Spirit Wrestlers: Spirit Wrestlers: Doukhobor Pioneers and Their Friends Doukhobor Pioneers and Their Friends by Koozma J. Tarasoff by Koozma J. Tarasoff 2022 2022 Spirit Wrestlers Publishing, 882 Walkley Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1V 6R5 Spirit Wrestlers Publishing, 882 Walkley Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1V 6R5 Website: Spirit-Wrestlers.com — Email: [email protected] Website: Spirit-Wrestlers.com — Email: [email protected] Link to this ebook:www.Spirit-Wrestlers.com/2022 Link to this ebook:www.Spirit-Wrestlers.com/2022 Order a printed book from: Order a printed book from: Jia Hou, Merriam Print Inc., 252 Laurier Ave. East, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6P4 CANADA Jia Hou, Merriam Print Inc., 252 Laurier Ave. East, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6P4 CANADA Email: [email protected] — Phone: 613-567-5050 Email: [email protected] — Phone: 613-567-5050 © 2022 Spirit Wrestlers Publishing. No part of thisbook may be reproduced in any form, by print, © 2022 Spirit Wrestlers Publishing. No part of thisbook may be reproduced in any form, by print, microfilm, or any other means without written permission from the publisher. microfilm, or any other means without written permission from the publisher. Library and Archives Canada. Main entry under title: Library and Archives Canada. Main entry under title: Tarasoff, Koozma J., 1932- Spirit Wrestlers: DoukhoborPioneers and Their Friends Tarasoff, Koozma J., 1932- Spirit Wrestlers: DoukhoborPioneers and Their Friends ISBN: 978-1-896031-18-7 ISBN: 978-1-896031-18-7 Cover design: Compugraphics by Pierre Bertrand, retitled by Andrei Conovaloff. Cover design: Compugraphics by Pierre Bertrand, retitled by Andrei Conovaloff. Bread, Salt and Water (watermark) by Kevin Tysick. Bread, Salt and Water (watermark) by Kevin Tysick. Layout and editing of ebook by Andrei Conovaloff and Koozma J. Tarasoff. Layout and editing of ebook by Andrei Conovaloff and Koozma J. Tarasoff. Formatting of print book by Jia at Merriam Print. Formatting of print book by Jia at Merriam Print. Table of Contents Table of Contents ● Participants Locations — Map and List ● Participants Locations — Map and List ● Preface ● Preface ● Acknowledgements ● Acknowledgements ● Biographies— Links to biographies ● Biographies— Links to biographies ● Appendix 1 — Suggested Questions ● Appendix 1 — Suggested Questions ● Appendix 2 — Transliteration Chart for Russian alphabet ● Appendix 2 — Transliteration Chart for Russian alphabet ● Dust cover summary ● Dust cover summary I I Participants’ Locations Participants’ Locations Click here for Google map Click here for Google map Locations in Canada Locations in Canada II II Preface Preface In 2014, I explained ‘Why I Wrote My Book on Spirit Wrestlers / Doukhobors?’ In 2014, I explained ‘Why I Wrote My Book on Spirit Wrestlers / Doukhobors?’ ... to nurture our next generations towards ... nonkilling peace. … with examples of Doukhobors who ... to nurture our next generations towards ... nonkilling peace. … with examples of Doukhobors who have demonstrated ... hard work, innovation, bridge-building, nonkilling, hospitality, cooperation, and have demonstrated ... hard work, innovation, bridge-building, nonkilling, hospitality, cooperation, and the revolutionary inner spirit .... By teaching our youth about the Spirit of Love or God in every the revolutionary inner spirit .... By teaching our youth about the Spirit of Love or God in every person, that it is wrong to kill another human being, Doukhobors can pass on their heritage to anyone person, that it is wrong to kill another human being, Doukhobors can pass on their heritage to anyone who listens. who listens. This book is a continuation of the biographies published in my Spirit-Wrestlers: Doukhobor This book is a continuation of the biographies published in my Spirit-Wrestlers: Doukhobor Pioneers’ Strategies for Living (2002), where thediversity of over 200 Doukhobors was shown Pioneers’ Strategies for Living (2002), where thediversity of over 200 Doukhobors was shown in Chapter II in 106 stories of ‘Personalities that Have Made a Difference’ (pages 41-334), and a in Chapter II in 106 stories of ‘Personalities that Have Made a Difference’ (pages 41-334), and a list of 93 short biographies followed (pages 399-409). Now 20 years later, I invited more people list of 93 short biographies followed (pages 399-409). Now 20 years later, I invited more people (the unsung heroes) to continue the noble goals of our pioneers. Of the 46 invited, 32 accepted, (the unsung heroes) to continue the noble goals of our pioneers. Of the 46 invited, 32 accepted, 13 dropped out, 2 were rejected, and I added my biography, in total 33. 