William Eli Voykin was born in Ooteshenia, B.C. and passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 11, 2011 at Kootenay Lake Hospital.
Bill is survived and will be sadly missed by his wife of 64 years Susie Voykin, daughter-in-law Marcie Voykin, grandsons Rod (Francis) Voykin, Mark (Manya) Voykin, great granddaughters Samantha and Oksana Voykin, daughter Eleanor (John) Brand, grandsons Jared and Shaun Brand, daughter Sandra (Craig) Soukeroff, granddaughters Alyse and Andrea Soukeroff, brother-in-law Joe Podd, numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
Bill was predeased by his parents, sisters Mabel Faminoff, Mary Samsonoff and son Wayne Sydney Voykin.
Bill was employed as a planer man for Passmore Lumber Company and then Slocan Forest Products for many years. His expertise in the sawmilling profession also took him to Cranbrook, Chemainus and the United States. Upon his retirement, Bill and Sue spent their retirement years as Canadian Snowbirds travelling to California every winter in their motor home.
Bill was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, which allowed him to express his talent and love of singing through many different choirs. He was also the director of the Slocan Valley Choir for 32 years. In addition, Bill was a member of the Kootenay Men’s Group and a lifetime member of the USCC. Bill taught his children and grandchildren the joy of singing and encouraged them to participate in choirs, quartets and duets.
The family would like to express our heartfelt “thank you” to the following: Our relatives, friends, and neighbours for their expressions of sympathy, food and visits, John J. Verigin for his kind words, Pete Relkoff for officiating the service, Leonard Markin, Bill Popoff, Castlegar Funeral Chapel (Bill Strilaeff and Peter Zaytsoff), the Slocan Valley Choir, psalmists, cooks, grave diggers and friends and relatives who travelled from afar.
Thank you to Dr. Andre Kirsten, the Kootenay Lake Hospital 3rd floor nursing staff, Margo McLean - Home Care Nurse - for the care and compassion shown to our beloved husband, father and grandfather and great grandfather.
Bill was a kind and caring man. He will be sadly missed and in our hearts forever. May he be one with God.
Donations may be made to the Iskra Foundation or to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation.