My son-in-law, Rick Woodhouse, and daughter Lori, lent me on June 13, 2015, a pamphlet, “YOU 2” written by Price Pritchett. I am recovering from depression and they were realizing that I needed therapy of a positive nature, to have me continue to a save recovery from this dehabilitating conditions.

You 2 is a high-velocity formula for multiplying your personal effectiveness in Quantum Leaps.

Probably, the largest contributer to my condition was the result of the stoppage in completing the seniors housing project, Grandview, at Castlegar, B.C. In my role as Project Manager, I felt that not being able to complete Chateau Grandview, the campus style complex was a direct reflection on my personal limitation. I realize now that, the contributing elements were beyond my control.

This excerpt from You 2, page 25, is worthy to quote as follows:

“……Seek failure……

Quantum leaps demand a willingness to make mistakes.

You cannot leap up to a safe zone of behavior where you have beaten the odds of failing. An unwillingness to encounter defeat or run into problems outlaws quantum leaps. Unless you allow yourself to make mistakes, to fail, you will never have the opportunity to set limits of what you truly are capable of accomplishing.

You must realize that if you’re experiencing no difficulties, problems, or pain, you probably have aimed too low. You leveled off your growth and achievement. You probably are far from reaching your limits.
So think of problems or pain or slippage in performance as a positive sign. A performance lag ordinarily occurs at the very outset when you are making a quantum leap. It’s the pause during which you poise for the jump, the temporary loss of momentum that occurs in the process of “changing gears”.

You deliberately destabilize yourself when you break out the habit patterns that represent the status quo. You create some inner chaos for yourself. So be prepared for the possibility of confusion, anxiety, and failure. That’s part of opening yourself up to new methodology that has the potential to deliver exponential performance gains.

So often in life, it seems things first get worse on the way toward getting better. Be prepared for that sort of development. Problems belong in the process. They are part of the equation that produces you2. They are not proof that your ambitions are futile or that you should give up.

As someone has said, “Everything looks like failure in the middle.” You can’t bake a cake without getting the kitchen messy. Halfway through surgery it looks like there’s ben a murder in the operating room. If you send a rocket toward the moon, about ninety percent of the time it is off course – it “fails” its way to the moon by continually making mistakes and correcting them.

At the outset you may feel high because going for the quantum leap is heady stuff. But then the hard reality of “problems” may slap you in the face. Progress often masquerade3s as trouble.

It’s easy to lose faith, because other people may withdraw their support and be critical of your efforts. That, plus your own anxieties and uncertainties, can tempt you to turn on yourself.

This is then crucial point in the process – don’t give up! Failure belongs here. It’s a sign of progress!

The stress will seduce you toward retreat to the “safety” of the status quo, the trap of familiar. Just remember this. Failure does not mean you’re defeated.

Actually, the struggle gives you strength. It’s like tempering the steel, or the soreness involved in developing muscle. The difficulties are just evidence that you’re learning and progressing.

So go looking for failure….and the use it. Don’t interpret problems or breakdowns as proof that yu should quit, but instead take them as evidence of your growth and improvement.

Failure is a resource. It helps you find an edge of your capacities……”

I am taking this article as a thrust for me to9 go forward and complete what has been started.

Written on January 21, 2016 in my Office at 145 – 4200 Grandview Drive, Castlegar, B.C. 1030 hours by Elmer Verigin, and quoted from a pamphlet YOU2 by Price Pritchett

FROM ELMER & MARILYN VERIGIN
Marilyn and Elmer awake suddenly and we are now a three quarter century old. Really! Did any of you get older?
Now an update as best I can remember (Hoooh, I am 75 you know)
• Let us start with Marilyn. We had challenges this year in Saskatoon but with the excellent Care that Saskatchewan has, she is still with us. I was able to retain my job as chauffeur with a 100% increase in pay. Those Cabbies in Toronto do not know how to negotiate!
• Of course we travelled to Saskatchewan. Involuntarily in February to bid adieu to our friend Keith Tarasoff. We just had too many happy times to recall but parting was still difficult.
• We went back in September to celebrate 60 years of the Saskatoon Doukhobor Prayer Home. Marilyn and I locked eyes at this Hall in 1958 and remain mesmerized ever since. It was great to meet those of the Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth that were able to make it with much hugging and just trying to recognize each other. Where did all those years go?
• We also spent time n Benito visiting with sister Mary and family on that trip in September. We followed this up with visiting all our friends and relatives in the Saskatoon area. Alex Derkachenko fries the best potatoes and Mitch drinks the best Scotch. We are still looking for Donna Hunchak’s chicken receipe.
• Whatshan Lake Retreat remains our most active volunteer passion. This year many younger members are undertaking a feasibility study to launch programs and events into a new dimension along with retaining the site for much of the former programming. Go to http://www.Whatshan.com and have a look. We did lose our most faithful fan,
• Aunty Flo Markin passed on in late October. Not to be forgotten she booked 3 cabins, for her family outing, as usual, on the 2nd week of July 2016. She expects to attend in spirit. What a lady and my last Aunt!
• The Doukhobor Cultural Association has completed its objective to distribute all its assets and now exists as a social club that recalls the 45 years of working together.
• We are still struggling to get our Grandview project back on track and at this time there is little to report. Watch Elmer’s blog for an update on status.
• Marilyn is very much into her Grandview Ladies Circle and Hospice Organizations. Oh yes, there is the “occasional” Flea Market and Garage Sale and at times the slot machines command her attention.
• Elmer is still in the Kootenay Mens Choir and desperately trying to learn how to Curl with this stupid stick that throws the rocks off line. He is still trying to gather more stories for his blog.
• In retirement, Marilyn and I have slowed down a great deal as I will demonstrate in this one month from the end of October to the last week in November
o Attend Aunt Flo’s funeral in Calgary
o Spend a work weekend in Whatshan dealing with dangerous trees and “bucking” them into firewood
o Attending Tamara’s Master’s graduation in Victoria
o Visiting with Marilyn’s brother Allan and wife Leah in Nanaimo. Witnessing Allan taking his cat for a walk was well worth the trip
o Taking my appointment with a Hearing Surgeon for a possible implant in Vancouver. He was very encouraging and said that my chances for success are the same as a “Hail Mary” in Football.
o Visiting with Peter and Elsie Rezansoff and enjoying their hospitality
o Attending a 40 year celebration of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) at the River Rock in Richmond
o Yes we ached for a week or so after returning.
Our children and their partners are enjoying their professional careers in many disciplines. All are happy, healthy and well fed.
We are really enjoying our grandchildren along with their partners. The group is now expanding with our second great grandson. Did I say “great grandsons”? That is definitely our wealth! Our grandchildren are tallied as 3 College and Diploma Grads; 4 attending College; 2 in High School and 1 pursuing a professional Golf Career, There is no quetsion marilyn and I are very proud of them.
As for their parents, grandparents and great grandparents, it is interesting that we lost all three phones for days at a time. Do not despair when we do not answer the phone right away, as we are still looking for them.
Do come and see us! We love you all!
Merry Xmas and a healthy New Year in 2016 and beyond!
Elmer and Marilyn – December 18, 2015

I was a very fortunate parent and privileged to attend the graduation exercises at Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C., this past November 10, 2015. It was the occasion of my daughter Tamara Louise Verigin-Burk’s graduation with a Master’s degree in Leadership.

