until he moved to the Yukon in 1990. As an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing were top of the reasons for moving there, as well as a lifelong dream to do so.   He met Leah in 1992, they married in 1994 and had been partners ever since.

His 73 years have brought many adventures. Everything from rodeo in the young and stupid years, to airplane painting, to mining, heavy equipment operating, all the while honing his skills as a carpenter and master craftsman.   His last 25 years in Whitehorse, Yukon were spent mostly self employed as a carpenter, and the latest of those years as a master – making furniture and designer kitchens for some of the select people of Whitehorse. His work was so revered that they’d wait over a year for him to have time to do their project.

As well as working more than full time at times, he always had time to volunteer. Just as Leah came on the scene in 1992, he was in the process of organizing a Rodeo in the Yukon. That project lasted about 7 years, then he decided he wanted to go fishing instead of living and breathing rodeo. But that’s how he was, giving his all. His next volunteer organization was starting the Harley Owners Group, after obtaining another lifelong dream of owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in 2002. The dealership started up in Whitehorse, and he was there, lock, stock and barrel.   The culmination of that venture was hosting the 2008 Western Regional Rally. After that, somewhat at the urging of Leah, we left that club in other’s hands, and ‘retired’ from service work, again. That almost lasted a year, when he was approached by the Ride for Dad group. They raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness across Canada. The executive convinced Al that he was the right person to head it up in Whitehorse, so we embarked on 6 years of working tirelessly for that group. Again, he gave his all to the group and the cause.

All his years of heavy, physical work took its toll, and his body dictated the next move – to Vancouver Island. Leah’s family is all there, so what better place to retire. No snow to shovel! The move was made in 2015, to settle in Nanaimo, with plans to transfer to Victoria area. He was just starting to get into the swing of retirement and taking it easier, when tragedy struck him down.

His wishes were simple. Love family and friends like there is no tomorrow. Start the day with ‘Good morning, I love you’. Laugh every day.   He didn’t want a lot of fanfare upon his passing, but if you feel like you would like to hoist a rum and coke or chocolate milk in his honor, please do. In lieu of flowers or a service, he would be pleased if you wanted to donate to the Ride for Dad or a Childrens Hospital charity in his name.

The above obituary was created by Allan’s wife Leah and posted here by Allan’s brother-in-law, Elmer Verigin, December 25, 2016.

I wish to add that I found Allan’s Artistic talents akin to the most professional that there could be. Allan would create a masterpiece and then after he was able to complete a project that included his work, he would lose interest and would find another challenge and start all over again. He left with his sister many such examples that include:

• One-of-a-kind Rocking Chair
  • His written instructions to his sister Marilyn included, “please sit in this chair for a least 15 minutes each day and relax. It has not happened thus far
• Leather workings
• Sand-blasted Etchings

I witnessed examples of his ability to:

• Metal welding
• Cabinetry of various descriptions
• Play musical instruments and sing
• Tree Faller
• Fiberglass caskets
• Fiberglas boat building
• Carpentry and construction of housing and commercial buildings
• Just about anything Allan touched would be a one-of-a-kind master piece

I also witnessed his difficulty in human relationships. Many people with artistic talents have issues in dealing with family and people.

Marilyn and I were able to keep a bond with Allan and Leah right to the time of his passing.

We also enjoyed a close bond to the rest of Allan’s family.

May he rest in peace!

Elmer December 25, 2016