A basic principle, that Lawrence related to me was that, in his family, working hard was something that was understood well. Perhaps the Doukhobor religious tenet “Toil and Peaceful Life” meant exactly that to them.

The Popoffs lived in Buchanan, Saskatchewan on a quarter section of land. Lawrence’s grandparents met in Buchanan and married in 1914. Lawrence’s parents met in British Columbia and married in 1938.

The stories that Lawrence remembers were that of the drought years of the ’30s when meagre crop yields were coupled with poor wheat prices and so a decision to follow other Doukhobor families to British Columbia became an alternative.

All their holdings of equipment, animals and land were capitalized to provide the funds necessary to purchase a small plot of land in Castlegar, B.C., and the family moved. The first source of income was splitting logs for fence posts at a property in the Pass Creek area. A dangerous occupation for grandfather and Lawrence’s father, Sidney, as both had no prior logging experience.

Other occupations included digging ditches, for the first water lines in Castlegar as well as excavating house basements with shovel and wheel barrow.

An opportunity became available to purchase a small farm near Taghum so that the family could contribute to the basics while Lawrence’s father found work in a Planer Mill as well as driving trucks for Blue Line Freight and others.

Lawrence was born in 1942 at Nelson Hospital, while the family was still in Taghum. It was at this farm in Taghum, that Lawrence’s earliest memories were recalled, “I followed my grandfather everywhere as he could no longer work.. One day we went to the furthest corner of the farm, far beyond the sight of houses. My grandfather collapsed and was not able to walk home and asked me to go and get help. At the age of four, I found my way through the thick bushes and trees to raise the alarm.”

“I recall riding horseback as the horse pulled the plow handled by my father as he tilled the garden areas,” as he smiled in this memory.

Steady employment as a Hard Rock Miner and Blaster became available at a mine near Salmo and so the family moved to Ymir in 1948.

“I started school in Ymir in a two-room school with one classroom teaching grades one through four while the other taught grades five and six. I enjoyed the multi-grade classroom as the Teacher instructed us to print letters of the alphabet while she taught lessons to the other grades,” he reminisced . ” It was interesting to listen to what the other students were being instructed.”

“I managed to get myself into trouble quite easily and was rewarded with a spanking when my Father returned home from the mines,” Lawrence smiled, ” getting the belt was bad enough but he would tell me to go get my favorite and only belt, with beaded western scenes on it. Somehow getting ‘smacked’ with my own belt was more traumatic.”

“Our family was not well off and everything had to be shared with my older sister. Ymir was in the snow belt area and skiing was very popular. So you can imagine my excitement when my Father brought home a pair of wooden skis with leather straps that would wrap around my rubber boots,” he smiled at this memory. “I didn’t get any formal lessons but I was not going to be left behind when the older kids went cross-country skiing. I managed to get through most of the day without problems until we came to the edge of town and had to ski down a hill studded with tree stumps sticking up through the snow. The older kids skied, swerving in and around the stumps while I aimed my path between the stumps. What I did not notice was a solid board fence at the end of my ill-fated run. My plan now changed to fall off the skis before the fence but the straps held me to the skis and I went right through the fence. My sister never got a chance to use the skis as they were in pieces after that run. That pretty well ended my skiing career.”

“Sleighing down the streets in Ymir was another popular pursuit except that all streets went downhill to the main street which was the original highway”, Lawrence went on. “We had lookouts for on-coming cars and once the main street was crossed, there was a huge bank of snow to stop the sleigh. My parents warned me not to participate in this dangerous game but I still did it. One evening as I was to take off on the ‘all clear signal’, the sleigh took off but I was suspended. I realized then that my father had come to get me and so he did. I got the infamous belt,” Lawrence shook his head in memory.

The rock dust and moisture took their toll on Sidney and Lawrence’s Father developed Silicosis. The need for a drier climate resulted in another move was chosen to Grand Forks and the “Sunshine Valley” , rather the Okanagan Valley in 1951.

It was in Grand Forks that Lawrence matured at a greater rate than usual for people his age. The “work hard” message became a reality and at twelve years of age, he was working in the Texaco Bulk Station office where Sidney had obtained a franchise. That meant marketing, deliveries to Loggers, Service Stations, residential housing that utilized oil and gas; wherever the demand for fuels was necessary. Lawrence could not legally drive and learned accounting quickly. There were receipts to write, records to keep and essentially manage the station while his Father, Sidney, made the deliveries. Once he reached the legal driving age of sixteen, Lawrence was now “on the road”.

These are some of the “hair-raising experiences as Lawrence recalled:

1. The Logging Contractors were in the mountains where the trees were obviously. It was necessary to deliver along a narrow access roads gouged out along a mountain, “switch backs” and all. The Truckers were equipped with CBs and were synchronized at twelve (12) minute intervals so each unit would find a suitable siding to permit an oncoming unit to pass safely. The fuel truck driver with no CB connection, had to do the best which meant being precariously perched on whatever siding could be found. A young driver had to learn to think and plan quickly
2. A delivery to Anachist Mountain near Osoyoos was to be coordinated with the crew on site as the road grade would be too steep to climb without assistance of a caterpillar or a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Lawrence was to wait at the bottom of the hill for such support. There seemed to be many hills on the way up and it was difficult to determine which hill it was to wait by. Wanting to be a solution and not a problem, Lawrence slipped the truck into bull low and started climbing the steep grade. Just as he negotiated the last leg of the road, he was met by a pickup that seemed to not have any wheels. When all stopped and got out, Lawrence sunk to his knees in volcanic ash which was the road surface.
3. A friend came along on a trip up Christian Valley on a weekend when snow, ice and severe winter road conditions became a challenge. They chained up and just as the brow of the hill was in sight, the truck began slipping backwards on the treacherous road. Lawrence shouted to his friend, “keep your door open and jump when I give the signal.” Lawrence knew that the switch back behind them would not permit any chance of stopping the truck in its slide. Fortunately the chained wheels dug through the ice and snow and the forward movement continued.
4. Typically, left fenders on Logging Trucks were significantly missing as the narrow logging road and a slipping truck were combinations that meant side-swiping or a more serious accident would take place.
5. Fuel unloading safety at an incident at Kingsley Camp in Christina Lake was probably the most potentially dangerous of all his trips. Lawrence was unloading fuel with a hose connected to the fuel tank for this boat landing. The elderly Owner, smoking a pipe, was descending down from the store. Neither Lawrence nor the man felt there was any danger except that it was a hot day
and the fumes were drifting upward to the smoking person. There many campers in the a area at that time. Suddenly a flame connected the hose and the man and the grass caught fire. Lawrence was able to quickly shut off the fuel pump, disconnect the hose and throw it unto the grass while replacing the cap on the burning fill line to the fuel tank. It was noon and all of the tents were having lunch or were within their campers as no one noticed how close to a disaster thy had been at that time.

Unfortunately, Sports, Fishing and Swimming had to be fitted in between what the business could offer in “down times”. What is usually considered accepted Teenager’s recreation and pursuits were compromised with the family need for survival. Swimming in the rivers after work and playing fastball on teams that were formed in the many Doukhobor Villages were some of the activities were enjoyable.

In Grand Forks, the rural community all had animals. Popoffs had a cow, some chickens, pigs. etc., which helped to supplement the basic needs of a family. Lawrence’s mother was not well, which challenged her efforts around the farm. This meant that Lawrence was a cow-milker, sprinkler-mover and many of the handy man jobs that were always necessary.

A plucky rooster would meet Lawrence in the Chicken Coop as he gathered eggs. This would result in a game where Lawrence and the rooster would charge each other. Neither of them hurt each other but it became a daily ritual. One day Lawrence’s sister had to get the eggs as Lawrence was away. The rooster was ready to do his part of the game but the sister did not understand her role. This became a frightening experience for her which included crying and a complaint. Lawrence admitted that the rooster was a good loser when he was served on the table that night.

A Root Cellar was necessary and a salvaged building became the source of building materials including straightening the nails for reuse. This was further augmented with “cull” 2x4s from local sawmills.
Excavation was a shovel and wheelbarrow. Lawrence paced himself at digging a 6″ lift a day, in his preteen years, until the sun became too hot in the afternoon. Then he would sneak off with his friends to go swimming or whatever else was on the agenda. The Root Cellar was completed with laminated 2x4s and whatever else could be salvaged in the process.

Lawrence also looked after preparing firewood. The sources of this was slab wood from nearby sawmills. Splitting wood and kindling was a steady chore. A large house furnace burned sawdust from the mill as well. This needed regular stoking in the winter. One time the furnace accumulated too much methane gas from the sawdust which ignited and an explosion was the result. The danger was not that great but the basement cleanup after was significant.

Farmers needed potato diggers and sorters. When Lawrence was too small to lift sacks of potatoes, he would work on the Potato Digger, culling and sorting potatoes. He also remembers assembling boxes for one cent a box.

Sidney purchased a 1924 three ton truck that was converted into a tractor. The tires were filled with sand and the unit was used to plough fields at home. Lawrence and his friend tested to see how fast this “unit” could go. Just when they got up to an exciting speed, one back wheel flew off due to loose nuts. There was a jack of course, but the sand was too loose under the truck to support the jack. The boys did a Physics experiment with a pole and a large block of wood to lever the rear high enough to get the wheel back on. The field was finished harrowing and nobody had to be told. Yes, the belt was not used that time.

Sidney and his brother-in-law were backfilling a basement with the converted 1924 “tractor”, when the father of Lawrence’s friend came over and said that he had just bought a new Pony Massey Harris tractor and he would show him how it it’s done, claiming that the ole conversion should be retired. They hooked up the Pony tractor to the scoop and it would not move it with dirt at all. He thought he was going to show off his new purchase and show up the old “tractor” and was totally disappointed in the turn of events. They rehitched the old “tractor” to the scoop and finished filling the excavation.

Every Saturday, it was customary for the rural community to travel to Grand Forks to stock up on supplies and visit with each other. Well that was when the swine decided that an opportunity was appropriate to leave their pig pens and visit the neighborhood. There were no phones or texting privileges available except for a mother hollering for help. A posse was formed to convince the pigs to return to their home base. Those of you who have herded swine will smile at the experience. Lawrence was small enough in size at that time, to crawl under the log floor barn to coax the hiding rascals out. The space was confined and the pigs had no other alternative but to charge Lawrence who was just lucky enough to lean over and make room for the squealing animals. The Saturday entertainment ended upon sale of all the pigs.

At age eighteen, Lawrence’s parents went on a well deserved cross-Canada trip leaving him in charge of the operations. As is typical in this situation, the Texaco Auditor scheduled a trip to inspect the business. The typical records that were kept by the Franchisee were:

1. Inserting a level gauge into the bulk tanks above ground to note:
a. Top level of fuel
b. Bottom level of fuel
c. Level of water under the fuel. This was achieved by installing a brass weight at the bottom of the probe. The water level would be indicated by the difference in color on the probe due to the chemical action.
2. All paperwork with sales and invoices
3. All had to be cross-checked against the supplies by Texaco

Firstly, all the books had to be brought up to date in advance of the visit. Then when the Auditor arrived, it meant that the entire mornings were devoted to providing all the detail requested by the Auditor and then all afternoon and evening, all the deliveries and customer needs took place. It was a busy and challenging time to be sure.