13 dropped out, 2 were rejected, and I added my biography, in total 33. Though my 2002 book is not online, this supplement is a digital ebook, free online. Also, Though my 2002 book is not online, this supplement is a digital ebook, free online. Also, biographers can update their online text as needed. biographers can update their online text as needed. These 33 new biographies come from around the world — Canada (24), Russia (5), USA (2), These 33 new biographies come from around the world — Canada (24), Russia (5), USA (2), Caribbean West Indies (1), and Australia (1). Four have no direct Doukhobor heritage, but are Caribbean West Indies (1), and Australia (1). Four have no direct Doukhobor heritage, but are connected to the Doukhobor Movement because of their studies or work. More biographies can connected to the Doukhobor Movement because of their studies or work. More biographies can be added. be added. More about Doukhobors More about Doukhobors ● Traditional Doukhobor Folkways: An Ethnographic and Biographic Record of ● Traditional Doukhobor Folkways: An Ethnographic and Biographic Record of Prescribed Behaviour. By Koozma J. Tarasoff. Ottawa: Canadian Centre for Folk Culture Prescribed Behaviour. By Koozma J. Tarasoff. Ottawa: Canadian Centre for Folk Culture Studies Paper No. 20 National Museums of Canada, 1977. — Updated and edited 2017. Studies Paper No. 20 National Museums of Canada, 1977. — Updated and edited 2017. ● Evolution of the Doukhobor Movement. Lecture by KoozmaJ. Tarasoff at the University ● Evolution of the Doukhobor Movement. Lecture by KoozmaJ. Tarasoff at the University of Ottawa, November 13, 2013. Spirit Wrestlers Website, November 13, 2013. of Ottawa, November 13, 2013. Spirit Wrestlers Website, November 13, 2013. ● Popular Myths and Fallacies about the Doukhobors.By Koozma J. Tarasoff, excerpt ● Popular Myths and Fallacies about the Doukhobors.By Koozma J. Tarasoff, excerpt from: Spirit Wrestlers: Doukhobor Pioneers' Strategiesfor Living (2002). from: Spirit Wrestlers: Doukhobor Pioneers' Strategiesfor Living (2002). III III Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Bolshoe spasibo(a big thank you) to all the participantsin this ebook for preparing your Bolshoe spasibo(a big thank you) to all the participantsin this ebook for preparing your biographies, sending photos and responding toquestionsthat I posed to you. biographies, sending photos and responding toquestionsthat I posed to you. Printed bound copies of this book will be sent to contributors and to select archives, libraries, and Printed bound copies of this book will be sent to contributors and to select archives, libraries, and media; compliments to a generous donation from geological engineerMichael N. Chernoff of media; compliments to a generous donation from geological engineerMichael N. Chernoff of West Vancouver, British Columbia. Find his biography in my previous book: Spirit-Wrestlers : West Vancouver, British Columbia. Find his biography in my previous book: Spirit-Wrestlers : Doukhobor Pioneers’ Strategies for Living (2002), page 301, and atWikipedia. A biography by Doukhobor Pioneers’ Strategies for Living (2002), page 301, and atWikipedia. A biography by his brotherCharlie Chernoff is included in this book.The book is also available as open source his brotherCharlie Chernoff is included in this book.The book is also available as open source and can be downloaded online for free. and can be downloaded online for free. This project has been a labour of love for me, and a team effort across three continents. Big This project has been a labour of love for me, and a team effort across three continents. Big thanks to editor Andrei Conovaloff in Arizona, and for the patience of my wife Kristina Kristova thanks to editor Andrei Conovaloff in Arizona, and for the patience of my wife Kristina Kristova I believe this book provides more insights into the seemingly simple, but complex Doukhobor I believe this book provides more insights into the seemingly simple, but complex Doukhobor Movement — a mission to help create a better and richer nonkilling world community. Movement — a mission to help create a better and richer nonkilling world community. Koozma J. Tarasoff, Ottawa, Canada. Koozma J. Tarasoff, Ottawa, Canada. December 2021 December 2021 IV IV Biographies Biographies Page Page Each biography is preceded by Koozma J. Tarasoff’s summary. Each biography is preceded by Koozma J. Tarasoff’s summary. 1. Androsoff, Ashleigh B. Historian at the University of Saskatchewan 1. Androsoff, Ashleigh B. Historian at the University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan p 1 p 1 2. Androsoff, Ryan Digital Technology Expert and Int’l Policy Advisor 2. Androsoff, Ryan Digital Technology Expert and Int’l Policy Advisor Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa, Ontario p 7 p 7 3. Anosova, Irina Scholar and Educator 3. Anosova, Irina Scholar and Educator St. Petersburg, Russia St. Petersburg, Russia p 19 p 19 4. Bondoreff, Gordon Lawyer 4. Bondoreff, Gordon Lawyer Vancouver, British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia p 25 p 25 5. Chernoff, Charlie Geophysical Engineer 5. Chernoff, Charlie Geophysical Engineer Sugar Land, Texas, USA Sugar Land, Texas, USA p 37 p 37 6. Donskov, Andrew Distinguished Slavic Scholar and Professor 6. Donskov, Andrew Distinguished Slavic Scholar and Professor Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa, Ontario p 51 p 51 7. Friesen, John W. Mennonite Professor and Writer 7. Friesen, John W. Mennonite Professor and Writer Saint Agatha, Ontario Saint Agatha, Ontario p 71 p 71 8. Gubanov, Vladimir Russian Doukhobor Renaissance Artist 8. Gubanov, Vladimir Russian Doukhobor Renaissance Artist Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai, Russia (deceased) Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai, Russia (deceased) p 79 p 79 9. Inikova, Svetlana Russian Ethnographer 9. Inikova, Svetlana Russian Ethnographer Moscow, Russia Moscow, Russia p 91 p 91 10. Jewell (Markin), Diana Teacher, Storyteller, Dancer 10. Jewell (Markin), Diana Teacher, Storyteller, Dancer Mission, British Columbia Mission, British Columbia p 111 p 111 11. Kalesnikoff, Alexander Professional Petroleum Auditor-Consultant-Analyst 11. Kalesnikoff, Alexander Professional Petroleum Auditor-Consultant-Analyst Calgary, Alberta Calgary, Alberta p 135 p 135 12. Kanigan, Kim Entrepreneur with a Conscience 12. Kanigan, Kim Entrepreneur with a Conscience Smithfield, Queensland, Australia Smithfield, Queensland, Australia p 153 p 153 V V 13. Kanigan, Tom Recovered Doukhobor 13. Kanigan, Tom Recovered Doukhobor Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa, Ontario p 167 p 167 14. Kuchin, Vladimir Doctor and Folklorist in Russia 14. Kuchin, Vladimir Doctor and Folklorist in Russia Rostov-on-Don, Rostov province, Russia Rostov-on-Don, Rostov province, Russia p 185 p 185 15. Lucyk, Stanford Minister, United Church of Canada 15. Lucyk, Stanford Minister, United Church of Canada Kingston, Ontario Kingston, Ontario p 199 p 199 16. Lundh (Sookavieff), Elyena Early Childhood Educator 16. Lundh (Sookavieff), Elyena Early Childhood Educator Vancouver Island, British Columbia Vancouver Island, British Columbia p 213 p 213 17. Makarova, Veronika Russian Linguist and Professor 17. Makarova, Veronika Russian Linguist and Professor Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan p 233 p 233 18. Markin, Allan Professor, Administrator, Thinker, Doukhobor 18. Markin, Allan Professor, Administrator, Thinker, Doukhobor Penticton, British Columbia Penticton, British Columbia p 247 p 247 19. McIntosh, Jack UBC Bibliographer and Slavic Specialist 19. McIntosh, Jack UBC Bibliographer and Slavic Specialist Vancouver, BC (deceased) Vancouver, BC (deceased) p 255 p 255 20. Obedkoff, Vicki Theologian, Community Activist 20. Obedkoff, Vicki Theologian, Community Activist Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan p 269 p 269 21. Oslopov, Alexei Communications Officer, Friendly Host 21. Oslopov, Alexei Communications Officer, Friendly Host Vancouver Island, British Columbia Vancouver Island, British Columbia p 281 p 281 22. Ozeroff, Mich Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Director 22. Ozeroff, Mich Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Director Langham, Saskatchewan Langham, Saskatchewan p 287 p 287 23. Podovinikoff, Elaine Our Childrens’ Play School, The Gathering Place, Moscow 23. Podovinikoff, Elaine Our Childrens’ Play School, The Gathering Place, Moscow Yasnaya Polyana, Tula province, Russia Yasnaya Polyana, Tula province, Russia p 301 p 301 24. Popoff, Johnny Musician and Teacher 24. Popoff, Johnny Musician and Teacher Grand Forks, British Columbia Grand Forks, British Columbia p 321 p 321 25. Samoyloff, Perry International Consular Property Manager 25. Samoyloff, Perry International Consular Property Manager Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa, Ontario p 342 p 342 26. Seminoff, Jerry (Paul) Heritage Builder 26. Seminoff, Jerry (Paul) Heritage Builder Grand Forks, BC (deceased) Grand Forks, BC (deceased) p 353 p 353 VI VI 27. Tarasoff, Jack Professor for the Underdog Natives 27. Tarasoff, Jack Professor for the Underdog Natives Calgary, Alberta Calgary, Alberta p 369 p 369 28. Tarasoff, Koozma J. Under the Influence of Interesting People 28. Tarasoff, Koozma J. Under the Influence of Interesting People in My Life. Ottawa, Ontario in My Life. Ottawa, Ontario p 385 p 385 29. Tarasoff, Tamara Museum Professional 29. Tarasoff, Tamara Museum Professional Farrellton, Quebec Farrellton, Quebec p 403 p 403 30. Troubetzkoy, Nick