The ceremony was awesome and very significant in the life of our daughter but along with the process we were able to personally meet the Chancellor of Royal Roads, Dr. Strandlund. He just casually walked up to our family group and started chatting. It was later in the conversation that he introduced himself after asking Tamara questions as to how she found the professors and the Royal Roads education system. He was very interested in her responses. We were impressed with his simplicity and humility.

It was with great interest, on my part, when I inspected the “tiny” ticket that we were provided with to enter the theatre, when I read the “fine print” to appreciate the message thereon:

AVOID     PRACTICE   WORKS OF MERCY

Anger       Patience       Feed the hungry
Greed       Generosity   Give drink to the thirsty
Gluttony  Moderation Clothe the naked
Jealousy   Confidence  Shelter strangers
Laziness   Diligence     Solace the sick
Lust           Dignity         Minister to prisoners
Pride          Humility      Bury the dead

On the reverse of this ticket is this message:

VIRTUES         PERILS TO HUMANITY

Courage           Commerce without Morality
Justice              Knowledge without character
Prudence         Measure without Conscience
Temperance   Politics without Principle
Faith                 Science without Humanity
Hope                 Wealth without Work
Charity             Worship without Sacrifice

This message was printed on a 7.5 cm x 3.5 cm surface.

My take on this is that the Chancellor had a purpose in so doing as many people have a quick look at a ticket of this nature and find that it is a certain color and usually has little or no message. Once a curious person starts reading this coupon, one realizes that there is a real message. I for one was impressed!

Thank you Chancellor Strandlund!

1. Taken from a “ticket” to the Royal Roads University graduation ceremonies held at the Victoria, B.C., Theatre where my daughter Tamara Verigin-Burk received her Masters Degree in Leadership, November 10, 2015.
Transcribed on December 03, 2015 in my Office at 145 – 4200 Grandview Drive, Castlegar, B.C. 0915 hours by Elmer Verigin

Notices for a sixty (60) year anniversary for the construction of the Saskatoon Doukhobor Prayer Home were sent out by a volunteer Committee who planned this event since the Spring of 2015.

A suggestion by Paul Shukin to Mitch Ozeroff at the seventy (70) anniversary since construction of the Lundbreck Hall during Peter’s Day on June 28, 2015, created the idea of encouraging the original Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth to come to the Home on Saturday, September 05, 2015 from 1900 to 2100 hours. Since most members would likely attend the scheduled anniversary the next day, Sunday, September 06, 2015, this made sense.

So it was that contacts were made with those members where information could be obtained and so some members received two notices of the event. Unfortunately, many of the approximate 175 former Choir Members could not be contacted at all due to lack of contact information.

Marilyn and I arrived in Saskatoon September 01, 2015 and visited many relatives and came to Mitch and Dorthy’s place in Langham on Thursday, September 03, 2015 to find that Jack and Jan Tarasoff from Calgary were already there. So you might say that the festivities were already in session.

Dorthy was distracted and upon questioning, she admitted that she was concerned how the food and other items would come together with emphasis on volunteers coming to help. The challenge was five (5) canners of borsch for the indicated 150 responses of people coming to the Sunday event. She decided that she would do this in two (2) stages creating three (3) canners on Friday leaving the remaining two (2) for Saturday.

Marilyn agreed to assist and so we arrived about 1000 hours on Friday to find the basement kitchen abuzz with ladies and some men. The well organized team had specialists from cabbage shredders, carrot cutters to mixers and a total of over thirty (30) volunteers were busy swapping stories as they performed their tasks. I had to quickly move aside to avoid being run over by a smiling Doukhobor carrying quart sealers of completed borsch to the Cooler.

So the group convinced Dorthy that all five (5) canners could be completed in that same day and early in the afternoon the deed was done!

So now to Saturday evening, September 05, 2015, and the anticipation as to see who would show up from the original SDY. By the time 7:00 P.M. came, there were 47 registrants. It was exciting as many could only be recognized by their name tags followed by hugs and at times, tears, Where were the young smiling faces of 57 years ago?

Mitch welcomed everyone and suggested we go around the room to have everyone introduce themselves and a bit about what they had done and where they were now. This was followed by singing three hymns and two songs from a repertoire of the former SDY. Amazing, it sounded good as the majority even though many had not sung in a choir since leaving the SDY.

Too soon the scheduled two hours passed by and the “formal” session adjourned only to continue with visiting and keeping a tally on just how many children everyone had and where they were. It was sad to note that some had passed on but the overwhelming friendship and Doukhobor love prevailed until, reluctantly all went home so that preparations to attend the Sunday Moleniya could start.

Yes, we had to arrive early to get a good seat as 150 people were expected and there was just enough chairs to seat all of them.

The Sunday morning started with a Moleniya conducted by Mae Popoff and ended in time for the meal catered by all the volunteers. The space in the lower floor was not able to accommodate all the attendants and two settings were required. It was like the old days when small halls would require multiple settings. No one complained as the food was more than ample with the usual left-overs, typical of Doukhobor hospitality.

The afternoon program opened by June Bold, Chair of the Saskatoon Doukhobor Society with a welcome from a Saskatoon Councillor Ward 2, Pat Lorje. She under-lined the cultural mosiac of Saskatoon with the Doukhobors being a significant part of that rich culture and thanked them for their adherence to the principles of Peace and Community participation.