After graduating from grade twelve from grade 12, university and a higher training was not possible nor practical, as the business was being cultured for a future take over from father to son. This was the cultural practise in those years and the business required full attention of both men.

Lawrence remembers this shy girl from grade five who filled in with Lawrence and the students in grade six to complete a “Maple Dance” ensemble. Not many boys wanted to dance in those days and so the need for girls was a matter of convenience. Lawrence didn’t think much of it except when in grade 11, and it was a necessity to ask a girl to the school dance, he shyly resorted to a familiar face in the hallway and got the courage to ask her out. It appears that he caught Kathy off guard as she agreed to go. Later, she asked a friend “who is that guy?” After courting for three (3) years,. they are now married now for 53 years but that is how it all started.

Unfortunately the fuel business “dropped off” in the sixties with the reduction in demand for forest products and the corresponding price reductions. This led to less Loggers and thus a smaller share of the market for which four Bulk Dealers were competing in the Valley. A Texaco Service Station was added to the total business enterprise but even that did not make ends meet as by this time Lawrence found a real partner with Kathy joining him to start their personal family.

A friend was working for Boundary Electric and invited Lawrence to meet the Owners as the operation in Castlegar needed someone to work in the retail store. Much as the Popoff family would have preferred a different route, it was obvious that Lawrence needed more security in employment and so the offer was accepted and Lawrence left the family business.

Work in sales and operating the desk was well within the expertise of the young Popoff and Lawrence started by commuting initially and then, moved his new family to Castlegar. It was obvious that the Tradesmen were being paid considerable amount more that the office personnel in the business and Lawrence was requesting an opportunity to get into the Trades for Electrical or Plumbing as a preference. Entry into the respective unions was very difficult as membership was closely controlled at that time.

Lawrence did get opportunities to go on projects with those Tradesmen as a Helper. Although the preference was otherwise, an opportunity did become available in the Sheet Metal Trade and Lawrence accepted this right away. Again, a compromise took place when Boundary needed assistance in the Office, Lawrence was taken away from the tools; however, his skills in procurement, and other associated office processes made his talents invaluable to the Estimators as here was experience in actual cost control from projects that was also part of Lawrence’s knowledge.

Lawrence received his Interprovincial Sheet Metal Trades Certificate in 1976. By this juncture, Boundary had expanded to separate divisions of Electrical, Mechanical, Structural as well as Machine Shop. The Mechanical Division was where Lawrence became proficient at:

• Buyer
• Purchasing Agent
• Invoicing and Accounts Payable
• General Office Procedures
• Estimating and Cost Accounting on various contracts

Unfortunately. working on the tools was something that many capable Tradesmen did not accomplish but the need for adequate paperwork in a business of this nature becomes essential to the success of the operation and Lawrence was called back to the Office. Lawrence did get some opportunities to lead crews unto jobsites to many local projects.

Some projects that were within those jobsites are as listed:

• Mine Developments
o Westmin Mines
o Kaiser Resources
o Line Creek
o Fording Coal
o Greenhills
• B.C Hydro
o Seven Mile
o Kootenay Canal
o Hugh Keenleyside
o Mica Creek Relocation
• Buildings
o Hospitals
o Extended Care Homes
o Colleges
o Schools
o Breweries
o Many Commercial & Residential Buildings throughout the East and West Kootenay areas

With Dag System Inc., Lawrence performed similar work at:

• Fisheries and Oceans Laboratories
• Nelson House Secondary School & Teacherages
o there was a necessity to set up a credit at a Mechanical supply house in Winnipeg. Lawrence recalls a major process to bypass the Credit Manager and meet the President himself to convince him that Dag was a credible Mechanical Contractor
• Tadoule lake Airport

This was followed by employment with Martina Enterprises in Surrey. Responsibilities here were similar to that at Boundary and Dag.

An incident at Martina was the case of non-delivery of materials to a jobsite at Cordova Street in Vancouver. Materials left the offices but did not seem to reach the site. Debates ensued (office to site) until finally, the Superintendent paid a visit to an adjacent Pawn Shop and discovered equipment and materials with identification marking from Martina. The Skid Row habitants were the culprits and a construction fence was the final solution.

Lawrence was always interested in spirituality and it was within the six week trade yearly academic sessions on the Coast, that he met a Land Lady who also shared this interest. He had already shown a thirst for reading starting with the typical Western pocket books of Luke Short, and later become interested in expanding his knowledge in a variety of subject matter that lead to spiritual Writers like:

• Edgar Cayce
• Arthur Ford
• Other Writers of psychic phenomena

Mrs Kozak found Lawrence a good listener as she shared her spirituality interests and the discussions would carry on much after the supper table. It was here that the Land Lady suggested that he might want to visit a group in Washington State that would hold Spiritual discussions at Leander and Lawrence’s curiosity was aroused. He decided there was no reason why he could not attend as he had spare time available and who knows, he might gain some additional learnings.

A white-haired British Lady was in a group that would spirit herself into a trance that made have her speak through a medium from another time and person, a slave “Beulah”. She invited Lawrence to a private session. This became something that was both frightening and at the same time very interesting. Lawrence’s skepticism was shared in his session reviews with Mrs Kozak. She suggested that he take the opportunity and create a list of questions to ask “Beulah” so that he would not be awed and lose perspective during the session.

So Lawrence listed forty-four questions and off he went to Leander Washington, very skeptical and obviously nervous about this meeting. “Beulah” started with prayers and eventually fell into a trance that caused her to speak with a Southern accent, distinct with the Southern States and totally different from her normal British accent.. He was allowed to have a tape-recorder and so the session began.

1. She answered his questions on:
a. Reincarnation
b. Life after death
c. Dream analysis
2. Lawrence then found that she would be answering questions further down on his list that he had not yet asked. This impressed him.
3. He was able to record two hours of this session and found that he forgot to flip the tape which he eventually was able to do
4. Lawrence felt a shiver and felt a presence behind him
a. “Beulah” told him that he had a native American Indian Guide “Nakeem” standing behind him
b. That he would always accompany Lawrence for his entire life as a Spiritual Guide
c. That everyone has a Spiritual Guide in this life
d. “Nakeem” would be riding a horse alongside Lawrence no matter what mode of transport he was using
e. Lawrence could not see ‘Nakeem” but felt his presence
5. “Beulah” charged $10 for this personal interview but he was so moved he paid twice that

Mrs Kozak eventually suggested some special volumes of books written by Baird T. Spalding on his experiences in the Far East in the late 1800s which are entitled Life & Teaching of the Masters of the Far East. An excellent source of spirituality that takes one to a higher plane. Lawrence was able to purchase the entire volume by special order from Hudson’s Bay store.

Lawrence has now revealed his inner self that takes him beyond the materialistic life we all live and has built his character that will unfold as we write this chronicle.

Lawrence always had interest in people and the community. While at Grand Forks High School he participated in:

• Student Council
• Stage School Dances
• Staged drama and related events
• This always involved accounting for monies raised and the necessity to have bills paid

While in Grand Forks, he served on the Supervisory Committee for the Grand Forks Credit Union. This provided an insight into the complexity in operating a financial institution.

In Castlegar, Lawrence was invited to work with the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCs). Along with Andy Boolinoff and many other local young men, they all felt comfortable promoting Castlegar as well as working at making the community a better place to live in. Lawrence served as Secretary and the JCs partial list of achievements included:

• Travelling to different communities to visit JCs there and learn about the economies in those areas
• The JCs raised funds and purchased the first set of Xmas lights as well as stringing them across the Castlegar streets late at night when there was little or no traffic
• Many other local projects

The Lions Club was suggested as a service club that could benefit Castlegar and so Lawrence was a founding member and part of the Charter Executive. He served as the first Vice-President followed by filling all the other offices during his time with the Club. Achievements partial list included:

• Organizing the first Trade Fair that was extremely successful and raised a great deal of funds that were invested into the community
• Sponsored Rodeos, RCMP Rides and other major entertainment events for appreciation of the public
• Participated in Tel-a-tons to raise money for handicapped children
• The Lions financed and developed Kinnaird Park, an extensive park with ball diamonds and recreational areas.

He joined the Doukhobor Cultural Association (DCA)

• Served on all the executive positions
• The DCA was able to raise funds by sponsoring
o Doukhobor Sports Day
• Organized, Conducted and participated in many Doukhobor spiritual and educational seminars and workshops
• Raised funds to support many local endeavours
o Red Cross
o Health and Care Equipment
o Other
• Raised the initial startup funds for the DHRS #1999
• Raised the initial startup funds for the KCSHC

Became associated with the Doukhobor Benevolent Society:

• Served on many of the executive positions
• Participated and developed the following projects
o Grand Forks, Parkside Villa, 25 units
o Castlegar, Rosewood Manor 20 units
o Delta, Whitebirch Manor 48 units

Lawrence was a founding member of the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 (DHRS #1999)

• Served on all the executive positions
• Developed the following project:
o Raised funds to purchase two parcels of land at Whatshan Lake totaling 209 acres
o Rezoning the land and removing it from the Agricultural Reserve
o Raising funds to construct:
 Retreat Centre
 Eight (8) cabins
 Caretakers Offices and Quarters
 Acoustical Stage
 Washroom and Conscession Building
 175 campsites
 A substantial Infrastructure system with power, water and sewers
• Sponsor Freedom Quest (FQ) Youth Drug and Alcohol Treatment operating in all the West Kootenay communities
o Continues to serve on the Liaison Committee DHRS #1999 to FQ

Joined the Doukhobor Historical Society

• Served on the Directorship
o Maintained a reconstructed a full size Doukhobor Village

Founded and sponsored the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative (KCSHC) that developed 60 acres of land in Castlegar for seniors.

• Raised $50,000 feasibility funds to start the developement
• Lawrence chose not move to that project but many of his friends now reside in this development

Lawrence continues with his cultural background by participating in the Kootenay Mens Choir that strives to learn Russian hymns and songs. The Choir Participates in entertaining many local functions.

He also works with the Kootenay Mens Group that manufactures wood products along with wooden caskets.

School District 20 was Lawrence’s final career position as Assistant Maintenance Superintendent located in Castleagr, B.C. His previous experience in the construction industry made him a natural administrator as all the Mechanical, Electrical and Building issues that came to his attention were very familiar and could be handled efficiently along with the expertise that was common knowledge to him. Interesting to note that Lawrence had applied for a similar position in Clearwater but had opted for an interview in Castlegar. Clearwater advised him later that he would have had the job there had he showed up for the job interview.

During this tenure, Lawrence became involved in the following:

• Provincial Secretary for the Association of School Transportation Supervisors of British Columbia
• School Plant Officials Association of British Columbia
o Became involved in the examination process for all Building Maintenance Personnel
• Served on the Safety Council
• Travelled extensively in Alberta as well as in British Columbia
• Attended numerous Conferences and Training Sessions
• Survived the difficult amalgamation process of the neighboring School Districts of Castlegar with Trail with bussing increases and school closures.
• He was in charge of organizing the bussing at the B.C. Summer Games when 50 Greyhound buses were added to the School District fleet to distribute the athletes to venues at Castleagr, Trail and Nelson.