Organic Architect in the Caribbean 30. Troubetzkoy, Nick Organic Architect in the Caribbean Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia p 413 p 413 31. Verigin, Ernie Family, Faith, Community Activist, 31. Verigin, Ernie Family, Faith, Community Activist, Castlegar, British Columbia Castlegar, British Columbia p 425 p 425 32. Verigin, Nick Retired Teacher, 19 Trips to Russia 32. Verigin, Nick Retired Teacher, 19 Trips to Russia Castlegar, BC (deceased) Castlegar, BC (deceased) p 445 p 445 33. Zbitnoff, Igor Science Teacher 33. Zbitnoff, Igor Science Teacher Winoski, Vermont, USA Winoski, Vermont, USA p 449 p 449 VII VII Appendix 1 Appendix 1 Suggested Questions Suggested Questions Suggested questions were sent to most of the candidates for this book project, to help guide their Suggested questions were sent to most of the candidates for this book project, to help guide their own biography, and include their Doukhobor heritage or connection. I customized the questions own biography, and include their Doukhobor heritage or connection. I customized the questions for each person. For example, here are the questions sent to Nick Troubetzkoy. for each person. For example, here are the questions sent to Nick Troubetzkoy. 1. Tell me about yourself: date and place of birth; your parents and siblings; your spouse; 1. Tell me about yourself: date and place of birth; your parents and siblings; your spouse; early education and work experience. early education and work experience. 2. After graduating from architecture school in Vancouver, BC, in the 1970s you went to 2. After graduating from architecture school in Vancouver, BC, in the 1970s you went to work for a friend and fellow architecture student who was going to St. Lucia to design a work for a friend and fellow architecture student who was going to St. Lucia to design a house. What happened after that changed your life? Describe the surprise that followed house. What happened after that changed your life? Describe the surprise that followed and how it made you fall in love with St. Lucia and led to the development of a unique and how it made you fall in love with St. Lucia and led to the development of a unique heritage ‘paradise’ hotel Anse Chastanet. heritage ‘paradise’ hotel Anse Chastanet. 3. Describe your life in St. Lucia. How have you kept yourself active on this Caribbean 3. Describe your life in St. Lucia. How have you kept yourself active on this Caribbean Island? Island? 4. In searching your Doukhobor family roots, you have suggested that your family is related 4. In searching your Doukhobor family roots, you have suggested that your family is related to the Troubetzkoy Russian royalty line. Explain this search. to the Troubetzkoy Russian royalty line. Explain this search. 5. What experience has had the greatest impact on making you the person you are today? 5. What experience has had the greatest impact on making you the person you are today? Who inspired you and how? Who inspired you and how? 6. Do you wish to go back in time to change a decision you made? Any regrets? 6. Do you wish to go back in time to change a decision you made? Any regrets? 7. What’s a good thing happening in your life now? What makes it good? 7. What’s a good thing happening in your life now? What makes it good? 8. Presently we are living in a computer digital age. What impact do you think the internet, 8. Presently we are living in a computer digital age. What impact do you think the internet, Facebook, Websites, and the like are having on our society? Facebook, Websites, and the like are having on our society? 9. What does Doukhobor mean to you? What do you consider its essence? 9. What does Doukhobor mean to you? What do you consider its essence? 10.Tell me stories of yourself and others that illustrate what a Doukhobor is? 10.Tell me stories of yourself and others that illustrate what a Doukhobor is? 11.What special contribution has the Doukhobor Movement made to society? 11.What special contribution has the Doukhobor Movement made to society? 12.Lev N. Tolstoy once wrote that Doukhobors are people of the 25th Century. How do you 12.Lev N. Tolstoy once wrote that Doukhobors are people of the 25th Century. How do you interpret the meaning of this claim? interpret the meaning of this claim? 13.What is your solution to our world's problems such as violence, wars, environmental 13.What is your solution to our world's problems such as violence, wars, environmental degradation, and poverty? degradation, and poverty? 14.What do you hope to be doing with your life five years from now? 14.What do you hope to be doing with your life five years from now? 15.Is there anything else that you would like to add to your story? 15.Is there anything else that you would like to add to your story? VIII VIII