Michael Ozeroff made a presentation on the youth choir activities that took place in the Saskatoon Prayer Home with his text as follows:

“……..60 Year History of the Prayer Home

I think one of the most notable events to take place in this facility is the very beautiful singing and a cappela style of the Doukhobors.
Over the years many events have taken place from local choirs and groups to visiting choirs from outside of Saskatchewan and Canada. Let me give you an example thru the 1950’s and following years choirs have visited from B.C. both USCC members to a youth group who visited here
from Krestova, choir from Grand Forks, Kootenay choir with spokesperson Peter Samoykoff as well as the DCA, a smaller group with Elmer Verigin as the leader then.
In the mid 80’s a peace rally was held at Dana Sask which saw about thirty Molokans attend the peace rally, and performed at the evening program.
This area was very fortunate to have a large group of youth attend the singing practice for many years. This group was formed in the mid 50’s; in 1958 Peter Kalesnikoff became the choir director with help from Ella Boki. Following this year the Saskatoon youth choir kept expanding for the next decade.
Peter and Ella were with us for one season followed by Peter and Mary Ewachiw and this year, 1959 saw the first year of our annual variety nites were held. These programs lasted a total of ten years with groups coming to perform from other areas of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and from B.C. the farthest being 1963, a bus load from Grand Forks and the Kootenays preformed. The Sask youth attended many services here in this facility, over the many years it is estimated the youth had 200-250 members form the districts coming for further education at the U of S. Mitch Ozeroff was choir director for eight years, followed by Violet Woykin.
Many religious services were held over the years, Peter’s Day celebrations, Funerals before funeral homes came on the scene, a Doukhobor convention once called the union of Doukhobors in Canada with delegates from western Canada were present.
We saw a few of our youth married with this prayer home. We used this Dom for many years to prepare for folk feast in fact on separate occasions as our pavilion and as mentioned for bread baking preparations.
We’re seen on three occasions taping of three choirs in this building the first being Saskatoon Blaine Lake choir, Double Album, Peter Kalesnikoff Director, the taping of the Saskatoon Senior choir. Mae Popoff Director and taping of the Saskatchewan centennial choir, varies from many Saskatchewan Districts Mitch Ozeroff Director.
Members from the society, on various occasions went as choirs and groups to visit our friends in Saskatchewan and as well as outside of the province, to conferences, and appearances using the prayer home as home base.
We remember the many time parents of smaller children teaching Sunday school classes, teaching singing and a number of times having the children perform on a variety of Nites. Teaching Russian classes to children and adults were also held.
We must applaud the groups before, the trusties for their enthusiasm, for these visions to build this facility. As former youth we were treated with respect they helped us and we hope this will continue with the future.
Thank You
Spasibo

Alex Postnikoff presented a detailed history on the construction of the Saskatoon Prayer Home as follows:

“………………………THE EARLY DAYS

Thank you to the planning committee for arranging this celebration and for establishing some guidelines for the length of our presentations.
In my presentation, I will try to capture at least some of the impact the founding members have had on the local community, province, and even nationally! The original board members – Bill Sherstobitoff (intellectual), John K. Tarasoff, Alex Vereshagen, Alvin Meaken, and dad – Mike Postnikoff would not have anticipated, but that happened!
I knew each of these people personally, and while I didn’t as a 20 year old in 1955 know what motivated each of them, it’s clear that collectively they were moved to provide:
– a place of worship and a place to honour tradition
– a place to express their philosophical views particularly through the psalms and acapella singing.
The Doukhobors arrived in Canada in 1899. Our dad, like other Doukhobors, was born in the side of a hill, in the village of Petrofka, in the spring of 1900.
I have often stated that our dad’s humble beginnings made me an insignificant soul, irrespect of my station in life!
Born into limited means, having been a ferry operator on the North Sask. River at Petrofka over a 20 year period and later a farmer, shaped his thinking and contribution to the construction of this Prayer Home. Indeed, the experiences of his fellow board members would have done the same. We are all a product of whom we meet and what we experience.
Suffice it to say that each of these board members were good, unselfish and honourable people who wanted nothing more than the best motives for the preservation of the Doukhobor philosophy and way of life.
While some people might refer to Doukhoborism as a religion, many would refer to it as a philosophy or “a way of life”.
As a very young child attending the Prayer Home in Blaine Lake, I used to stare and wonder what the motto, “TOIL AND PEACEFUL LIFE” meant! Little did I realize that it was this motto that drove me in my professional life!
Prior to the construction of the Prayer Home in 1955 and ’56, our parents and grandparents gathered in private homes, usually on a weekly basis in less busy farm times, to enjoy their “SPEVKY”, and to provide them an opportunity to keep their “way of life” alive. The young children often tagged along. This in no small way helped me sniff out my life’s partner!
I know from our dad’s statement around the kitchen table that the board shared many common goals including that the Prayer Home should be a place of worship, a place of gathering for young and old, a place where all could promote the annual remembrance and motivation for St. Peter’s Day, a place to welcome special visitors and a place to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the forefathers including Count Leo Tolstoy (who wrote “the spirit of God is in each person”) in bringing us to a land of religious freedom and opportunity.
We should never forget the contributions of the Quakers and Mennonites.
As time went on we had to be thankful for the help, acceptance and recognition of our friends and neighbours the Browns, McIntyres, Waldners, Spencers, Cionas, Thordarsons, Kichulas, and the thousands of others.
Not unlike any board in the broad general community, they had to address many questions. Among them were, where should we build, how much land should we purchase, how large should the Prayer Home be to accommodate the growing urbanization of the Doukhobors, what kinds of activities will be held in this structure, and what future needs can we anticipate?
In addition to the above considerations, the board wished the Prayer Home to be a place where young people could receive the blessing and acknowledgement of the congregation as they publicly exchanged their vows in marriage.
As providence would provide, Marlene and I were officially married in this Prayer Home on October 24, 1957. Others so blessed were:
-Jack and Florence Cheveldayoff (1962)
-Alfred and Betty Kabatoff (1963)
-Ned and Alex Reiben and their spouses, the dates for which I could not find confirmation.
Weddings in the early years were usually large and often catered to by the parents of the bride and groom. Our parents hosted 450 guests at the Avenue G Hall, next to the Dairy Queen on Twentieth Street in Saskatoon.
Some 35 years ago the Doukhobor Society of Saskatoon was placed on the national stage. Two major conventions, with delegates from across Canada came to Saskatoon.
-300 delegates attended the Canadian Association of School Administrators (CASA).
-1000 attended the Canadian Education Association (CEA).
The CASA convention centered around the theme “A Harvest of Ideas”. Our Saskatoon based committee of seven wanted something unique to the West and specifically Saskatchewan. Since these conventions were alternately staged in Eastern and Western Canada, they also reflected a bit of Canada, they also reflected a bit of friendly competitions between the two regions.
How about a threshing demonstration in the middle of September, in the heart of the “Prairie Bread Basket”.
How about fresh bread from the nearby Doukhobor ovens adjacent to the threshing demonstration? What a way to observe a threshing demonstration with a warm slice of bread, butter, jam, and coffee! Have you ever seen 300 smiling
adults on a beautiful sunny afternoon?
As I reflected on the early morning and rather cool temperature, it seemed almost impossible to get the required number of loaves to rise and be ready for the 4:00 p.m. demonstration. Skilled bakers like my in-laws, Annie and Bill Kabatoff, Dorothy and Mitch Ozeroff, Fred and Mabel Ozeroff, and my wife, Marlene, went to work with resolve and determination. For my in-laws and Mitch and Dorothy, this was the middle of harvest, and Canada applauded them for their effort. The threshing demo was a resounding success to say the least!!
At the evening banquet at the Western Development Museum, the Doukhobor Society of Saskatoon played a major role as well. On 38 tables, instead of flowers or pretzels, was featured a loaf of freshly baked bread, salt, and water – this was a committee decision! Delegates by provinces, were seated at tables of 8 and the 7 committee members spread themselves among the delegates. Unknown to the delegates at each table was a ribbon attached to one chair. Now you know why the ribbon. What a hit!!! Loaves of bread went from Victoria to St. John’s, NFLD and places in between.
I sat with 7 delegates from Nova Scotia. One of our table guests, perhaps naively asked, “What kind of people are the Doukhobors?”
I replied, “They’re a lot like you and me, in fact, you wouldn’t be able to recognize one by looking at one!” I added, “They’re just common folk!”
I told you this story about CASA not because of my role as a member of the planning committee, but rather because of the dream that our Doukhobors had for their children and future generations. They wanted our people to make a peaceful, constructive, positive contribution to Canadian society, and to spread their humanitarian tentacles throughout the country and the world!