It is time to interpret all the above into a manner with which the character of Lawrence Popoff was developed and became the impetus for his untiring effort in his work, family and all the extra-curriculum involvements. These are the current thoughts of this writer:

1. There is no question that an upbringing of hard and devoted attention to hard work in the family influenced his development to become what he was in his adult life
2. Honesty came from family example and was to become a fundamental part of all that he did
3. A feeling of comraderie with childhood friends became a standard search for same in all that Lawrence became involved and was subsequently found in each endeavour. He relished that desire and expounded this enthusiastically.
4. He saw a need to community peace and tried to influence this comfort to that end in each and every effort
5. He never commanded a return for his volunteerism as the satisfaction in creating and delivering every project and effort was all that he expected. Waiting for honors and gratitude was not on his agenda.,
6. Although Lawrence does not consider himself religious, he did participate in Doukhobor activities whenever he is able.
7. His search for an understanding of his spirit has caused him to read many volumes in this regard. This has brought him into an understanding of Quantum Physics and deep appreciation of all living things on the Earth and a conviction the past is trying to communicate with us but we still do not have the understanding as to how to understand the message at this time.
8. There is a depth within this person that only Lawrence can measure. Perhaps this quotation from one of the Doukhobor philosophical Leaders may describe him best:

“Do not believe everything you hear.
Do not desire everything you see.
Do not proceed to do everything you are able to.
Do not proclaim everything you know,
but only that that should be proclaimed.
That which you do not know, do not affirm or deny;
Best of all – inquire;
then will thou be discreet – Ilarion Pobrirokin”

So this is a chronicle on Lawrence Popoff, a man I have got to know well – my friend.

Written by Elmer Verigin May 05, 2015.
The process involved interviews with Lawrence Popoff over a period of time.
1. April 17, 2015
2. April 25, 2015
3. April 30, 2015
4. May 05, 2015
5. May 20, 2015
The final draught was subsequently approved by Lawrence for publishing in this blog

After Deck on the “Candide”
Kootenay Lake
West side of Mirror Lake
1330 hours

There is always a debate regarding the fishing sport, why do men do it?

So here I am with no fishing Licence, no fishing gear, writing in my sketch book on this beautiful day. It is sunny and about 12 degrees Celsius. What am I doing here?

It is not often that your son and two sons-in-law will ask an old man like me to join them in male camaraderie. We are compatible and keep up a banter that makes it enjoyable for all.

I applied for the position of Cabin Boy and I understand that I have a good chance to get on steady. I am not sure when the Selection Committee will convene to make the final cut. Patience is a virtue and I will await the outcome with confidence.

We beached the Candide at Coffee Creek last night. It was just great! Jason and Rick barb-b-qued steaks with corn-on-the-cob and salad. Of course there were the usual pre-dinner cock-tails followed with wine at dinner.

Kyle, Kim and I rustled the bushes for deadwood as the banks had already been cleaned up as this area has access from the highway above and must be used frequently by the public. Kim says he dragged wood from across the highway. We managed to get a formidable bon-fire going. Later that night, Rick wrapped some potatoes which we roasted in the fire. Wow, my favorite!

It brought me back to my teens when I was first introduced to this delicacy of baked potato on a campfire by my cousin Patrick Potatoff in Arran, Saskatchewan. We had no aluminium foil then so we just threw the spuds into the fire for a 1/2 hour or so. Trying to distinguish the potato from the charcoals was a challenge but eventually we found them.

We pealed about 1/4″ of burnt surface to uncover the top end. We did have butter along with salt and pepper. With a flattened willow bough as a “spoon”, we dug into the potato. We really had fun and a delicious treat. Pat’s pretty sister was hanging around and we let her share in our experience.

Pat is gone now, succumbing to lung cancer about 25 years ago. When I see a potato being baked on a campfire, I see his smiling face which will be an association I will keep forever.

So we had a gourmet potato, wrapped in aluminum foil. Thank you Rick! Yes the butter and salt were also available this time. Consuming skin and all with as spoon was pleasure indeed.

How can one eat again after a delicious meal? Well the ambience was too much to pass up. The company was excellent and discussion natural and without hesitation.. Well the Spiced Rum and Fire Balls helped, I am sure. I managed to down two large potatoes.

Sleeping on the Candide is not quite the same as the Empress Lines but when your body is compromised, sleep comes quickly.

We are on day two of a three trip. I look forward to another evening which is suggested to surpass last night. I hear garlic prawns, Liguinni Alfredo are on the menu.

1652 hours

Back to the sport of fishing. What is interesting is that Scientists have found that the basic cell structure is similar for all living matter. So a fish is similar to mankind essentially; therefore, is it fair to catch a fish as a sport?

We are consuming a living cell structure, not much different whether it is a fish, animal or plant. Ugh!

We take advantage of something helpless and consume it as our food. That is the way it is and has been since time began. We are eating living matter even it has been “killed” as the cells are still alive. We ingest all this so that all the organisms in our stomachs can begin to devour all this to create the heat and energy that it takes to make our bodies function so we can exist.

What a gruesome series of events! Then what would happen to us if we did not eat? There is the entire question.

I will prepare myself for the worst and eat all that we will prepare tonight. Why not? The option is not acceptable.

It all started with the Carbon atom combining with Oxygen and Hydrogen atoms to form the molecules that was the basis of living matter. From then on it was the weak perish so that the strong may survive.

Nothing has changed since, the way I see it.

Written by Elmer Verigin April 04, 2015 on board the Candide on Kootenay Lake, B.C.

How many of you remember going to Grade 1, barefooted? Do you recall that being bare-footed in school did not make you conspicuous either, as the rest of the kids were the same and the accepted attire in the Spring and Fall sessions?

That was the way of life for Alden after birth in 1930. His entered school at the age of eight following his older brother, Floyd, sisters, jean and Sue, four miles to Pine Ridge School located near Bright Sand Lake. The nearest community was fourteen miles to St. Walburg, directly North of North Battleford, Saskatchewan..

Alden recalls his brother Floyd asking his father “what is the difference between Dynamo and Dynamite?” after returning home from the Bright Sand School which was the equidistant to Pine Ridge School from the family farm.

His father questioned his brother, “what did your teacher say?”

“No difference,” responded his son.

“Well from now on, you kids are attending Pine Ridge School, where the teacher likely knows the correct answer” the father decided.

The family originated in Michigan USA.

“Even before the Great War,” Alden went on, “Dad had heard about all this unsettled cheap land on the Canadian Prairies. He travelled to have a look before he married and thought that at some time that locating there would be a way a man could afford to raise a family”. To this end he signed a commitment to the Canadian government in 1912, that he intended to become a Canadian citizen, paid a $10 fee and received his homestead.

Then the War broke out and his dreams were interrupted. He returned back to the USA and enlisted in the US Navy. Alden recalls. “My Dad served in the First Great War on a Mine Sweeper stationed at Inverness, Scotland. He didn’t talk much about the war but had an aversion to the smell of cabbage and boiling mutton which reminded him of his sea sick days.”

After the War, he became involved in various occupations which included:

• Building cars in a Chevrolet Factory
• Tried Teaching
• Trained as a Bookkeeper
• Returned to the Chevrolet Factory after the War

Marriage and a disinterest into these various career opportunities brought back visions of freedom in the open lands of Saskatchewan. After a few more investigating trips, the family decided on moving in the mid 1920s, to three (3) quarters of land (480 acres) on the shores of Bright Sand Lake.

Alden’s memories were of hardships and ingenuity that it took those pioneers to eke out a living on virgin soil that required clearing trees and breaking land so that marketable grain crops could be grown. Nothing was more disappointing to another “crop” of stones to gather in the Spring after a thorough job last year, it appeared that they “grew continuously”. He also recalled that at no time did they feel that the government needed to support them or that they were unhappy. It seemed that an acceptance of all that came was their way of life.

Alden could not stop laughing as he recalled this incident, “Harry Read brought a load of firewood to Bright Sand Lake School. In those days people traded services for taxes and everyone contributed what they could to ensure that community facilities, such as schools would be available. Harry was proud of his newly painted red grain box that was set over the sleigh. This was too much for one of the students, Alonzo, who took a chalk and wrote, on the side of the box, the words “BULLSHIT HARRY READ” and promptly scampered over the field, directly home. As it was in those days, it seemed that news of his prank preceded him home. Alonzo’s father started looking for him and found him under the bed. All attempts to coax him out failed and so a poker was heated on the stove and one poke did the trick. Yes, capital punishment was administered by the parents as it was customary in those days.”

He also commented that “in those days there were no flush toilets at home or at school. In fact, the first time that I saw a flush toilet it scared the living daylights out of me.”

Then the Depression and the climate change of the 1930s challenged even the hardiest of these settlers so that money became a scares commodity. The Bigsby family had decisions to make:

• The oldest brother, Floyd, was completing grade 8 and high school would require boarding in North Battleford, the closest high school
• The economic conditions looked bleak and may not recover in a farming enterprise
• A decision was eventually made to return to Michigan where Alden mother’s brother had stayed to look after the family dairy farm.
• Alden’s uncle was by himself and there was an opportunity to become involved in this operation
• Alden’s father remembered his Chevrolet Factory days and perhaps there was some confidence that he could gain employment again

“Let’s sell out and go back to the USA!” was the family decision.

There were displaced people from Europe being relocated to various parts of the Prairies, at that time, and so the government needed to assist and became interested in the family farm which sold for $1,500. Alden reminisces “that the land adjacent to the Bright Sand Lake is now populated and developed with recreational cottages. Pity that the family could not retain ownership as a small family fortune may have resulted.”

Alden recounted the story of his father directing the hired hand to transport grain to St. Walburg with the rail line located there. He never returned! So his father investigated and found that the hired hand had received cash for the grain (the practice of grain buyers then), left the horses and wagon at the Livery and absconded with the cash. The RCMP was able to catch up with the rascal and the Bigsby family ended up with his vehicle since the cash was spent. This 1929 Chevrolet was the car that became the moving van and passenger vehicle to move the Bigsby family off their farm near Bright Sand Lake.

In 1939, the five siblings and parents travelled to Biggar the first day and then on to the USA border the next.

The Second Great War had been declared and Floyd Bigsby and his wife, Edna, originally from Bohemia, could not produce proof of their former American citizenship, and that he was a returned Veteran. All attempts could not convince the US Border Guards that they and their Canadian-born children had every right to cross over and back to the USA.

Returning to Regina and an unsuccessful attempt at obtaining visas, precipitated a search for alternatives. Many were considered but it was unlikely that any action on Visas could be expected before their meagre funding was depleted. Then an idea: ” why not contact our former neighbors, the Milligan’s, who used to send us apples from Summerland? Maybe there are opportunities there?”

And so it ensued that the Bigsbies travelled to Summerland, stayed with the Milligan’s and were able to pick fruit that harvest to make ends meet.

But the Bread-winner was bound and determined to be just that and the elder Floyd started looking around at options. A farm two miles from Armstrong became an interesting prospect and with assistance of a Veteran’s Land Administration (VLA) loan, a total of 103.25 acres was purchased for $5,000. Five (5) years later an additional eight (80) acres of “wild” land was obtained for $200.

Soon a fledging dairy and chicken farm became a reality. The Bigsby family settled in the community. It was a struggle financially but at least it provided a place to live and the ability to grow most of the family food. It was home at last!

Alden was able to continue his schooling with a high school available to the elder siblings, Floyd, Jean, Sue Alden and Bob , all in Armstrong.

