It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Father, John Kabatoff. John was born in Thrums, B.C., the eldest of four to John and Annie Kabatoff. He was raised on a “Market Garden” farm where he developed, in his youth, his lifelong love of gardening.
John was known for his love of the outdoors - mushroom and huckleberry picking, fishing, hunting and especially taking care of his hobby farm in Blewett. John spent his working years in the wood industry. He was in charge of lumber shipments at Kootenay Forests Products Sawmill and he also worked as a logger with his brother in law, Pete Planden.
John is survived by his loving wife, Vera. They were a team supporting one another for 61 years. John is also survived by his son, Andrew Kabatoff ( Heather ) of Thrums and his two daughters, Gloria ( Tim Beecham ) and Valerie ( John Yowek ) from Nelson and 8 grandchildren: Helen, Nick, Dustin, Katy Kabatoff,
Cassie and Glenda Beecham, Thomas and Tara Yowek and 4 great grandchildren, Kaleb and Jon Price, Roberta and Hannah Kabatoff.
Family, friends and neighbours were very important to John. Together, John and Vera welcomed all, with warm hospitality, into their home. It gave John great pleasure
to share fruits and vegetables from his farm. Recently, John became a bit more forgetful but he still met each new day with good humor, a positive outlook and great appreciation for Vera’s loving care.
The family would like to thank the third floor nurses at Kootenay Lake Hospital for the compassionate care and kindness provided to our father. Many heartfelt thanks to Dr. Edmonds for caring for our father over many years.
A memorial service will be held at the Thompson Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2 and a luncheon will be held at the Hume Hotel following the service.
As an expression of sympathy, family and friends may make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Thompson Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonsfs.ca.