The Doukhobor Society of Saskatoon is but one important vehicle. But you, the people, sitting before me, having served in your various capacities are and have been the messengers and deliverers of these dreams.
Your collective contributions have left their marks in agriculture, medicine, law, education, the arts, business, the trades, journalism, tourism, and virtually every human endeavour known to man!

Thank you, “TOIL AND PEACEFUL LIFE”.

Alec Postnikoff…………”

William Kalmakoff presented a history on the bread-baking which the Saskatoon Doukhobors instigated as a fundraiser:

“……DOUKHOBOR BREAD BAKING STORY

Today we celebrate 60 years since the Saskatoon Doukhobor Society was formed. We also celebrate 60 years since Doukhobor Bread Baking became a public event. Actually Public bread baking began even before the Prayer Home was built.
Let’s go back a few more years. It was in 1947 that the Western Development
Museum was established on 11th street in an old airplane hanger. Throughout the years numerous exhibits were collected including a steam engine, old threshing machines,
harnesses, blacksmith shop, and even a driving coach supposedly owned by Peter Verigin. The museum was open to visitors but interest did not appear to be great. In
1954 the Museum organized a Thresher men’s Reunion which was held from October 8- 11 on a Thanksgiving weekend. There was an astonishing response as over 5000 people
attended and was documented by the National Film Board and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. People were enthused about the old machinery in action, pioneers at work and progress that had been made.
The idea of Prairie Pioneers in action became the show that was labeled Piona
Era. 1955 was Saskatchewan’s Golden Jubilee year and the event was scheduled for July 4-9. On the WDM grounds was a clay oven build by a Ukrainian man from Choiceland. The Doukhobor Society was asked to participate in demonstrating bread baking and to sell the product. Under the direction of J.K.Tarasoff another outdoor bread baking clay oven was built close to the original one. Flour was donated by the Pool and taken to private homes where the ladies made the dough then the dough was taken to the WDM grounds to a trailer to be put into pans and then baked in the Clay oven.
The 1955 Piona Era Souvenir Program indicated that at 10 a.m on the first day of Piona Era there would be the first batch from an out door clay oven and near the front of the booklet was a picture of three Doukhobor women. Bread was sold for 5 cents a slice with loaf selling for 50 cents. Society minutes dated September 20, 1955 reported that 400 dollars was realized from bread baking at Piona Era.
In 1956 Members from the Saskatoon Doukhobor Society built a Pioneer Log
house as a sample of the dwelling used by early Doukhobor settlers on the praries.
The inside was set up as a pioneer home and was used during the day having women demonstrate carding wool, spinning and weaving. That year bread dough was mixed in the newly constructed Prayer Home. Men took the dough to the WDM and then the ladies rolled out the dough, put it in pans and baked it. They worked and sang till late at night and some even slept over night in the sod house. The second year of Bread Baking 1956 netted approximately $ 850 profit.
Unfortunately, that year, just before the end of Pion-Era, the wooden under structure beneath the portable clay oven caught on fire and rendered the whole structure
beyond repair. Because the Society members were enjoying the fellowship of bread making, the exposure to the general public and the very positive feedback they were getting because of the bread and the published newspaper articles they decided to continue. Plans were made to build a three unit oven enclosed under a roof , with an attached room for making the dough and setting out the pans and space for a sales area. From then on bread baking during Pion-Era would not be affected by the weather. The unit was completed and in 1957 the net profit increased to$ 1,760.
With a permanent enclosed area, participation in Piona-Era continued through out the years, with the profit going to the Society and enabling the Society in 1961 to raise the Prayer Home and construct a basement undeme th. The provision of free flour from the Wheat Pool (52 one hundred pound bags) and butter from the Dairy Pool, Co-op, and Palm helped with increasing the profit even though a concession fee of $225 was mentioned in records for 1960. In 1961 Pion-Era board promised up to $5000 to the Society for relocation expenses if necessary to ensure that the Bread Baking remained a permanent feature at Pion-Era. Minutes of the Society indicate that on May 30, 1965 it was decided that the Society protest against Pion-Era WDM relocation. Other dates include 1966 a motion made to pay volunteers one dollar per hour worked and in 1967 the sale of borsch was introduced. 1969 motion to rent or purchase a cash Register. However in 1972 the WDM was moved to Lome avenue. The Doukhobor clay ovens were also moved to the Exhibition grounds and the Society passed a motion allowing non members to work at the bread booth. Museum and exhibition event were
combined for Pioneer days called Saskatchimo days. By the 1980’s the WDM and the
Exhibition began to distance themselves from joint celebrations and by 1990 the WDM was no longer took a part in the Exhibition activities. The Doukhobor Society continued to bake bread during Exhibition days. In 1978 the old ovens were demolished and three new clay ovens were built on the same location. The ovens were built in such a way that they could be moved and a shelter was constructed. This was made possible with a grant of $7,000 obtained from the Canadian Secretary of State office. By 1984 the bread baking income had reached $20,000 a year.
Now let’s go back to the start of Bread baking at Pion-Era WDM in 1955,
Although Doukhobor Societies had existed in various parts of the province, their members were mainly farmers and little publicity was generated except news about Doukhobor resistance during the World wars. The organization of the Saskatoon Doukhobor Society and Bread Baking during Pion-Era, the public response and newspaper and radio broadcasts depicted the Doukhobors in a very positive cultural way. Doukhobor participants were shown to be dedicated, hard working, co-operative, and had peceul relationship with each other and the general public {Toil & Peaceful Life).
I have reviewed some of the major moments in the history of Doukhobor Bread

Baking. Now to present times. The clay brick ovens and temporary ?? Structures are
still on what was deemed to be a temporary location on the Exhibition grounds. There is no longer any connection with the WDM.
At the start of Bread Baking at the WDM it was a temporary service, but there was public acceptance, some meagre money gain, and means for member cooperation.
Bread baking has become a tradition, a public demand, a source of financial gain, means to unite Society members, to encourage and involve youth and to participate in a larger public community. Hopefully as we go about our tasks, we still maintain the belief that to be useful, productive, and successful individuals we still have to feed our body, our mind and our spirit. As evident by the Display of Bread (food for our body,) Salt symbolizing attainment of wisdom of the mind, water symbolizing the Spiritual development of Human life.