“Sue and I were often obligated to take care of our youngest brother Bob,” Alden reminisced, “so we decided that Bob would enjoy a ride in the wicker buggy. We let it go down this hill and somehow it stayed upright after the hundred feet or so that it travelled on its own. Thinking back now, makes me realize that there was not much thinking, at that time, by Sue and I!”

In later years, Bob would be frustrated by some mechanical problem that just could not get fixed on his various toys. Alden was very consoling to his kid brother by making faces at him and Bob calling him a “stupid ass” in return just as Bob turned to realize his mother was standing behind him. Well siblings had a special way to bond and they did.

Alden found a distraction in the local Pool Hall and was considered a front runner in Snooker 101. The fact that Alden was color blind and could not always differentiate the four ball (brown) from the reds, did not prevent him from establishing himself as a proficient player touted to be a match for “Minnesota Fats”. His fellow students who were missing school to play pool knew that one of the High School Teaching staff also frequented the Pool Hall and could be there after classes ended at 3:30 P.M. Of course, Alden and the gang would be long gone by that time.

In Grade 11, Alden became a bit impatient with schooling and was able to get a job building cement blocks for a Contractor in town. He found $0.30 an hour an enticing distraction from classes for forty-one (41) days. When questioned by the Principal, Charlie Clay, as to his absenteeism, Alden responded with “my Dad is bed-ridden and I have to help Mom with the chores and farm.” Well Mr. Clay did check up on Alden and was proven correct in his alibi as on that particular day, the elder Floyd was in bed. Still the Principal was able to use his Psychology on Alden and his Grade 11 was completed.

In the Summer of 1947, Alden “thumbed” a ride to Princeton after hearing that they were hiring at the Copper Mountain mine. By the time he got there, after a day and a half, they had already hired someone. Prior to “getting on”, he spent one night in jail, a courtesy by the local RCMP as he had no place to eat or sleep that night.

Alden decided to get serious about grade 12 and graduated in 1948.

That Summer, Alden was able to work on construction of the Highway from Enderby to Armstrong. His sudden wage increase to $0.61 an hour was almost too hard to believe. He saved his money and bought a second hand Fordson Tractor for the family farm and a 1926 Model T Ford for himself. He recalls, “that car had four gears, two in the rear end and two in the forward transmission. It had slotted floorboards so I had to lift my feet whenever we would go over a puddle.” This act, for the family who did not have a car and still worked the farm with horses, was one that indicates Alden’s dedication and love for the family unit. This was a prevalent and a family attribute of love in the Bigsby family.

Summer of 1948 was spent in a Lead – Zinc mine at Field where he experienced working underground. These were some of the experiences there:

1. There was no electricity underground
2. Only light was with a head lamp
3. When Alden advised the Boss that he was leaving that weekend to go back to school, the next day he was taken off his sit down job of Shusher Operator and given a job of removing unused rails in an abandoned tunnel,……….. alone
a. The head lamp went out within the first one half hour with seven and a half hours of shift to go
b. Alden had to spend the longest day of his life, waiting for someone to come to his rescue as there were abandoned pits that could be stumbled into and so no chance to “feel his way out” on his own
c. Thoughts floated by Alden:
i. Was this an intentional act by his boss to “hurt” him?
ii. He could hear water dripping………
iii. He knew there were rats somewhere………..
iv. There was this absolute darkness………..
v. It was eerie and noises imagined and otherwise…………..
vi. His mood went from angry to disappointment
vii. “Why did he do this to me?
d. The rescue did not come about until the end of the shift when it became apparent that Alden had not reported in
e. One wonders why any supervisor, especially in a mine, would send a worker into an abandoned shaft alone????????????

It was back to Armstrong in the Fall where he was able to take his Grade 13 (actually first year university in these days). Try as he might, English 100 became a challenge with 51% his mark. This needed improvement if he was to pursue further education and so taking English by correspondence seemed like the best solution and a year off to earn some funding, all to further his education.

That year was spent working in a garage where his mechanical skills were perfected. Everything was just fine except the drip from under the cars, while he serviced under the hoist, became a constant irritation to Alden. This helped him resolve that he needed another career to make a living as the drips always seemed to find their way behind his neck.

His effort to improve his English 100 that year became a marginal success with a 56% improvement!

So off it was to Normal School (the dated equivalent to Teachers College) at Victoria College, to gain his Teaching Certificate in ten (10) months/ He completed a questionnaire that was to establish what Alden wanted to do with his career. He chose Industrial Arts.

After many applications, a response came from the school in Ashcroft to teach grades 7 through 12 with a speciality in Industrial Arts (IA). This meant a required stint of several weeks at Vancouver Tech to become trained by the Department of Education as to what would be required in an IA course.

He arrived at his first teaching job in mid August to find a big surprise. The IA shop was in the basement of the school and could only be accessed through the Boys Washroom which became a humorous challenge that had a story in itself. But the biggest surprise of all were the following:

• No power tools
• A small cupboard with hand tools consisting of:
o hand planes
o hand saws
o miscellaneous tools like chisels, etc
• No benches
• It basically did not look like an IA Shop whatsoever

The other surprises was mixed with a personal disappointment when Alden found out that he had only one class to teach IA and had to make up his day with other classes including his favorite — English.

On the other side of all this was that the classes were made up of the local mixed population that consisted of Chinese, Natives and many other foreign nationalities that were located in that area. His lasting memory was of one student named “Butch” Yeung, a Chinese Canadian who would use his “authority” to settle the rest of the class down with a very authoritive “shut up, Mr Bigsby is talking!”

After five (5) years, where Alden was able “build up” the IA Shop with proper tools, benches and much more, he decided to improve his experience by accepting a position in the Langley School District. Although the facility and equipment were much more sophisticated, the attitude of the students lacked the respect and discipline of the school and classes he had left. Obviously, the character and professional conduct of Alden, precipitated his interest to look for other possibilities.

While in Langley, the work ethic in Alden, found him finishing his work day at 1200 noon meant additional opportunities could be available. The family financial challenges at that time were as follows:

• The five (5) year expected salary was $340/month for ten (10) months with no salary for summer holidays in every year
• House rent was $60/month
• Coal costs were $28/week ($112/month)
• Power utility $25/month
o All that did not encourage him to stay as his house had a crawl space of about 6 feet and no insulation so that a ton of coal each week was required to heat that house in the winter, (December and January).

With an associate, they contracted framing of houses to the roofing and “lock-up” stage. This meant being on the supplementary job at 0500 hours and then being at school from 0700 to 1200, with the afternoon back at this framing job. This made life very busy but obviously met the financial needs.

It was partly based on the student attitude as well as his unsatisfactory residence that he began a process of finding another school. In this search he came to his final school, Stanley Humphries High School at Castlegar, B.C. in 1957. He intended to stay two years but ended his career with retirement in 1985.

It all started with applications being sent out in the Summer of 1957. Alden had a friend teaching in Salmo and wanted to find a position close to there. Salmo was a small school, but positions became available in Castlegar in the new Stanley Humphries High School built in 1952 to teach in the Metal and Wood Shops. Alden participated in the planning for Shop upgrades in 1962 through 1964.

Alden’s reflections in those years were of a working atmosphere between Administration and Staff as one where it was like a “family”. Everyone got along and cooperation was prevalent. This was passed along to the student body who were serious to learn and respectful of their Teachers.

During his teaching career, Alden needed to improve his qualifications credit from a two (2) year University of Victoria to enable him to teach at Senior Matriculation level. This was achieved by attending eleven (11) years of Summer School. Not much of a “Summer Holidays”.

Recollection of some of the following humorous incidents during those school years made him smile:

” There were two classes of Grade 12 girls developed to give young ladies some experience in the work world dominated by a mostly male population. Each class would spend one half semester in the automotive shop and the other half in the wood shop. Both were over-subscribed. The time table was so arranged that practical courses would have longer periods so that shop projects could be completed rather than stopped after one hour and so the lunch hour could be included in the project time. This was scheduled every four days.

After talking to the girls at the start of one of the double classes over lunch hour as how this could be accommodated to complete their projects, he explained that “today you can have a double period”………..a small voice from the group said ‘I sure hope not!’ He had to go to his office and close the door but could still hear them all laughing. He meets some of them from time to time now and they still laugh although they are grandmothers now.”

“The metal shop was demonstrating how to harden and temper steel by quenching hot metal in water. The first day was hardening and the second tempering. Frank came into the office with a grin on his face, ‘I fixed those little bastards.’ A number of them had urinated in the quench water! The steam had an unbelievable smell but Frank had recognized it right away but made no indication that anything was amiss. He made them all stay in the small forge room to enjoy their own sweet smell. Frank had told them that from birth he had not been able to smell. It never happened again.”

As the number of students and Teachers increased in the Province of British Columbia, both Government and Teachers kept searching for an equitable process to negotiate Teachers salaries so that the province, as a whole, was fairly dealt with.

Historically, each school district bargained independently, although the settlements in each district where known throughout the province. This had many different advantages as well as disadvantages in each district that may be, in part, listed as follows:

1. A recognition of special circumstances and living conditions
2. Cultural and economic status of the residents
3. Teaching staff and Administrators were all part of the B.C. Teachers Federation (BCTF)
4. Settlements affected Teachers and Administrators alike
5. There was binding arbitration
6. Many more

At the end of each negotiating year, there would be the negative issues like “why are Teachers being paid more in one district than in another”. Settlements then became an opening negotiation in the ensuing year.

Governments have historically taken action to resolve issues like these which inadvertently result in the “solution being worse that the initial problem.” During the term of the Vanderzalm Social Credit government, a legislated “solution” forced all teachers to collective bargaining as a whole.

The results, as Alden recalls, did not achieve the desired benefits as has been the experience with many government actions:

1. The local conditions were sacrificed for a province-wide model which did not meet local needs
2. Administration was separated from Staff suggesting a “professional boundary” that was not there before
3. The binding arbitration that was formerly existent in the previous system was traded for a collective bargaining model which introduced province-wide strike action as a bargaining tool that was totally negative for students and education providers alike
4. The BCTF became more of a union rather than a professional organization as a result

In Alden’s opinion, the system did not provide the intent of education with the student in mind.

Norman McNabb was a neighbor in Castlegar and a member of the Volunteer Fire Department. He invited Alden to join in 1958. Since then Alden enjoyed the comradie with 15 to 17 Firemen that performed the following community functions:

• Replace street lights
• Wash out parking lots
• Practice burns on dilapidated houses or buildings
• other community services

Typically there were four different contact groups who would get a call in emergency and they would “fan out” the calls to members in their group. There was one Fire Chief and an Assistant Fire Chief that led the Department during this time.

He enjoyed his years with the Castlegar Fire Department and retired in 1983.

With the growth of Castlegar and the need for city workers increased in numbers. Separation of responsibility between Firemen and City Workers changed the original model.

Destiny placed Alden with a fellow Shop Teacher, Frank Bonderoff. The relationship evolved to common interests and an idea gelled for the construction of an airplane to travel into some of the local lakes for fishing. And so the talented individuals used their collective ingenuity to obtain drawings for a Sportsman Flying Boat.

Portions of the plane were prefabricated in the School Shops wherein students had an opportunity to experience the construction of a plane. Bill Plotnikoff, a School Teacher and son of a local businessman, was a trained Aeronautical Engineer, contributed his expertise to approve construction of the special parts.