In summary the Key moments in Doukhobor Bread baking appear to be:
1. The original start at WDM grounds Pion-Era in 1955, the public acceptance, recognition and newspaper publicity.
2. The building of the log cabin and showing of more Doukhobor talents (spinning wool weaving.)
3 The construction of three ovens with a shelter and serving area.
4. Move to Exhibition area after WDM moved to present location on Lome avenue.
5. Motion to allow non members to work at Bread booth
6. Grant from Secretary of State to rebuild ovens.
7. Participation in Folkfest.
8. Stay with Exhibition Board rather than WDM
9. Still located at original site on Exhibition grounds and Doukhobor Bread still in demand by the general public.
!0. Today’s celebration part of Labour Day weekend .And Perhaps in the Baking of bread the Doukhobor Motto of Toil and Peaceful Life is still as important today as it has been in the past.

June Bold was able to complete the program at 3:30 P.M. with some closing remarks. After some visiting and lingering by many who just wanted to treasure the final moments.

Many thanks to all those that assisted in organizing this event along with all those who brought food to add to the delicious borsch.

Just another blog entry of a lasting memory of Saskatchewan and especially the wealth of Doukhobor hospitality.

The above article is strictly the observations by Elmer Verigin September 05 and 06, 2015 at the Saskatoon Doukhobor Prayer Home, 525 Avenue I, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
1. Acknowledgments to the following Presenters:
a. Alex Postnikoff
b. Michael Ozeroff
c. Bill Kalmakoff
2. Thank you to the information provided by:
a. Edna Wright (Edna is intending to send me her comments on Doukhobor singing)
b. June Bold
3. Blog entry was drafted October 17, 2015
4. Emendments can be expected with time
5. Check my blog for Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth (a dated Society) for names and addresses of members

Shakespeare quoted that infamous speech by Marc Anthony, delivered in Rome to commemorate Caesar. Shakespeare will forgive me for the improvements that I make and say:

“….Friends, Doukhobors, I have come to bury Dergousoff and to praise him for what I have witnessed that he has achieved in the short time that I have been associated with him…”

I do not need to express the role that Peter played in raising and supporting his family………his family is testament and will do just that.

All of you here have known that Peter was a modest person and perhaps lived the instructions provided in the Doukhobor psalm Be Devout. I do not need to extol on his honesty and commitment to everything that he would undertake until satisfactory completion was attained.

As soon as he took membership in the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Cooperative, he volunteered for an active role in the organization and served on the Building Committee. His personal experience in all types of construction became an asset in his conduct as a committee member and then as a Chair. There was many difficult times when his calm and cool character was able to settle disputes with contractors and members alike.

I was especially impressed when the Housing General Contractor came to us with claims that the KCSHC disputed. Peter, as Building Committee Chair led the challenge and was able to mitigate the exposure to the members. Yes, I was impressed as I had witnessed similar confrontations in my construction career that ended in legal offices.

Although Peter and Dorothy had chosen a Bungalow, in the end, they were unable to continue through to construction which was a disappointment to the Dergousoffs as well as the cooperative, but their continued commitment to the principle and ideal of a cooperative remained with their unwavering volunteerism right through the project to this day.

Since the Doukhobor Cultural Association were the Founding organization of the KCSHC with an initial grant and that all the DCA were members, it seemed like a natural act for the Dergousoffs to become members. Very quickly, both Dergousoffs became very involved in the activities of the DCA which included:

• Administration of Rosewood Manor (a ten (10} unit seniors project in Castlegar)
• Whatshan Lake Retreat

Peter undertook the job of reviewing all the Minute Books for the 40 year life of the DCA to compile a list of all the donations that this organization had contributed. The DCA celebrated its 40th anniversary at Whatshan and Peter was able to surprise all with the list of recipients and the amounts.

It became obvious that the membership in the DCA was aging and that a plan had to be created as to how the substantial assets should be distributed as this was a not-for-profit organization. I had the privilege to serve on a committee with Peter to research the alternatives and make a recommendation to the membership. Part of the process was to convince the members that they were in fact aging as well as the fact that no member may receive any financial benefit. This took meetings and again I watched as Peter was able to use his natural aura and character to respond to all questions and support the findings that our committee was able to generate.

In the end the following was the results:

1. Rosewood Manor had paid out all the mortgages and after 25 years of care-taking was returned to B.C. Housing and operates under their auspices
2. The entire Whatshan assets, situate on a 204 acre parcel of land together with a separate 5 acre parcel was donated to the charitable society, Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999
3. The cash assets that the DCA held were recommended to be distributed to a number of deserving organizations. These assets have been already expended with direction provided for some assets still to be completed
4. Yes, Peter’s pet project was to build a Banya at Whatshan and the funding still remains in a trust fund for that purpose. Who knows, it just may be called the Peter Dergousoff Banya.
5. I purposely do not quote financial figures here, in respect to Peter whose modesty and Doukhobor belief would feel that unnecessary. The action is all that needs to be recorded.

Up to the last few meetings. Peter continued to recommend to the DCA membership that spiritual themes should be continued by the remaining members even though the formal organization has ceased to operate.

I now turn to Peter’s participation in the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999. They say that “birds of feather, flock together” and so by association the Dergousoffs became members of this charitable not-for-profit Society, It was not long before Peter became a Director and took the responsibility for Maintenance and working with the Retreat Managers.