The plane was completed in the years 1966 to 67. Alden along with Frank successfully graduated their flying lessons and the dream of fishing at a pristine lake became reality. Alden’s Pilot’s License was VRP-12624. Because he was color blind, he could not land on controlled airports but rural “landing fields” were just fine, especially lakes.

A favorite “hole” was Beatrice Lake located in the mountains between Burton and Slocan. There the two friends built a hunting shack together with two (2) Boy Scouts, and equipped it with sleeping bags hung from the ceiling, silverware and cutlery along with emergency foods so that not everything had to be brought in each time. They even left their fishing gear there so that the shack could be used by visitors as well as themselves. Fishing and hunting trips were usually three (3) to four (4) day duration.

They built a raft of logs and were are to get an outboard motor in so that this raft could be propelled around the lake. They would watch bears on shore but kept their distance. At one time, after the near left, they checked on his activity and found teeth marks through an aluminum pot. This discouraged further attempts to befriend the animal after they found scratches on the shack door.

Probably the most humorous event is when Alden recalled Frank shooting mice through the spaces in the logs to stop the irritating scratching at night.

This worked well for a time until they found the food all used up and the shack left in a mess. They tried to mitigate this abuse by caching their equipment, etc., to find that the desecration continued and especially the writing of notes that “people should not use planes to enter the wilderness.”

Eventually the shack was “torched” by someone. This entire episode sadly affected the two “partners” in “how could anyone be so short-sighted and unable to understand the law of the wilderness that when a shelter is discovered, use it and leave it in better stead than when found?”

The Sportsman Flying Boat met with a tragedy when Frank had an unsuccessful takeoff attempt from a private field in Salmo and the plane went down over some stumps. An energetic attempt to repair the plane was equated to an advertised Sea-Bee in Bellingham being available for $3,500. The decision was made to do the following:

1. Purchase the Sea-Bee
2. Spend two (2) years in counselling
3. Have all the parts checked out by a authorized Inspector
4. Such an Inspector was found in Abbottsford who also painted the plane
5. It took four (4) weeks to assemble
6. After four (4) years they were able to fly again.

There is more to the adventures of Frank and Alden when a hobby Sawmill and Planer Mill were constructed at Salmo. The majority of the parts came from abandoned equipment at former sawmills as well as structural steel members found at those and other sites. Both friends were Scroungers and capable Welders as well as Mechanically apt so manufacturing and assembling operating equipment was not a challenge but an enjoyable pastime.

Frank stopped teaching and got more involved in the Logging operations. Alden recalls that they undertook contracts to supply timbers to the Parks Board as well as other specialty lumber that customers requested.

Alden went on to get involved in the construction of a major seniors housing project at Grandview in Castlegar. Here he served as:

• Director of the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative
• Committee to build Supportive Living component of the project
• Volunteered his skills to build various advertizing display boards
• Served on the Promotions Committee
• All with an absolute positive attitude

Alden remained an enthusiastic member throughout the project wherein he purchased and still occupies a bungalow.

People who knew the Bigsby family and their humble beginnings and lack of wealth, “how did all of you afford to obtain a higher education?”

Alden reminisced with this explanation:

1. Mother, Edna Bigsby, had a brother who was a practicing Engineer in the USA
a. He would send money to Floyd to assist in his education as an Agricultural Engineer
b. Floyd eventually became a Professor in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan
2. Jean was fortunate to obtain scholarships to assist in a degree in Food and Dietary Science
3. Floyd was able to send part of his income to assist Jean and Sue
4. Floyd, Jean and Sue all stayed in one apartment, at one time, to save funds
5. Sue graduated in Home Economics
6. They all assisted Alden in whichever way to obtain his education
7. Bob worked as professional Faller in the woods
a. He also worked in a garage
b. A course opportunity came along in Industrial Arts Teaching which he took in Mechanical
c. He eventually carried on to obtain a PhD after using “Training of Untrainable Adults” as his thesis
d. Bob worked with
i. CIDA in Kenya
ii. the World Bank
iii. spent sixteen years as President of Olds College

A remarkable achievement for an ordinary farm family!

Today Alden enjoys working in his well-equipped wood working shop set up in his double garage at Grandview. The workmanship and array of various manufactured goods are a marvel to behold.

The listed experiences of Alden, provide only a brief profile of the depth within this person who very silently and modestly goes about his life without fanfare and self idolation. In one of the year books at SHHS, a comment was made by the editorial staff at that time which is very descriptive of their Shop Teacher:

“…….I can look on tempests and never be shaken…….”

That is definitely defines the person within this chronicle in the Writer’s opinion.

Written by Elmer Verigin March 11, 2015. The process involved interviews with Alden over a period of time. The Bigsby family have a well documented family history that is well written. This is intended to be a chronicle of Alden’s life.
The final draught was approved by Alden

Many acts of kindness, compassion and professional delivery take place and become part of the environment without mention. It is the manner within which we live in today’s busy lives, that we have created for ourselves.

My partner, Marilyn Verigin, was challenged with a health emergency on February 26, 2015 while we were passing through Saskatoon, Saskatchewan after paying our respects for our Best Man, Keith Tarasoff, in Canora, Saskatchewan.

Although we were both born, raised and educated in Saskatoon, we were not sure which hospital emergency we should go. Our family advised the RUH.

I was able to drive Marilyn to the RUH and I noted that her condition was fast deteriorating. Upon arrival, the Admitting Staff took over and soon she was admitted to the Emergency Room. From that point on, I was amazed and very thankful that we were part of a well rehearsed system that included Doctors, Nurses and other Staff that immediately recognized a serious condition was taking place that required expert attention.

The details if all that ensued are very important but not necessary to note here except that the results were positive and a diagnosis developed after almost every technological testing became immediately available to Marilyn.

Marilyn’s stay till March 02, 2015 was filled with continuing excellent care and professional attention.

We cannot begin to list all those responsible with our sincere gratitude but we were able to accumulate a partial list as follows:

• Dr. Wendi Fitzpatrick
• Dr. Syed Rizvi
• Other professionals (a long list that I was not able to obtain)
o Especially those in Emergency along with Dr. Fitzpatrick
• Staff on at 6300 which include in part:
o Shauna
o Leonora
o Jenny
o Others (who I was not able to get names for}

In quoting from a publication entitled “The Biology of Belief” by Dr. Bruce H. Lipton PhD, a Cell Biologist I make the following quotations:

“…….seers like Rumi knew……..for human babies and adults the best growth promoter is love.

A lifetime without Love is of no account
Love is the Water of Life
Drink it down with heart and soul………….”

“……..Use the intelligence of cells to propel humanity one more rung up the evolutionary ladder where the most loving do more than survive, they thrive….”

There is no question in the minds of Marilyn and her family that the love, kindness and compassion shown her in her stay at RUH, contributed to her recovery and release on March 02, 2015.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Written by Elmer Verigin March 09, 2015

Although we had a get-together planned on February 26, 2015, Keith was called away on his special journey early February 18, 2015. This call was not to be denied and he, only, could travel solo. He had no opportunity to bid adieu. So it is in circumstances like these, that we stand here feeling that a robbery has been committed. Keith was taken by his Maker and so he was our treasure for a time and now he was obligated to return as has been the practice from time eternal. So it is today!

There was beauty in this relationship that I had experienced with Keith. At no time was there an opportunity to disagree. You might say that Quantum Physics sent coincidental environmental signals to both us almost in harmony. We wanted to do things together and we agreed on the principles, ethics and sociological aspects of all that came upon us. It just seemed obvious that our mates would also get along and all that followed with our children. They also enjoyed each other’s company.

What I will do now is recount the blessings and moments of joy we had together since 1958 when I first met Keith. That is almost 57 years of enjoyment and memories, so let’s not waste time and get on with it.

One of our mutual problems was this farmer who kept coming into town, looking for trouble. If Mitch just looked for it on his own, that would be just fine, but he did not have to do home-work and so he encouraged us to help him find trouble. So it was that trouble came in threes and we started our campaign to find others that were fun-seekers and so the scene was set.

Singing in a Doukhobor Youth Choir was culturally a perfectly healthy pastime for young boys and our parents approved of this without hesitation. Of course, there was the opportunity to check out all these girls that showed up from all parts of Saskatchewan with the same excuse. We considered it our responsibility to take each and every one of them on dates so that none of them would feel left out or rejected. We were very proud of our resolve and did this job with zealous abandon.

As has already been proven many a time, the “grass is greener on the other side of the fence”. I took a fancy to a former neighbor of Keith’s, 250 miles from my former home, and Keith noticed this good-looking blonde from my home town. We both approved of the choices and here we are still together to this day.

After struggling in boarding houses that did not seem to understand the appetite needs of a growing young man, I hit a bonanza when Keith invited me to be his room-mate, in the newly constructed family home on corner of Avenue H and Rushholme. We got the basement suite and I got a loving family that adopted me completely which meant two half-sisters Ruth and Donna, as we eventually joked about. Our land-lady, Susan had a rough voice but the softest heart as she fed and took care of her boys and extended family.

Keith and I always did research on easier ways live. At 11:30 at night, studying became sluggish and a break on our respective cots became a habit. Getting up to turn the light off was tough and so we devised an automatic light switch “turnoffer”. A long shoelace around a textbook that would teeter on the laundry hamper and then looped over the upright switch was the invention.

So at the agreed time, a slipper would be thrown at the wall just above the teetering textbook and “presto, ala kazam”, the textbook was dislodged causing the switch to turn off. Not always was the aim good from the cot located “kiddy-corner” from the switch and so several attempts had to be made using all the available slippers. Sometimes the ammunition had to brought back to repeat the performance. We were very proud of our ingenuity.

There were times when we convinced Mitch that we needed a study weekend and we would be well into it when the door would open and here would enter two to three of our other friends who had not been informed of our dedication to study. Sometimes 5:00 A.M., Sunday morning meant going somewhere to eat and absorb all that malted barley that was the inevitable result.

What was noticeable that no matter what we undertook, we combined enthusiasm with resolve and would get the job done. In later years, if we needed something, we could always rely on each other and we often did so.

It seemed that our mutual families got to know each other better as we continued to visit and enjoy each other’s hospitality over the years. When I had to inform my three daughters and son of Keith’s passing, there was an immediate request to pass along their condolences to the Tarasoff family of three sons and one daughter. Keith and I talked about that one time, so it was okay to duplicate offspring but how was it that we were able to do the exact opposite of each other? Perhaps Quantum Physics again! Looking back now, I realize that both of us never understood what was happening as we lacked the Sexual Health courses in school and our parents neglected to explain all this to us.

Back to the Boarding House and the fact Keith would habitually want to sleep in much to the disdain of our Land Lady, his mother, Susan, that was trying to get out of the house herself to her job. There was a great deal of hollering and rude comments about my room-mate as she was clearing the breakfast dishes, giving up on him. On my way down the stairs, Keith was coming up. I whispered “you are deep in shit” to a seemingly half asleep zombie.

As I hastily threw my stuff into my briefcase and hurried out the door, I hollered at Keith who was just covering his toast with jam “you’re going to miss the bus!”

Well it was just a block to Avenue I where I noticed the bus pulling up to the bus stop. I was a good track star in high school but I just made it to the tail lights as the bus departed. I knew that a block and a half down the bus had another stop and I turned on my “after-burners” as I careened down the hill to see the tail lights flash and the bus was gone.