Again, Peter took his position very seriously and immersed himself in being part of a solution and never participating in the negative act of being a problem. Let me give you a list of those events that took Peter’s attention and time:

1. His Maintenance Committee consisted of the Retreat Managers and Peter and so the first act was to make a list of what needed to improve Whatshan.
a. The deck behind the Retreat was a maintenance issue and so he had it immediately demolished
i. He structurally filled the area forming a much larger space
ii. He had it landscaped and irrigated
iii. During this time there were limited volunteers on site but Peter had both Caretakers working full time with him
iv. The result was a tremendous improvement
b. The Retreat windows were salvaged single panes from the renovated Stanley Humphries High School and were a major heat loss
i. Peter was able to purchase the new windows wholesale
ii. He convinced his family to help him install them
iii. The results are there to behold
c. Showers in the Retreat needed to be renovated to coin-operation
i. Mainstream Mechanical installed the mechanical
ii. Peter and the Retreat Managers installed the Electrical
d. The Retreat Lighting needed to be updated with energy efficient lights
i. Peter and the Retreat Managers achieved this
e. The patio areas behind Cabins 1 through 5 inclusive were constructed with an unsafe drop off
i. Peter backfilled the entire area
ii. Installed sod and irrigation with the Managers and some volunteers
f. Florence Markin donated the playground Equipment
i. Peter decided that volunteers could install it
ii. Yes it was Peter and the Caretakers again and some new volunteers that he was able to find:
1. The Parquor Group from Nakusp send several groups of their students were encouraged to come out
2. The Engineer Dan Sahlstrom was recruited
3. Some members of the Executive come out
2. He became involved in the needs of Freedom Quest (a Youth Drug & Alcohol Treatment Group)who is sponsored by the society and assisted them in improving their Ropes Course across Whatshan River
a. He brought his small excavator to assist
b. He moved prepared ground trail material unto the site
c. He was involved in restoring the bridge across the river
3. Some plans that Peter did not get to complete and leaves with us are:
a. Log bridge across Whatshan River to access the Ropes Course
b. A network of walking trails
c. The Banya that I mentionned before
d. Building Picnic Tables
i. He was able to get the materials to site
ii. We organized a group of volunteers and had them constructed

If I have described a fantastic individual in Peter and his demonstrated volunteerism and contribution to society, I forgot to mention that during the same time that Peter did all this he also:

1. Was a devoted family man
2. Worked for a living
3. Had a Gold claim and worked it when he could

It is on this Gold Claim that I will end this as Peter and I talked about it many times. He confessed that he was spending too much time at Whatshan and not enough on his Claim. I wonder now whether his definition of “Striking it Rich” was already done with his association with people and what he did with them.

No I am not really praising Peter Dergousoff after all. I am only sharing my experience with a man that I really respect and will remember.

Just for the record, Peter and I shared some social experiences that will stay with us.

Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

Written as a tribute to Peter on the occasion of his Funeral, October 03, 2015, draughted and dated October 01, 2015, by Elmer Verigin
1. Peter and Dorothy Dergousoff became members of the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative in September, 2005. Both Peter and Dorothy served in various capacities in the KCSHC
2. They then served as a members and in various executive capacities of the Doukhobor Cultural Society
3. This followed soon with membership and similar executive capacities in the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999
4. Peter died September 01, 2015
This presentatioin took place at his funeral in Grand Forks, B.C., October 03, 2015

(Updated: July 1, 2016)

When we stop to think about what happened 58 years ago, the heart starts to beat faster about the fondest of memories when being eighteen was an exciting age and of many an opportunity.

Growing up in Saskatchewan in a Doukhobor family and living in one of the Doukhobor communities, I always wondered how it all came to be. Where did this ethnic group come from and why was Saskatchewan chosen as the home?

I was born in Canora but Pelly was my home town. I had relatives in Canora, Veregin and Kamsack, but I had no idea that there were Doukhobor Communities that included Blaine Lake and Langham located somewhere in the West near the City of Saskatoon. Yes that there was also a history that included Doukhobors in British Columbia. This was further confused by stories from elders of kinfolk left in Russia with references to the now country of Georgia.

My immediate family could not be classed as religious and so the neighbors consisting of Ukrainians, Poles and Anglo Saxon became a mosaic with the many Doukhobor families. I just knew that we must be different as there was school yard references to “Dirty Douk”, to which I never could get an explanation but I gathered, it had something to do with our vibrant Doukhobor past.

My parents spoke Russian at home and I learned a bit of English before I entered Grade 1 and then I had to survive in an environment where speaking anything but English would be reprimanded with a strap administered by my Teacher.

I was 15 when a rumour abounded that a man named Harry Vereshchagin was invited by the local Doukhobor Elders to organize a Doukhobor Youth Choir. I was asked to join even though I did not know any Russian songs nor could I read Russian and be able to follow same. I would also add, that my ability to follow a tune was at best a challenge. It was from this background that I became involved in a Doukhobor Youth Choir in Pelly with about sixteen other youth.

Harry Vereshchagin, did an excellent job with the disorientated youth as we were at that time. Within a few months we were scheduled to perform at “Festivals” in the Communities of Veregin, Canora and Kamsack, along with Youth Choirs from each of these communities.

Now I cannot comment on whether we sang well or otherwise but we did perform with established senior choirs from these same areas. What was achieved was an environment where singing on stage was not out of the ordinary. We also met a great deal of young people which we would not have met otherwise. This proved very much an influence on the way I grew up and matured in my future life.

We understood that this Choir Leader had organized choirs in Blaine Lake and Langham as well. So when I did get the opportunity to qualify for entrance to the University in Saskatoon, I thought that perhaps making contact with these young people may be something that would make my first venture away from home, less of a frightening experience and finding friends a little easier.

So it was in the late Fall of 1958, I took a bus to Avenue I, to the Saskatoon Doukhobor Prayer Hall for a scheduled evening that I was able to establish after many phone calls to Doukhobor names of people as chance information. Yes, there would be a gathering this one Sunday evening, I took the bus and waited there in the fall rain and snow flurries until someone showed up.

I met with everyone that I did not know. Soon it was apparent that I had made the correct move. It was here that I met my future partner, Marilyn Verishine, a student a Teachers College and many others who had come to Saskatoon to pursue education after High School in many fields as well those from the farms seeking jobs in the urban community.

Yes there was also a farmer or two and one was Mitch Ozeroff who farmed his father’s farm near Langham. I also met Keith Tarasoff who eventually became a room-mate as I was able to stay with his family in those adolescent years.

Attendance varied between thirty to forty youth from every Doukhobor community in Saskatchewan. This youth choir was invited to sing in Langham and Blaine Lake and organized Spring a Variety Night in Saskatoon with invited choirs from all of Saskatchewan to perform. It was always well attended and became a fund-raiser for various choir functions.

The choir organized a travelling show complete with a play, that was taken to Canora, Kamsack and Pelly over the Christmas holiday in 1960.

We invited the Union of Youth from British Columbia and a bus load of Doukhobor Youth attended our Variety Night that year in 1962. This expanded our knowledge of our Doukhobor history as well as realize that there good-looking young people in British Columbia as well.

We learned to enjoy each other and at least 28 Choir members married each other, resulting in 14 couples.