In despair, I trudged up the hill to wait a half hour for the next bus and be late for class. I noticed Keith just crossing Avenue I to the bus stop. I hollered above the traffic noise “we missed the bus!” He looked at me with a blank face as I walked up to him to repeat my message when the correct bus showed up and we all got on. Keith asked me what my problem was and my answer “oh nothing, I am just having a bad morning when I get up too early.”

The common mutual joke in those days was that when nature called we would agree that, “we should go to Rushholme and P.” I know that most of you hearing this would not understand but in those days the farm fences were located about Avenue P West along Rushholme.

So the years passed and we aged but our friendship matured and grew into a bonding level that included the Ozeroff’s. We would gather, almost yearly, in Canmore, rent a suite and spend the entire time together. Someone may ask, “well what did you do?”

Here is a sample:

• Laugh
• Love
• Sing
• Play cards
• Repeat jokes that we forgot from last time
• Imbibe in liquid spirits
• Eat
• Reminisce
• Our past exploits wee repeated with greater achievement each time, as our aging memories embellished them
• Share our fears and disappointments
• We ended each occasion with a circle where we would hold each other in the advent that we should have someone leave us in the interim before next time
• Keith was the first to physically leave that tight circle

We had all planned to repeat all this on February 26, 2015 in Calgary and now we are here in Canora, instead.

One year we all decided to bake bread together at the museum in Veregin where Keith and Sonia directed us in the entire process of grinding the brown bread flour to mixing the dough, kneading and placing into pans. All required careful preparation and sequencing. Keith taught me the essentials of making the fire in the oven and the care that was necessary to ensure an even heating of the oven brick work. There was testing to determine when the oven was ready to receive the 30 loaves.

I wanted to build an oven in Whatshan and so I took measurements of that oven designed by Nick Trofemenkoff. Keith pointed out the arching at the rear of the oven that permits the fire to “roll” along the rear gable and then over the roof and down to continually repeat itself. I wondered where our Doukhobor ancestors got all this Stationary Engineering expertise?

I was unsuccessful in building an oven similar to that built by my grandfather Summa Morozoff, as described by my mother. So I shared that story with Keith and Sonia and they drove out to Whatshan in 2014 with many loaves baked in Veregin, to demonstrate the possibilities of that cusine. This was enjoyed by all. The greatest pleasure was for Marilyn and I in that our friends were able to experience this project that we kept talking about. Keith took responsibility for cooking the Shisliki in the Saskatchewan style and along with the Doukhobor bread, the 100 people there are still talking about it.

We watched as Keith and Sonia took a great pride in renovating the former Dergosuoff house that was located across the pond from my birthplace North East of Canora. We especially enjoyed the great socials there as they continued to beautify the farm with an ambitious and gigantic garden.

Keith, you were the Best Man at Marilyn’s and my wedding and you will continue, in my interpretation, of Best Men, with which I will be continuing to work with.

To Sonia, Greg, Glen, Corine and Brent, we bring our condolences. The extended family and friends are feeling your loss but you must accept that Keith lived a full life and he loved you all.

He is where there is no pain, no worries and ever-lasting life, to continue serving his Maker.

Written by Elmer Verigin February 22, 2015

Right after Gold gave me his view of how the Microbes continue to create Methane at great depths in the earth’s crust under extreme pressure and heat, resulting in “fossil fuels”, I am now treated to a biological and spiritual education by Bruce H. Lipton PhD.

The University of A & W (see my blog), never seems to stop amazing me on the depth of the “professors” who assemble at 0600 hours, daily. The silent one, Jim Dahl, a Carpenter, presented a book to me that he suggested would be a “must read’ in THE BIOLOGY OF BELIEF.

I will quote sections out of this book so that I do not misrepresent the scientific findings of Bruce who spent his career as a research cell biologist and academic, as he taught medical students. In many instances, Lipton and Gold are similar in that they are expressing themselves on subjects in which they are authorities but are not necessarily accepted by all.

I am impressed with both!

Page 159……….”I do not perceive God as a bearded old man on a throne in Heaven. To me God represents ‘All That Is,” the whole environment comprising the Universe. The cell engages in behavior when its brain, the membrane, responds to environmental signals. In fact functional protein in our body is made as a complementary “image” of an environmental signal. If a protein did not have a complementary signal to couple with, it would not function. This means………that every protein in our bodies is a physical/electromagnetic component to something in the environment. Because we are machines made out of protein, by definition we are made in the image of the environment. that environment being the Universe, or to many, God……”

I need to back up a bit and explain that as a Cell Biologist, Lipton got an understanding of cells that can be somewhat summarized as follows:

1. There are over fifty (50) trillion cells in our body
a. A million is 1,000 thousands (1,000,000)
b. A billion is a 1,000 million (1,000,000,000)
c. A trillion is a 1,000 billion (1,000,000,000,000)
d. So we now understand the magnitude of cells in our body as 50,000,000.000,000 plus
2. Each cell is now defined further by Lipton, Page 7……..”there is not one “new” function in our bodies that is not already expressed in a single cell. Virtually every eukaryote (nucleus-containing cell) possesses the functional equivalent of our nervous system, digestive system, respiratory system, excretory system, digestive system, and even a primitive immune system, which utilizes a family of antibody-like “ubiquitin” proteins……..”
3. Each cell is encased in a membrane Page 45 “…….the true brain(of a cell EWV note) that controls cellular life – the membrane……..”
4. Page 53 “…….Cells possess a uniquely “tuned” receptor protein for every environmental signal that needs to be read. Some receptors respond to physical signals………Receptor “antennas” can also read. vibrational energy fields such as light, sound and radio frequencies…..Biological behavior can be controlled by invisible forces including thought……..”

To obtain a complete definition and scientific basis of how Lipton obtained his understanding, of course, one needs to read the book but now perhaps, I can continue on the “God Interpretation” of this book review.

Page 160 “…………Each cell’s unique set of identity receptors are located on the membrane’s outer surface, where the act like “antennas,” downloading complementary environmental signals…..”

Page 161 “…….Consider the human body as a television set. You are the image on the screen. But your image did not come from inside the television. Your identity i
s an environmental broadcast that was received by an antenna. One day you turn on the TV and the picture tube has blown out………..did the image die with the television set?…………..get another TV, plug it in, turn it on, and tune it to the station you were watching before………….the broadcast image is still on the air………..the physical television is the equivalent of a cell………When I fully understood this relationship I realized that my identity. my “self”, exists in the environment whether my body is here or not……..if my body dies and in the future a new individual is born who has the same exact set of identity receptors, the new individual will be downloading “me”……..My identity is a complex signature contained within the vast information that collectively comprises the environment….”

Lipton uses evidence to support his belief by using examples (on pages 161 and 162) as follows:

1. Clare Silvia developed a taste for beer, chicken nuggets, and motorcycles after her heart-lung transplant. When she talked to the donor’s family she found that the eighteen year old donor was a motorcycle enthusiast who love chicken nuggets and beer (see her book A Change of Heart)…….”….the accuracy of memories that accompany these transplants is beyond chance or coincidence……”
2. “……One young girl began having nightmares of being murdered after her heart transplant. Her dreams were so vivid that they led to the capture of the murderer who killed her donor…”
3. “……I do not believe cells are physically endowed with perception mechanisms that can distinguish and remember a taste for chicken nuggets. Psychological and behavioral memory does make sense if we realize that transplanted organs still bear the original identity receptors of the donor and apparently still downloading that same environmental information. Even though the body of the person who donated the organs is dead, their broadcast is still on………….the mechanics of the cellular membrane-immortal, as I believe we all are.

There is much more that has really educated me in this book that I would like to note here but I believe that my Readers may wish to read the book and take it from there to their own interpretation.

Written by Elmer Verigin February 10, 2015

My continuing search to improve my understanding of my life and the current habitat that I find myself in, always leads to new dimensions of thought and circumstance.

My friend, Dr Thorpe Watson, loaned me a book written by Thomas Gold on the title of this post, made me enter into something new and exciting.

Freeman Dyson, in his forward, writes:

“……….the most recent of Gold’s revolutionary proposals, the theory of the deep hot bisophere, is the subject of this book. The theory says that the entire crust of the earth, down to a depth of several miles, is populated with living creatures. The creatures that we evidence here, living on the surface are only a small part of the biosphere. The greater and more ancient part of the biosphere is deep and hot. The theory is supported by a considerable amount of evidence. I do not need to summarize this because it is clearly presented in the pages that follow……………”

I agree with Freeman.

I admit that my dated background as an undergraduate in Chemical Engineering was challenged in understanding some of the terminology but all readers will be greatly informed to learn that perhaps oil, gas and coal may not have been sourced by many generations of vegetation and animals.

Methane continues to be generated at great depths and rises to the surface that becomes and continues to replentish our natural resources.

I thank Thorpe for tempting me with a great science read!

Composed by Elmer Verigin February 01, 2015

It was the Fall of 1968 and John N Postnikoff called in to our Millwork Plant (Verigin Industries Ltd) at Bear Creek (near Trail, B.C.). He was an amicable person and involved in the Doukhobor Society of Canada (DSC).

“We are having an annual convention at Tarrys and would you be interested in attending?” he invited after a philosophical discourse on where the Doukhobor way of life had transpired after sixty-nine years in Canada.

I had not participated in Doukhobor Meetings since my days in the Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth in 1963 and was lonesome to at least meet people from my heritage and so Marilyn and I attended.

What I noticed, immediately, was the lack of people my age and younger in attendance. This led to my question to the assembly, “where are all the Youth?”

There ensued an interesting debate which resulted in a challenge from John J. Verigin, Honorary Chair of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) who was attending as a guest. “Can you go and find them and have them tell us why they are not here”, he ended after a long and philosophical statement on that subject.

1. Organization of a Youth Conference

With the assistance of Jim Laktin, a USCC youth member, Elmer Verigin made contact with:
1. Vancouver Doukhobor Youth
2. Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth
3. Calgary Youth
4. Veregin Doukhobor Society

We travelled and met with all these organizations and promoted an April 1969 date for a Convention in Tarrys, B.C.

Representatives of all these organizations met and agreed to continue with efforts to organize the youth into one group. An initial National executive was selected with the idea of meeting again within a year.

Two other yearly conferences followed.

2. Castlegar Discussion Group

In the winter of 1969, promotional work started to form a youth group in the Castlegar area. A list of subjects were formulated and placed unto a chart. Interested people gathered and discussed these subjects, all of which were of interest to Doukhobor Youth. Meetings were hosted in various homes on a volunteered basis.

This resulted in dissemination of information to friends and acquaintances that eventually resulted in attendance of about thirty people.

Many became volunteers in organizing the first Youth Conference at Tarrys Hall near Castlegar, B.C., as well as providing catering and other services for the conference.

3. DYNEC (Doukhobor Youth National Executive Council)

This was a result of the conventions and what the youth had legislated. Implementation was undertaken by travelling the provinces to encourage membership. It was reported that costs were high and it became difficult for the Council to self-finance this effort.

The effort was subsequently abandoned as the youth interest could not be solidified.

4. Castlegar Doukhobor Youth (CDY)

The Castlegar Discussion Group became the first organized group as a result of the Youth Conventions that strived to begin a process of similar organizations in other communities. The Vancouver Doukhobor Youth continued operations. It was not clear if the Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth ever took a formal position in this process.

The CDY continued to function as a continuance of the Castlegar Discussion Group.

5. Formation of the (DCA) Doukhobor Cultural Association

The DCA was the eventual result of the CDY when it became apparent that the membership was maturing and could not continue with the designation as “youth”.

Some of the challenges and criticisms came from the existing parent organizations:

• Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC)
• Sons of Freedom (SoF)
• Canadian Doukhobor Society (CDS)

The critics alleged that no youth organization had actually resulted but a new society was being promoted, This was not the collective opinion nor intent of those who participated in the DCA. The members were a surprisingly even distribution that somehow came about from the three (3) parent groups.

It was agreed that this may be a wonderful opportunity to determine where the differing philosophies could be melted into a functioning group.

Was it possible that a form of unification did take place? This a subject that will require a separate research and not the intent of this writing.

The use of “Association” in the name was to identify that the DCA was not a separate society by definition but merely a gathering of interested Doukhobors from similar cultural heritage. So the name Doukhobor Cultural Association came into being.

Minutes of every meeting were recorded and exist to this day.

6. Education in Association and Social Skills

We realized that most of us that gathered together had difficulty in communicating with each other in meeting skills such as:
1. Chairing meetings
2. Preparing for meetings
3. Presenting ideas
4. Parliamentary procedures
5. Listening to each other
6. Respecting another’s opinion
7. Every member had a right to speak no matter of gender and age
8. Other

We agreed to obtain professional help to alleviate these deficiencies that may have come from our background culture. We needed to change if we were to be successful as a group.

We approached Selkirk College and two Professors accepted the challenge at a reduced fees in evening sessions. We practised parliamentary procedures in mock meetings as well as listening. Learning how to include everyone in a discussion. The result was that we understood that even the meekest have something to say and we needed to hear.

So we practiced that every member would serve a term on each of the four Executive positions and that an Executive Committee, consisting of the four executive and one other member, would be responsible for planning and calling meetings every two weeks. The executive would be elected and serve yearly terms.

We met in each home so that we could learn more about each other as well as enjoy our collective hospitality. Friendship and compatibility became a natural result of all these actions.

7. Pursuit of Research in the Doukhobor Culture

Perhaps it was not accidental that all three (3) of the Doukhobor parent groups were represented in the DCA and this encouraged us to learn more about what had separated our parents in the first instance. By understanding the differences, we could better apply that which would unite us.

The DCA organized speakers on many subjects of Doukhobor history and spiritual understanding from each Group. We interviewed John J Verigin Sr from the USCC as well as Stephan Sorokin from the Sons of Freedom several times. It was during these informative sessions that we were accused of being “messengers” to the other group, in a negative way and these meetings ceased to be available to us.

The more we learned about each other the more we realized that there were little to no differences. We took advantage of the similarities and began to have social functions together. We understood that if we could play together, then it would result in better ability to work together in harmony.

We extended this to organizing opportunities for the public to participate in a Doukhobor Sports Day at South Slocan where some unconventional events were planned such as:
• Tug of Peace
• Women’s Plow Pulling Contest
• Women’s Hollering Contest
• Sunflower Spitting Contest
• Ball Games
• Peace Burgers
• “Sergio” Fried Potatoes
• “Pass Creek” Salad
• Nailing Contest
• Log Sawing Contest
• Three legged races
• Tandem grass skiing
• Slippery pole climbing
• Children’s Races
• Evening Programs with musical instruments and singing in both languages

This proved to be popular and Doukhobors attended from all the Groups and were able to socialize in a neutral environment.

This continued until we could not handle the intensive workload with age. There was no one to take over and the successful event ceased.

8. Community Living Research using Champion Creek as a site and model

The idea of determining why a communal living model would not be something that perhaps could become a reality since this was the model that was brought to Canada in 1899. Also many of the members had actually experienced communal living in their youth.

Pete Oglow had personally held the Champion Creek property (about 1,000 acres) when Judge Evans was made responsible to redistribute the lands seized in bankruptcy in 1940. Pete undertook this responsibility as a favor to JJ Verigin Sr. so that this land would not leave Doukhobor hands and be preserved for future Doukhobor use.

Pete talked to John and it was agreed that using the Champion Creek property (formally the CCUB settlement of Blahadatniya) as a model for such an effort would be acceptable and that DCA was an approved group to conduct such a research project.

The DCA finally had a real challenge to exercise their collective skills as the human resource base that included:
• Carpenters
• Machinists
• Loggers
• Teachers
• Masseurs
• Trucking Executives
• Electricians
• Stenographers
• Engineers
• Contractors
• Writers
• Salespeople
• Care Workers
• Berry Farmers
• Mechanics
• Welders
• Tinsmiths
• School Maintenance Supervisors
• Financial Advisors

The project was eagerly accepted and the research began. It is important to note that the DCA at no time thought that they would be candidates to actually live in the resulting community as this was an “assignment” so to speak.

Maps were accessed, groundwork covered and sketches of the proposal unfolded that included:
1. Egg production
2. Dairy production
3. Gardens to commercially produce
 Tomatoes
 Cucumbers
 Other vegetables
4. Pickling production
5. Contact was made with the Ministry of Agriculture in Creston for advice
6. Discussions with Ministry Of Highways for Road access
7. Seniors housing
8. Economic Housing units for small families
9. Wood working plants to manufacture millwork
10. Fresh water was available from Champion Creek for:
 Irrigation
 Domestic Use
 Fire Protection
 Possible Water Energy for a Power Dam to produce Electricity
11. Much more which can be read in the report

A report was generated and submitted to the USCC Directors for review and comment.

A short while later, two USCC Directors personally met with the DCA and reported that the Directors had rejected the proposal and that the USCC Youth would undertake their own project.

It was later determined that there was never a record in the minutes of a USCC Directors meetings, where that subject had been discussed and decided.

This was a serious disappointment for JJ Verigin Sr and Pete Oglow but the DCA used this experience in later applications.

9. Participation in the construction of a historic Doukhobor Village in Ooteschinia

Members of the DCA took an active part on the executive and directorship of the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society (KDHS) in the challenging process to build a duplicate of the original villages that were constructed in British Columbia starting 1909 with the migration of Doukhobors from Saskatchewan.

This involved countless hours of investigation of remaining villages, drawing plans and physical work in building as well as preparation of exhibits.

10. Construction of a Banya at the Doukhobor Village

In response to a plea from the first Curator at the Doukhobor Village, Peter Legebokoff, that the construction of the Banya be expedited so that he may utilize it as that was a tradition for him. The DCA agreed to undertake this project. It was anticipated that this would be a good test for the DCA members to determine how well they could work together.

It was challenging in that translating a good idea into practice always takes commitment. At that time most of the members worked at day jobs so this had to be scheduled on weekends. With small families, this is also difficult as family needs would take precedent.

The Banya was completed and watching Peter Legebokoff have his inaugural “banya” and sprinkling Ucalyptus Oil for aroma, was a sight to behold.

It was very rewarding and payment enough for the sacrifices taken.

11. Participation in the construction of the first Seniors Project, Parkside Villa, at Grand Forks, B.C., with the Doukhobor Benevolent Society (DBS)

This was a partial involvement for the DCA as some members became part of the construction and development in an advisory capacity.

12. Development of Rosewood Manor, the second Doukhobor Seniors Project in Castlegar, B.C. with the Doukhobor Benevolent Society

An invitation was extended by the DBS that a much needed seniors project be undertaken by the DCA in Castlegar. The challenge was accepted and the DCA took educational tours of seniors housing projects in the Okanagan to be get a perspective of the possibilities.

This project involved negotiations for land with the USCC where the former Castlegar Hall was located. It also meant preparation of applications to BC Housing to obtain funding.

All came together successfully and the project was built using a Design / Build tender process that resulted in Tri-City Contractors from Kamloops building the 20 unit project.

The DCA met in the Assembly Room during the time of operation. Rotating host members would be responsible to preparing refreshments, desserts and cleaning up after.

Christmas parties, complete with food and entertainment became an annual event that the DCA enjoyed with the Tenants. About 50% of the Tenants came from Doukhobor backgrounds.

Complete operations of Rosewood Manor were the responsibility of the DCA. After 25 years of operation, the mortgages paid, the DCA presented to project to BC Housing who now continue to operate Rosewood Manor to this day.

13. Development of White Birch Manor, the third Doukhobor Seniors Project in Delta, B.C. with the Lower Mainland Doukhobor Benevolent Society (LMDBS)

Some DCA members became involved in projects in the Lower Mainland. Along with many Doukhobors that were also residing in the Lower Mainland, the LMDBS was incorporated after an idea that perhaps a seniors project could be developed using a Developer, that would combine land acquisition, design, application to BC Housing and construction.

So a 48 unit development became a reality on the corner of 80th Avenue and 120th Street in Delta, B.C.

This facility is still being operated by two DCA members and their extended family and friends.

14. Incorporation of the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society

In 1981 a property acquisition opportunity came forward and the DCA decided to accept that challenge and incorporated a Society to do that. (See Elmer Verigin blog for “Miracle at Whatshan Lake” for more details).

Most of the DCA members became immediate members joined this society with others joining at a later date.

The society name was changed to Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 in the process of qualifying for charitable tax number. Society Director, John J Verigin Jr. recommended that #1999 be added to record and date the centennial project, Whatshan Lake Retreat.

15. Development of the Whatshan Lake Retreat

In 1993 a development project was initiated. (See Elmer Verigin blog for “Miracle at Whatshan Lake” for more details).

The majority of the DCA members donated, funds, equipment, labor and expertise to this successful project.

The project was substantially completed in 2005 with continuing infrastructure additions taking place as this article is written

16. Incorporation of the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative (KSSHC)

With substantial completion of the Whatshan project, many DCA members suggested that a seniors project be undertaken that could be utilized by members as well as others. The observation was that there was a strong need for seniors housing and so why not make use of the collective expertise and undertake this project.

From 2002 to 2005, a great deal of research took place. (See a separate article “A Chronicle on the Grandview Story). The DCA underwrote the feasibility study and financed same with approximately $50,000, paying for consultants and architects.

In September seven (7) DCA members signed the application to incorporate the KCSHC in September 2005. Seventeen (17) members took out the first memberships in the Cooperative.

The executives and committees that were responsible for construction and development were partially staffed by DCA members.

17. Construction of Grandview Housing

Eight (8) DCA families purchased bungalows and duplexes in the resulting project and live there today.

It was determined that the trust and compatibility that was extended to the public from the original 17 DCA members families to the total 289 members did not always reciprocate.

There are challenges that still exist at the project today and the seniors care project remains undeveloped.