1. Chernoff, Peter F. + Samarodin, Irene
2. Cheveldayoff, Jack + Kasahoff, Florence
3. Cheveldayoff, Lawrence + Perversoff, Kathy
4. Fedosoff, Ivan + Borisinkoff, Delphine
5. Holoboff, Leonard + Boolinoff, Diane
6. Kabatoff, Alfred + Sishkin, Betty
7. Ozeroff, Mich + Sookeroff, Dorthy
8. Popoff, John + Chernoff, Mae
9. Postnikoff, Alex + Kabatoff, Marlene
10. Rebakin, Gary + Negrave, Betty
11. Rebin, Willie + Rebalkin, Mercedes
12. Salekin, Nick + Bonderoff, Kate
13. Tarasoff, Keith + Konkin, Sonia
14. Verigin, Elmer + Verishine, Marilyn

I write this recollection of wonderful events and I want to note that perhaps this was an interesting sociological event from these positive perspectives for the intermarried couples:

• All were second generation Doukhobor families from parents who were the first generation born in Canada
• All were all raised on a farm
• All were part of the first Doukhobors to seek a career other than farming
• Most of the Youth had similar circumstances in their communities
• All the youth were born before TVs
• Most were born before electrical power on the farm
• These teenagers organized themselves without parental guidance into a strong group complete with executives and operating committees
• All eventually lived their married lives together without divorce or separation
• Is there a common denominator here?

There were many members of this Youth group that did not marry within the choirs. This personal recollection of Elmer Verigin, Mitch Ozeroff, Nick Strukoff and Mae Popoff is not meant to discriminate them in any fashion as, they too, found good partners and have lived harmoniously.

I publish this in my blog with the hope that my Readers will recognize this article and be able to comment and / or add to this historical event.

It would be a great subject for some Writer to take this information to the next level and I may suggest:

• Contact these people and find out what careers they did take
• The achievements reached
• Many other opportunities

Mitch has been able to copy the old tapes and transpose same unto CDs which may be of interest to those reading this blog. You may contact Mitch at mozeroff@sasktel.net Phone (306) 283 4726 (H) (306) 222 1511 (Cell)

On April 5, 2015, the first draft of all our work was published online, and updated several times since:

Saskatchewan Doukhobor Youth Festivals, 1955-1968
Summary of history, communities, choirs, singers, recorded songs and photos.
By Koozma J Tarasoff, Mich Ozeroff, Elmer Verigin and Andrei Conovaloff.

Contents
1. Introduction
2. Doukhobor Singing
3. Songbook
4. In The Doukhobor Inquirer
5. Maps of Community Halls
6. Choir Members
7. Song Albums Notes
8. More in the Saskatchewan Archives
9. Your Comments

Related files

• Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth (SDY) a dated organization, by Elmer Verigin —This page.
• Choir Members — 157 names, towns, spouses. Send corrections.
• Photo album — Choirs, committees. Submit more photos.
• Song Albums — 4 albums, 65 songs, choirs, singers, notes.
• Map of 9 Doukhobor halls in Saskatchewan — 5 are still active.
• Inquirer Articles — Summary of 34 articles about SK choirs and festivals.
• Doukhobor Youth Participants in Inter-Group Meetings, 1955-1968 — 50 names at workshops, panel, conferences.

History of this blog:

1. First draft by Elmer on December 30, 2014
2. A sixty year celebration of Saskatoon Prayer Home took place on September 06, 2015 with many of the former SDY in attendance
3. A private gathering of the former SDY took place on September 05, 2015 where much of the contact information was collected
4. EWV is attempting to ensure that all information is correct with a mail out September 23, 2015 and encourage all to send in emended information
5. A final edit will be posted back on my blog as of September 30, 2015. Thank you to those that assisted.
6. EWV is drafting an appreciation of the September 5 and 6, 2015 events and will be a separate posting on his blog
7. EWV conducted a few structural changes to the dated draught on January 26, 2016
8. Willy and Mercedes Reibin were in phone contact January 25, 2016 and advised that they are reviewing this blog entry with the intent of providing corrections as well as more information. EWV will enter this upon receipt
9. In March 2016, my list of 150+ names was copied to a spreadsheet online by Andrei Conovaloff, who was helping Mich Ozeroff and Koozma Tarasoff with the following report.
10. Saskatchewan Doukhobor Youth Festivals, 1955-1968 was posted on April 5, 2016, with a link to this page.
11. Mich Ozeroff and Koozma Tarasoff added corrections, June 25, 2016.
12. Andrei Conovaloff edited this page on July 1, 2016, removing the long list of names, which are now at Choir Members — Saskatchewan Doukhobor Youth Festivals, 1955-1968, so only one master list will be online.

A Seniors Project can provide many great pleasures and that was meeting Fred Evanoff and his partner, Irene, at a meeting that a group of seniors called to discuss plans to build a seniors project in Castlegar, B.C.

Everyone present was looking for a similar destination, a harbour, so to speak, for their “golden years”. Almost immediately both Fred and Irene volunteered their able resources to be part of the solution.

I heard of Fred’s ability in the design and construction of formwork for Scroll Cases to direct water to the Dynamo in major Power Dams. Just when Fred would advise that he was going to retire, another project would come about and he would be searched out and convinced to lead another team. I believe this happened in at least three of the projects.

This Party is Fred’s commitment that he is now retired. We believe you and want to thank you for your contribution to Hydro-Electric Projects as that is a permanent monument to your energy, capability and expertise.

My direct association was in the various committees that were created by the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative to construct a “Campus Style” seniors project in such a method that it would have the least effect and need for government support. We would use seniors financial equity.

I have worked on many teams in various endeavours but the determination, commitment and collective consultation that I experienced with Fred is difficult to equal. The design and construction of Grandview in Castlegar, B.C. is testament to the best example of a seniors project where “Aging in Place” was fundamental rule. Visitors from government, Interior Health Authority as well as design professionals were all in agreement that the Grandview project served as a model in seniors projects.

Unfortunately all the building and organizational skills that Fred had available, could not overcome the lack of government support that was needed only as assistance and not in funding. In the end 95% support of the membership was not enough to support the weakness of the remaining 5% which has caused the failure of the original dream project.

Besides being the best neighbor I, for one, will cherish the relationship that I had with Fred:

1. As a member of the Kootenay Columbia Housing Cooperative
2. As a Project Manager reporting to Fred in his capacity as a committee for clear and concise direction in all cases
3. Negotiations with governmental agencies
4. Negotiations with financial institutions
5. As a fellow researcher in travelling to other projects seeking information
6. Negotiations with At all times the honesty, integrity and Contractors

The principle that Fred displayed in all these occasions will remain an example for others that will be difficult to duplicate.

Fred has also proofed that the retirement age is 75 definitely and that his best and productive years were the last ten. Congratulations on your birthday!!!

Fred, I believe that Grandview will be completed at some time and we can only hope that most of the excellent planning is considered in the final outcome.

My sincerest wish is that Irene and you enjoy retirement for the longest time.

Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

Written as a tribute to Fred on the occasion of his Retirement Party, September 26, 2015 and dated September 26, 2015, Elmer Verigin
1. The celebration was hosted by Fred and Irene at the Genelle Community Center, September 26, 2015 where about 70 people enjoyed their hospitality
2. I noted that Fred and Irene chose to have everyone pass the tables and that they were last in the line-up. This demonstrates their modesty and commitment to society.