18. Benevolent Donations achieved

Peter Dergousoff researched the DCA files in 2010 and listed the following donations from 1973 to 2008:
1. Amnesty International – $500
2. Andy Davidoff – $80
3. Andy Savinkoff – $50
4. Anna Markova – $100
5. Anthropology 202 and 203 Doukhobor studies – $240
6. Brilliant Cultural Centre $1,750
7. Brilliant Ladies – $250
8. Canadian Red Cross – $2,850
9. Castlegar and District Community Society – $1,150
10. Castlegar and District Hospital Foundation – $350
11. Castlegar Hospice Society – $4,400
12. Castlegar Extended Care – $150
13. Cat Scanner Fund – $450
14. Columbian Family to Canada – $200
15. Community Harvest Food Bank – $800
16. DHRS (Fred Voykin Memorial Donation) – $380
17. DHRS #1999 – $17,365
18. Dr Endicott Home – $275
19. Eli Popoff – $10
20. Eli Vetrov – $50
21. Fellowship of Reconciliation – $100
22. Foster Parents Plan – $576
23. Freedom Quest – $1,400
24. Friends of Tolstoy – $50
25. Guatemala – $100
26. Harvest Food Bank – $1,200
27. International Doukhobor Symposium – $200
28. Iskra – $2,810
29. Jeen Jones – $125
30. John Munday – $300
31. JJ Verigin Sr. -$100
32. Judith Moser – $125
33. Kathy Voykin – $200
34. Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society – $700
35. Kootenay Community Living – $100
36. Kootenay Mens Group – $100
37. Kootenay Society for Handicapped Children – $475
38. Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion – $200
39. Mike M Verigin – $200
40. MIR – $1,250
41. Mir Peace Centre – $300
42. Mountainview Lodge – $125
43. Nelson United Church (Refugee Family) – $100
44. New Profile (Armenian Kisch-Kroon) – $100
45. Operation Dismantle – $275
46. Osoyoss Baptist Church – $200
47. Outreach (Kenya) – $500
48. Paul Koodrin – $ (need info from DCA)
49. Peter Legebokoff Fund – $400
50. Raspberry Lodge – $50
51. Rosewood Manor – $1,235.20
52. Salvation Army – $1,250
53. School District #9 (Immersion Program) – $200
54. Search and Rescue – $125
55. Selkirk College – $1,150
56. Seniors SOS – $1,000
57. Sexual Abuse Victims Anonymous – $100
58. Sharing Pot Kitchen – $100
59. Shirley Harasemow – $199
60. Silver Birch School – $50
61. South Slocan Sports Association – $380.44
62. Stanley Humphries High School – $1,500
63. Stone Soup – $700
64. Tammy Horkoff – $200
65. Tools of Peace (Oxfam) – $199.62
66. USCC Armenian Earthquake Fund – $200
67. USCC Champion Creek Water System – $200
68. USCC Cultural Interpretive Society – $200
69. USCC 4 Working Groups – $225
70. USCC Reconstruction Fund – $500
71. USCC Russian Immersion – $100
72. USCC Youth Choir – $150
73. Village Bistro – $400
74. Voices of Peace Concert Tour – $ (need info from DCA)
75. War Child – $100
76. WINS – $100
77. World Law Foundation – $100
78. Total $54,425.26

19. Current Association Membership

The members that attend meetings and social events as of 2015 are as follows:

1. Pat and Mary Picton
2. Phillip and Molly Konkin
3. Lawrence and Kathy Popoff
4. Moses and Ann Zibin
5. Bill (deceased) and Betty Zarikoff
6. Peter and Elsie Rezansoff
7. Bill and Mary Plotnikoff
8. Fred and Ann Chursinoff
9. Bill and Natalie Voykin
10. Joe and Shirley Podovinikoff
11. Nick (deceased) and Nellie Keraiff
12. Peter and Dorothy Dergousoff
13. Lawrence (deceased) and Irene Tamelin
14. Larry and Edna Sapriken
15. Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

20. Past Members who have participated and assisted

1. Walter (deceased) and Ann (deceased) Demoskoff
2. Walter and Mae Popoff
3. Cyril and Vera Woykin
4. Allan and Evelyn Markin
5. Alex and Mary Cheveldave
6. Peter and Marg Perepolkin
7. Paul and Nina (deceased) Koodrin
8. Peter and Olga Swetlishoff
9. Fred (deceased) and Nina Voykin
10. Lawrence and Mable (deceased) Verigin
11. Jim and Katie (deceased) Laktin
12. Peter and Doris Laktin
13. John (deceased) and Florence Salekin
14. Irene Hirschmiller
15. Peter and Penny Kanigan
16. Cecil and Mary Fominoff

21. Windup of Assets

In 2010 the DCA came to a conclusion that its physical and financial assets should be dispersed as the DCA did not have a younger generation of membership that was available to continue.

After many meetings the following decisions were reached:

1. The twenty (20) unit Rosewood Manor had no debt and should be passed over to BC Housing who would be the best agency to operate same in perpetuity
2. The Whatshan Lake (203 acre) property with the DHRS #1999 lease on 20 acres and development thereon, be donated to the DHRS #1999 and was so transferred on January 23, 2013
a. BC Assessment value in land at about $426,000
b. BC Assessment value in buildings $632,000 (developed by DHRS $1999)
c. Total developed value would exceed $2.5 million
3. The Whatshan Falls (5 acre) property, undeveloped, be donated to the DHRS #1999 and was so transferred on January 23, 2013
a. BC Assessment value in land at about $55,800
b. There is no development on this parcel
4. The distribution of invested funds raised from selective logging at Whatshan is as follows:
a. (Some has already been distributed with the balance pending in 2015)

22. Continuation as a Social Organization

The DCA agreed in 2012 that they would continue as a social club because they felt they had established a “family” atmosphere that should be maintained for the rest of their lives.

Social functions continue to this day.

23. Writer’s Comments

It took me a long period of time in meditational thoughts to be able to compose this story and I remain amazed at the achievements of the DCA.

Who could imagine that the result of a fledgling group formed in 1969 could achieve all that as tabulated above?

Perhaps it may be testament to the fact that the Doukhobors (and perhaps many others like the Huttereites, Mennonites) do have a collective advantage when they work together.

Where would the Doukhobors be today had they not began separating into various groups in 1908?

There are more questions than answers but the journey taken by the past and current DCA members is theirs to recount with pleasant memories.

Written by Elmer Verigin January 25, 2015. These are personal memories and not to be construed as a historical nor a professional study. There remain records that can be studied in detail for a more factual account. The purpose here is to leave a story that Readers can add to on my blog with information that they may feel was omitted or necessary to record.

A VISIT TO COEUR D’ALENE CASINO RESORT

On January 19, 2015, Marilyn and I took a break and decided to visit this resort as we had a two day complimentary room from a previous visit to the Casino at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. That always helps in making a decision!

I am inspired to write about our First Nations people. It will be limited to my exposure and relationships rather than an historical account which I will leave to the many researchers who have already written about this subject matter in a positive and sometimes destructive fashion, depending on their personal biases.

I need to identify my past so that the reader maybe determine how I may have developed my understanding of First Nations people.

I am a descendent of Doukhobors who had settled and in Saskatchewan in 1899, amongst three reservations already there. So these Russian-speaking people became neighbors to the descendants of the resident migrants who apparently came down from Eastern Russia some 20,000 years ago.

Or did they simply move North as the ice melted from the Aztec and Inca nations already in North America?

We lived near three Cree reservations: Keys, Cote and Kissakosee nestled between the communities of Pelly on the North, Kamsack on the South and Canora to the west. My initial exposure (in the fifties) was to see these natives walking around the community, almost aimlessly with no agenda, or simply “hanging around”.

At harvest, we would have one or two come to work and help. After two or three days, they would want to be paid and leave even though the help was still required. There was no apparent incentive to accumulate wealth.

Yes, I wondered about the residential Catholic school at St Phillips and the reasons for same.

I played competitive sports and attended several festivals where I observed Powwows and other native events and became convinced of their beautiful culture that always left me wanting to know more.

In my professional years, I was privileged to have two native brothers erect all the steel, roof and wall panels for the International Pavilions at Expo ’86. This was the first time that I was able to understand the capability of Crees in an entirely different perspective.

I was also able to be chosen to build a one acre sized school designed by First Nations at Nelson House Manitoba, near Thompson. There the fire walls penetrated the roof to display thunderbirds. The 600 student school was staffed with over 40 First Nations Educators. My firm used many of the residents in the various Trades. This was in smart contrast to the negative reputation of the former Residential Schools

Yes, but the dated stigma was still there for both groups of peoples that we had to counteract. I was part of the “Dirty Douks” and they were the “Lazy and Drunken Indian”

All of us in North America needed to change the dated “stigmatization” we seemed to establish before we got to know each other.

I had visited many Casinos in the USA and Canada which were an excellent result of committees that decided these sources of revenue should be designated to the First Nations and constructed on Native lands. As in the school that I had build, the designs and construction were all to the highest standards with top workmanship.

I would compare the Coeur d’Alene resort in Idaho to that South of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

So it has taken me some time to get to my main objective in this article. In the two days that Marilyn and I stayed at Coeur d’Alene, we experienced:

1. Top notch rooms and cleaniness in a very professional manner
2. We liked the selection of appointments which were used in decorations which provided a strong education into the culture of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe
3. The food was of the highest standard, presentation and selection
4. The friendliness is in keeping with the historic information that was available for guest to read
5. The professional dress, smiles and every staff action that made a welcome easy to enjoy

To me, it was such pleasure to see a transformation of the native image to fitting First Americans and in my country, the First Canadians. The pride that was prevalent in all that we met was fitting.

The fact that some of the net proceeds is being donated to Education, from the operations, is a demonstration that the Coeur d’Alene Tribe is doing isr responsible part within the community.

Marilyn and I are still smiling!

Written by Elmer Verigin January 25, 2015

My friend, Hans Peter Barth has shared part of his extensive library with me on our visit December 27, 2014.

We had a spiritual discussion which led to Edgar Cayce and my comment that I had heard much about Edgar and his prophetic abilities but that I had yet to read anything on that subject. Has rose to the occasion and produced “Edgar Cayce On Prophecy” by Mary Helen Carter and under the editorship of Hugh Lynn Cayce, first printing June 1968.

Since this was my first association with the Edgar Cayce and his prophecies, I was impressed in the manner with which Helen presented these prophecies and so it will likely take another reading, at least, to absorb an understanding.

To those Readers who may be part of the Doukhobor philosophy, I found this interesting response that Edgar Cayce provided to an inquiry as follows (pages 164 and 165);

“……Is there any indication of what church I should join and associate with?”
“Remember, rather, the church is within self,” he answered. “As to the organization, choose that, not as a convenience for thee but where ye may serve the better……..whatever its name, let it be thy life proclaiming Jesus the Christ.

“For the Master built no churches, but He laid the Foundations.” He told another person that the church was within, as he had learned in a former incarnation: “Before that, the entity was in the English land during those periods when questioning arose between church and state. And there the entity for itself settled the question for good: the church is within yourself and not in any pope or preacher, or in any building, but in self. For thy body is indeed the temple of the living God and the Christ becomes a personal companion in mind and in body…..”

Individual preferences and temperaments should be considered, Cayce said, in choosing one’s church. :The let each test themselves with that chosen. That it will make for life in thine own experience will aid another. Not that each has the same vision, or the same experience, but the Lord addeth to the church daily such as should be saved, when all of one mind!”

Cayce interpreted Jesus’ prophecy: “Upon this I will build my church.” What church?” The Holy Church! Who is the head? The One upon whom the conditions had been set by the question asked. For here ye may find the answer again to many of those questions sought concerning the Spirit, the Church, the Holy Force that manifests by the attuning of the individual; though it may be for a moment.

“He asked, “Whom say men that I am?” The Peter answered, Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God!” Then, ‘Upon this I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it!”…………..”

Much of the above is with the understanding that Doukhobors have taken as their ‘Way of Life”.
I leave this to my Readers to comment.

Elmer’s writings dated January 12, 2015