This may be best appreciated by the Reader if read after my blog entry entitled “There is Only One Lawrence Like This” and perhaps a spiritual sequel

“August 14, 2015 approx. 10:30 A.M.

Out of body Experience?? During service for Mother-in-law, Mary Dergousoff at USCC Hall in Grand Forks.

I was singing psalms and “Stehee” with congregation when without and prior warning, it almost seemed like a switch was turned on in my head and I was tuned into the “now” presence and the wording of the songs became alive and very meaningful. These same songs that I sang by rote for many years, took on a very real dimension and it almost seemed like I was there when the songs were written and was seeing the suffering that took place about which the songs were written. The wording of the songs seemed to be highlighted as if on a screen and for a change, I perfectly understood the meaning of every word.

It was also a very emotional feeling and my emotions let go with a cascade of tears which I could not control. Now you know why I was blubbering idiot.

This continued on through most of the service and right up to on through most of the service and right up to the point of farewell and exit from the hall.

Although I could not see spirits, I certainly felt their presence during that time (very strange). So I was not “out of my body” but my mind had done its own thing.

So what would one call this??

Written version provide by Lawrence Popoff to Elmer Verigin August 19, 2015 at the downtown Castlegar Sub Restaurant, Castlegar, B.C. 1010 hours
1. EWV transcribed 1455 hours, August 19, 2015
2. Authorized blog approval by Lawrence Popoff August 19, 2015

Aunt Flo is my mother’s “kid” sister and the remaining sibling of my late Grandfather Seyoma Morozoff’s family.

I have been treasuring this last Aunt with the intent of having her with me as long as possible.

My first memories include witnessing the joy that my mother experienced when receiving a letter from her sister. She would read it to me in my preschool years and then I would pretend to read the letter myself, going over the writings and repeating the words that I remembered my mother saying. Later, I was able to read myself.

There were enclosed pictures of the family as well as her brothers, Uncles Sam and Nick Morozoff with their families. I dreamed that someday I would travel to this distant place named Calgary to see them.

I had to wait until 1959 when I was offered a ride with Uncle Nick and his family from Trail, B.C., where I was working the Summer with brother Lawrence and Russel. Nick took me over to Bowness and I met Aunty Flo and my uncle Andy Markin in their home. There was an immediate welcome and I felt very much accepted with hospitality and my first “thrashing” in cribbage by Uncle Andy. We even went to see part of a Little League Baseball game where cousin Allan was pitching. I briefly met my other cousins, Diana, Jerry and Kathy.

The feeling of acceptance as an equal in my Aunt’s adult world was absolutely unforgettable by this teenager (me), who was very much a hayseed from the farm as compared to these “big city folks”. The yearning to see them again and again, was permanently encouraged and continued over the years. A genuine relationship was established to this day!

Aunt Flo made a continuing effort and encouraged all her family to accept each other as equals when it came to her love and the love for each other. During visits, just about everyone in her extended family would be mentioned; almost as if her intent was that all her loved ones would continue to know each other even if it was in conversation and / or recall.

In 1999, the official opening of Whatshan Lake Retreat took place with Aunt Flo and Uncle Andy travelling in their special truck camper. They fell in love with this project and place. So it followed with her encouragement of her family to make a weekend at Whatshan a “family reunion” for want of a better word. The occasion started with a yearly Music Festival and then became a Volunteer and Friends Weekend.

Aunty Flo reserved first two cabins and then found that three cabins and two RV Parking Spots were necessary to accommodate her “family” of twenty-two who became her “regulars”. They would socialize and cook together and participate in whatever events were scheduled that weekend that interested them.

Aunt Flo loved dancing, or “clogging” as she eventually termed it. And so, dance floors had to be constructed in front of the infamous Whatshan Stage.

Everyone looked forward to second weekend in July when just about any excuse was sufficient to make this pilgrimage to Whatshan with all the Alberta licence plates parked around cabins 6; 7 and 8. Soon it became inevitable that her son, Allan would fly his corporate plane to bring his wife Patricia and whosoever dared to travel with him and land on the nearby “Barnes Creek International Airport” (a nickname given to a grass landing field originally built by an enterprising Logging Contractor in the 1950’s).

Aunt Flo was an ardent Curling enthusiast and enjoyed the competition as well as the camaraderie that this sporting event was all part of. What I appreciated most was her ability to tell somewhat “off-color” jokes which she had mastered at the bonspiels that she had participated over the years in ladies curling as well as mixed events with Uncle Andy.

When Marilyn and I travelled to Calgary, the “Christie Park Hilton” was always available. Room 101 on the bottom floor had a commanding view of the lights of Calgary. Marilyn considered this privileged accommodation something very special and spent many nights just gazing out the window.

Of course, those breakfasts were unforgettable as we reminisced and recalled departed family members and then suddenly, the agenda for the day. “Will you take Uncle to the Recreation Centre while we go shopping” would be Aunt Flo’s question. “Remember that Uncle cannot drink alcohol” was the strict instruction.

So Uncle and I enjoyed the steam bath at the complex and then, of course, we had to go for lunch. “What is the point of having lunch without wine?” was Uncle Andy’s sly look at me. Yes, we did have two wines but it was our secret. (Aunt Flo, was not deceived as she knew)

It was a shocking surprise when Aunt Flo called to invite us on her 80th birthday present from son Allan. Marilyn and I were part of the party of eight that would travel together for twenty-one days to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 2008.

What happened on the trip should stay on the trip but cousin Lloyd and I were the only males on the trip that seemed to be sacrificed” in each major city to challenge language, customs and direction to provide liquid refreshment for the ladies in the group that supposedly did not imbibe in alcohol.

When Lloyd and I returned, Aunt Flo’s room became the “Party Place”. Please do not ask me if Aunt Flo had a drink because I cannot tell a lie (A George Washington excuse).

The trip was definitely an experience difficult to duplicate as we all were amazed at our Aunt Flo leading the way to though all the churches, monasteries and Bazaars in this well planned tour by MIR.

There were many times that Aunt Flo shared very private life educational sessions, that were provided in the most sincerest intent that benefited those in that discussion. There is always much in a senior person’s knowledge that is usually difficult in conversation with a younger person.

I consider this a gift that I had with Aunt Flo!

Aunt Flo took a keen and serious interest in the Whatshan Lake project and its provision to become a health and wellness centre for all peoples whether capable of affording same or otherwise. The advice and financial support assisted and provided the impetus to the continued development to this day and far into the future.

Thank you Aunt Flo for being my Aunty.
1. July 16, 2015 in my Office at 145 – 4200 Grandview Drive, Castlegar, B.C. 1120 hours

August 11, 2015, blog approval by Aunt Flo